Come to the Freedom Plaza at 11 am on November 11th for the Great Falls’ Veteran’s Day Observance. It’s on the Georgetown Pike, next to the Great Falls Library. The moderator will be my neighbor, Lynne Roots, along with the Great Falls school children. The event will honor and remember those who have served in the armed forces. Music will be provided by the Langley High School Madrigals. There’s parking available behind the library.
Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5%
According to Freddie Mac’s weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey, average mortgage rates dropped to 4.98% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage for the week ending November 5th, with an average cost of 0.7 point. That’s down from 5.03% the week before, and 6.20% at the same time last year. In dollar terms, the drop [...]
Financing Your Home Purchase, Part 1
Figuring out how to finance a home purchase is one of the most challenging decisions facing a home buyer today. The financing options available to buyers have changed dramatically in the past few years, as the market shares of some of the biggest players in the mortgage market have fluctuated. This is the first part [...]
According to the American Institute of Architects, the combined effects of economic slowdown and a greater emphasis on green living to lower utility bills has reduced the importance of having the biggest home on the block. The AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey shows that consumers’ desire for more square footage has dropped sharply in the past year. There’s “renewed interest in investing in properties to make homes more livable, as opposed to real estate that can be resold quickly for a profit.” Does this mean the era of McMansion is drawing to a close?
Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended
Today, President Obama signed legislation extending the first time home buyer tax credit. The credit was also extended to include many existing homeowners. The credit covers purchases of single family homes put under contract and settled by certain deadlines. It provides up to $8,000 for first time home buyers, and up to $6,500 for existing [...]
An unusual contemporary-styled property in the United Kingdom recently sold for $14.2 million. It’s believed to be the most expensive green home ever sold. The home sits on a 450 acre nature reserve and will produce more energy than it consumes. It will be completed in 2011 and maybe we’ll hear the name of the buyer before then. Some of the names that have surfaced include Brad Pitt and Kylie Minogue.
Have you heard about Charity Works’ Green Show House in McLean? It’s being billed as “gorgeous goes green” and is the first carbon neutral house on the east coast. It’s an eco-friendly custom built house featuring the work of 19 interior designers led by interior design heavy hitter, Barry Dixon. Visitors can see a wide variety of sustainable fabrics, furnishings, and finishes all in an energy efficient design. It’s an environmentally friendly home that’s warm, welcoming, and a must see!
There will be an artists’ Studio Tour Great Falls. It’s a driving event and will take place on October 17 and 18 in Great Falls rain or shine. The tour is all about “celebrate creativity” and various artist demonstrations will offer visitors a glimpse into the creative people that live in Great Falls. It’s a great opportunity to get out and see the creative process up close and maybe even get a chance to chat with some of the artists about their work.
There’s an upcoming Parade of Homes Tour. Because you’ll get a chance to see a number of homes, the tour is a great way to see a wide variety of new homes or meet with a number of builders in the area in a short period of time. You’ll also get to check out some of the latest design trends as the builders showcase their talents. It runs October 24 and 25. See you on tour!
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