What in the world are you talking about Justin? Some of you may even wonder who Phil Collins is!!

I was listening to some music while working yesterday and Phil Collins was playing Colours

The song has alway resonated with me. Yeah, that’s right! I am one of those annoying people who actually listen to the lyrics and find a point sometimes.
One line hit me right between the eyes.

You expect me to believe you?
How can you really think?
You can take you horse down to the water,
put a gun to his head and make him drink?

This was hitting home on so many levels. I was well aware of my own skepticism, but became even more aware of others. Why don’t people understand that this will really help?

I was getting very frustrated and thought is was my delivery. Maybe I didn’t  answer enough questions. Is there a better way to present this? I had all these concerns and thoughts. I in some ways felt like a Doctor telling someone about how they should change their ways or die an early death. How frustrating that must be for the Doctor.

HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT

It all started as a mission, a crusade of sorts to be better and do better by my clients. To raise the bar overall and show how valuable and rewarding it can be to use a skilled and Passionate Realtor. It is as everything easier said than done. Real Estate is not a easy as some might think. There are tons of moving parts and emotions thrown into the mix. Several peoples goals and needs have to come together in a smooth and practical way.

I have been doing this for a while. Learning and improving along the way. The heart was always there and the will to get the best for my clients. I can though honestly say that while being very successful most of the time. Sometimes it didn’t quite work out as we had expected. Nothing bad, but just not exactly as I wanted it to go. I will say that I have put pretty high standards for my business.

SYSTEMS RULE

DC Real Estate is different from Virginia and Maryland.  After spending a ton of time practicing in the 3 markets, I discovered something else. SYSTEMS rule!!

So I went on a quest to find or create the very best systems. I do believe – I know now that I have found the very best!

Check out a few of these  testimonials. They are from all over the country and have all benefited greatly from using the Maximum Value Home Selling System or The Maximum Choice Home Buying System.

YOU CAN’T FORCE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND

I have also discovered that I can get very excited about something and lose them along the way. So, there you have it. A little self discovery. I am working very hard to be the best I can be and serve my clients in the best way possible. There will however always be skeptics and people I cannot help. That is ok. I have learned to live with that. There are plenty more who see the benefits and understand how they can make or save thousands of $ by using these systems.

IT’S ALL GOOD.

I am very lucky to be working with great people who have gone through the process and seen the rewards. They make my day. Thank you for letting me serve you!

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Median Price for homes in WASHINGTON, DC All ZIP Codes as of August 27, 2010 is $386,000	Inventory for homes in WASHINGTON, DC All ZIP Codes as of August 27, 2010 is 578
Average Days on Market for homes in WASHINGTON, DC All ZIP Codes as of August 27, 2010 is 87	Median Price per Sqft for homes in WASHINGTON, DC All ZIP Codes as of August 27, 2010 is $249
Median MAI for homes in WASHINGTON, DC All ZIP Codes as of August 27, 2010 is 23.26

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In the upper brackets, a steady flow of homes being sold and new coming on calm conditions. The right exposure/marketing and condition of a home will only enhance values and drive up prices for home sellers.

Median Price for homes in CHEVY CHASE, MD All ZIP Codes as of August 13, 2010 is $1,099,000	Inventory for homes in CHEVY CHASE, MD All ZIP Codes as of August 13, 2010 is 135
Average Days on Market for homes in CHEVY CHASE, MD All ZIP Codes as of August 13, 2010 is 120	Median Price per Sqft for homes in CHEVY CHASE, MD All ZIP Codes as of August 13, 2010 is $304
Median MAI for homes in CHEVY CHASE, MD All ZIP Codes as of August 13, 2010 is 27.34

Chevy Chase is very close to DC and takes on some of the movement from the city. As people move in and out of the District, these actions are felt and a reaction occurs. Buyers can take advantage of higher inventory and lower prices. Home sellers can still take great advantage of this sought after market. Condition, Marketing and Price is still key. Call me to learn how you can MAXIMIZE your home value and sell for 5-15% more. This is not a market for Real Estate as usual.

TAX DEDUCTIONS AND COMMON SENSE

Whoa! Check out the new roof!

We are all awaiting the new initiative. Even from a non recession point, this is a good thing for homeowners to spend a little time and money on. If someone told you to spend $500-1000 on your car and get significant better mileage, you would do that – right?

Keeping your home updated is part of responsible home ownership. There is more to that than just adding Stainless Steel Appliances and Granite counter tops.  These to items are in many markets now considered standards. Certainly in the DC Metro Market.

Thank you HGTV!!!

That’s right, HGTV has for a few years been driving the look sellers swoon over when they remodel. The look the Property flippers and designers must have in order to sell.  I don’t disagree that to get the very best price, looks are not deceiving! You have about 30-45 seconds to grab the attention and make a buyer fall in love. Talk about SPEED DATING!!

