valentinosdcpulse: September 2009

Stretching one and a quarter miles along the Potomac River in Price George's County Maryland, you will find majestic National Harbor. This newly developed community brings together work, living and entertainment on a grand scale never seen before.  It's hard to believe this 300-acre waterfront destination is only 15 minutes outside downtown Washington, D.C.

If you arrive by water, you'll be greeted by an astonishing sculpture The Awakening which sets the tone of the entire place. Originally located in Potomac Park across the Potomac River & north a few miles, this statue was dismantled then moved to it's new home. It now resides on the sandy beachfront at the National Harbor resort near the stage and plaza creating a spectacular view from the Potomac River.  Adding to the urban elegance found throughout National Harbor you'll find four beautiful fountains including two pond fountains. You'll also find an abundance of green space sprinkled throughout the community further enhancing the restored natural habitats.

The theme throughout National Harbor is American Spirit and while here, you will feel the spirit of life here, it is exciting, vibrant and so alive. In fact, once you visit National Harbor, it's hard not to imagine living here. Walking along the waterfront it's hard not to be swept away with the notion you could be here every day, living and being part of this vibrant waterfront community. Before you know it, you're picturing yourself waking up to the view of the historical Potomac River and taking daily strolls, jogging or skating down the waterfront path. You may even envision working right here within National Harbor so you can already ‘be home' when you get out of work. 

And then there is the excitement of the best shopping and dining imaginable just outside your door. One of the most exciting new additions to the area that you'll want to visit is the celebrity-infused Ketchup restaurant. And while you're there you may want to try one of their signature menu items like Maryland Crab Cakes or the Philly Sandwich. Residents, trendsetters and VIPs alike are sure to visit this modern American restaurant whose owners include celebrities Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama and Tara Reid.

If you were to imagine the best place to live, work and play, then visit National Harbor, you'd see for yourself why living there couldn't get any better. If you are looking into buying a condo anywhere in the DC area, you owe it to yourself to check out the National Harbor area.

Here are 5 more reasons to fall in love with National Harbor:

1.     1 Million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space

•  Awesome dining, hot, hip and trendy stores, Live Jazz on the riverfront, American Market, Movies on the Potomac and  more

2.     2,500 residential units - Talk to Local Real Estate Expert Rachel Valentino

•  4 newly developed condominiums: Featuring 1st class amenities such as rooftop swimming pool, underground parking and concierge services; One National Harbor.  Fleet Street condominiums, Waterfront Street condominiums and St George condominiums

•  The sale prices on these condominiums are being compared to that of new buildings in downtown Washington DC. One could expect to find a one bedroom starting in the low $300s and 2-bedrooms in the low $500s.

•  In top of the line luxury, there were a select number of larger penthouse style and 2-level homes that were also included in One National Harbor's design. For these lavish and rich homes, one can expect prices up to and over $1 million.

3.     3 piers, including a marina

• Water Taxi service to and from National Harbor to Old Town Alexandria ($14/RT)

•  Seasonal Water Shuttle Service to and from National Harbor to Mt. Vernon, and National Harbor to and from Georgetown

•  Future routes will include Reagan National Airport and The Washington National's Baseball Stadium

•  Lunch and Dinner cruises through Odyssey and the Spirit of Washington and Seadog, a high speed fun cruise on the Potomac

4.     Easy access to DC and other surrounding metro areas

•  Direct access to National Harbor via I-95/495 Exit 2A makes it the only private community with direct access to the Capital Beltway

•  Direct access from I-295 Exit 1A, Route 210 and Oxon Hill Road

•  Easy access to Reagan National, Dulles Intl. and Baltimore Washington Intl. airports

•   Public bus transportation provided by The Maryland Department of Public Works and Transportation (MDOT) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

•  The $3 Billion new Woodrow Wilson Bridge is now complete offering an additional 12 lanes to accommodate traffic

5.     On-site security and emergency services 24/7

 So if you're looking to find something new, something different, the ultimate urban experience in the DC area - this is it! Local real estate expert Rachel Valentino was recently introduced to this new hip community and was completely ‘blown away'. She loves the new area and would love to share her enthusiasm by helping you find the perfect condo or residential home here.