What we, as Realtors have realized is that these, HOME -FLIP- FLOP-HUNTER -SUPER SELLER -DESIGNER- AND-TRILLION- DOLLAR -LISTING SHOWS also push the bar higher for buyers.

GOING GREEN COSTS GREEN, BUT IT IS WORTH IT!

GREEN has become the new gold, both when you buy it and sell! The consumer is very savvy and way more educated than just a few years back. This is a blessing in disguise! No longer will you have to compete on Appliances, Kitchens and baths. Now you can get the hottest contract with the highest price by burning wood and going

TOTALLY TANKLESS!!! You can  also isolate the attic and push out the Raccoons and Bats.

Install Radiant Heating just like at Grandma’s house?

HOW TO STAY IN FRONT OF THIS ALL

Sellers will constantly need to stay ahead of this curve to get maximum return on their  homes. How do you do that? You have a great relationship with your Realtor. Have them be a sounding board for your fix up or renovation projects. Ask for stats and local ideas. Go look at a couple of houses in the area to get tips and ideas. If you do not have that kind of a relationship with a Real Estate Consultant, get it or find a new one.  You should certainly ditch any  Realtor who says:”I don’t have time for this right now’.  Funny, they have time if you want to sell your home!

So, stand by and wait or  just call me to come out and give you the 411 on what’s next in the green, design or just plain hot area!

I have the time, knowledge and stats to help you make the best choice for you!

Want to know more? Check out this article from YAHOO GREEN

Enjoy,

Justin

Best neighborhood in the DC Metro area

I’ve written a little bit about a great neighborhood in McLean, Virginia. It got me thinking about where other great neighborhoods might be. I know a few, but would like to see what you all think. So, maybe this should be a competition of sorts. I’ll see what we can do about that. In the mean time think about it. Where is the best place and why?

Post here or email me at justin@thenielsenrating.com

Going places on a Sunday afternoon with small kids can cause a few challenges.  The first one is usually that you get into some great conversations and the time goes by all too fast.

Sunday we went to a house party at my client’s house in McLean, VA.  I knew at the time that this would be the perfect neighborhood for them,but I had no idea how truly great a fit it was.

From the get go it seemed like EVERYONE had kids.  Young ones, preteens, babies, toddlers all over the place. They were having fun!  Playing outside!  Who does this anymore? Fantastic neighborhood.  This is among the top ten for anyone who would like great schools and playmates for their kids.

Staying way too long with all these nice people, we also needed to get home and get our kids to bed.  We faced a huge challenge.  The food at the party was great, but the kids played and we talked. So we were HUNGRY!!!  Where to go?

Going to Arlington with a slight hope of meeting up with other friends, we came across LIBERTY TAVERN. Chic and cozy with a classic style and a fantastic menu.  This was going to be interesting.

Upstairs in the restaurant, they were set up for us, kids and all.  Highchairs, Etch-a-sketch, and a kids’ menu with real food. Yes, REAL FOOD FOR KIDS!  They had the usual burger and fries, pizza, etc.  We like to have our kids eat as close to our food as possible.  And they could. The kids’ menu also had yummy orecchiette with butter and cheese, Icelandic Char, veggies, fruit salad and dessert.  It was all very well prepared and came out quickly.

My wife and I had:
Tagliatelle with Rabbit Confit.
Seared Diver Scallops with Lentils
Roasted Duck breast with “Cassoulet”

It was all REALLY good.  My only thought was with true classics come
some real challenges.  Confits are preserved with salt.  Therefore, you need to be VERY careful on how much more you put in the dish.  It was only slightly too salty.

Service was impeccable.  Our server was knowledgeable and prompt.  We talked about food and he recommended many items on the menu.

Great place to bring kids, a date, friends or just watch a game.

It’s again been a bit since last post and although I have several posts up in draft form – here I am!.

January 1 and I have not posted half of what I had set out to post.

Well, the good thing is that with each new year, we can start over.

Here I go about starting over.

We saw a great movie tonight with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.

Julie and Julia. I highly recommend this movie as a former chef and probably a life long infected foodie.

The commitment the author had to her blog was truly inspiring.

I can only hope for that kind of tenacity and grit!

Happy New Year everyone, welcome to 2010!!!

Justin

MARYLAND WINE AND BEER

This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Its even good for my heart!

Check them out here:  http://mbbwl.org

MBBWL’s mission is to represent a diverse group of Maryland constituents in advocating for improved alcohol laws in our state. Our vision is to make Maryland one of the most progressive states with regards to alcohol regulation by enabling consumers, wineries and retailers.

MBBWL was formed in 2005 to advocate for beer & wine laws that:

1. Benefit consumers
2. Promote competition
3. Protect the environment
4. Support Maryland’s brewers and wineries

MBBWL represents all Marylanders — consumers, retailers, producers and distributors — who share our values. Specific reforms that we support include allowing consumers to order wine delivered directly to them. We have over 3,000 members and welcome your interest.

Justin