Do you really want to make owning a home in National Harbor a reality? Then call Rachel Valentino today to discuss current residential options. She's number one in the entire DC area because she listens to her clients, hears what they are looking for and then goes out of her way to deliver. So if you're interested in learning more about the area or any of the condo options here at National Harbor or anywhere in the DC area, just contact her, she's always available to help.

Don't Miss Out!      The Window of Opportunity is Closing!!      The Time to Buy is Now!!!

With the media pounding us with headlines that scream "real estate meltdown" and "credit crisis", many Americans are left thinking there is no way in today's economy to buy a new home. But actually, nothing could be further from the truth. As in any crisis situation, bad news for some can lead to good news for others. And there is good news, especially for first time homebuyers who are now in an unprecedented position to leap into homeownership.

There really hasn't been a time in US history where there were so many incentives to buy a first home. Homes have never been more affordable than they are today. Consider these pieces of good news if you are considering purchasing a new home in DC or the surrounding area:

 1. There is still time to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit which if you qualify can put up to $8,000 in your pocket! This is free money from the government just for buying your new home before the deadline, helping stimulate the US economy.

But the time to get going is now. By acting now you still have the time to contact an expert Realtor® and start looking for your new home because you must close before Dec.1, 2009 to take advantage of this outstanding offer. So, you should plan on finding your new home and signing a contract no later than Oct. 15, 2009 to allow enough time for processing in order to close on your new home before the Dec. 1, 2009 deadline.

Lenders are expected to be swamped as the deadline nears. So don't run the risk of losing your tax credit because you waited too long. Because time is running short, you will want to get going, so contact DC area expert Rachel Valentino today!

2. Government Incentives at an All Time High Leading to Lower Cash Requirements to Close. Up until now, one of the biggest things holding up first time home buyers is that they still need to come up with the down payment, closing and other related costs. In today's economy, for the average couple or individual, saving up the down payment alone can be a discouraging task. 

But now for the first time, the first time home buyer tax credit can be used for a down payment for qualified individuals. Link to Official HUD Press Release.

Shaun Donovan, secretary of HUD (Dept. of Housing & Urban Development), has said that the FHA (Federal Housing Association) will now permit it's lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

According to Donovan, the FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to monetize the tax credit through short-term loans. These second loans are available for little or no interest and may be repaid with the homebuyer tax credit.

This allows borrowers using FHA-approved lenders to apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.% of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. There are also ways obtain the money from a state housing authority or qualified non-profit that might help you buy the home with even less down or maybe even with no down payment.  To read the FHA's new mortgagee letter, visit HUD's website. You can also contact DC's real estate expert Rachel Valentino to explain and help you fully understand the guidelines and restrictions outlined by the HUD program to see if this may be beneficial to you and your situation.

Besides the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, homebuyers may also be able to take advantage of other special programs through the FHA.

Even with recent changes, a FHA-backed loan still offers a very low down payment that is a great incentive for many new homebuyers. For those who qualify, a 3.5% percent down payment is substantially lower than the 10-20% you'd have to raise for a conventional loan.

In addition to lower down payments, FHA-backed loans tend to have less stringent credit requirements. Look to Rachel Valentino who is experienced in the current government incentives and programs. She will work with you to explore your options finding one that will fit you and your needs.

In addition to the big reasons outlined above, add historically low interest rates on conventional loans and today being the largest ‘Buyers Market' seen in years, you can see why buying a new home this year really is within your reach. People in DC and the surrounding area are achieving home ownership and you can be one of them.

Whether you are looking for a two-story condo in Washington DC or a spacious home in the suburbs, every first time buyer who works with Rachel Valentino of The Atlantic Coast Connection can find something that appeals to their personality and wallet.