Friday, October 28, 2011

Historical Photos Adorn Tysons Central Long & Foster Office


As the Silver Line is constructed at Tysons Corner, and the Flour Lane/Hot Lane construction continues to progress, many of us that live here are amazed at the drastic changes in the "look" of Tysons Corner.

The 64 mile stretch of the Capital Beltway was approved by Congress in 1955 as a way of diverting traffic away from the city and provide an alternative route for those traveling north. It was originally referred to as the Circumferential Highway in that it was to circle the city. The first section opened in 1961 and it was completed in 1964.

The Capital Beltway now serves the suburbs, countless malls, community colleges and sportsplexes located strategically around it.


Tysons Corner Center was finished in 1968 and is the 12th largest employment center and 11th largest mall in the country. It is managed by Macerich, one of the leading owners, operators and developers of major retail properties across the country.

Ever wonder what Northern Virginia looked like "way back when", say mid 1880's to early 1900's? The Tysons Corner Long & Foster Office is adorned with many historical photos of the the area "way back when".

Here's a group of characters outside the early McLean Post Office around the turn of the century:




Here is "Maplewood" , a prime example of turn of the century architecture, second empire style as noted by Templeman & Netherton in Northern Virginia Heritage. Built in 1870 by John Shipman it was originally called "Villa Nova" and unfortunately was torn down in 1970:



The Town of Vienna, boasts the original Train Station built in 1858. It is still open for tours several times a year. Here is an old photo of the station:




Colvin Mill Run in Great Falls is the original gristmill from the 1800's. It was restored in 1972 and is open for tours, educational programs, outdoor concerts and special events. Here is what it looked like in its heyday:



Take a look at this photo of one of the original Great Falls Firehouse vehicles:




On your way into DC along Chain Bridge here is the area way back when:



We can't forget Fairfax City with its rich history and historical buildings. Here is the Courthouse in its heyday:


Please excuse the glare on the photos as I took them directly from the historical framed photos on the walls.

Tysons Central Long & Foster Real Estate is located at 8227 Old Courthouse Road (right down the street from the DMV).



It is owned and operated by Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. The inside of the office is furnished with lots of the above historical pictures of Northern Virginia Real Estate.

Come see us and enjoy a cup of coffee as you view the photos....





Best,

Carla Brooks


PS The last photo is courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

PPS Oh and btw... if you or someone you know would like to buy or sell a home, call me today. I am here to earn your business and I will treat your transaction as if it were my own!


Buyers and Sellers: Protection is the key!

For those of you that are currently in the process of buying or selling a home (or those who will be) :

The one single thing that you can do to protect yourself is to purchase a home warranty immediately when you list your home or when you put a contract in on a home.  Why is that?

For many reasons.  No party wants to deal with surprise expenses during the course of a transaction or worse yet--- at the settlement table.  The home warranty usually covers all things "that run".  That includes electrical systems, plumbing systems, the heating and air conditioning unit(s), major appliances and so forth.  To replace any of these items would be expensive and a nuisance to say the least.  Just do it--buy a home warranty and be done with it.  No more worry over pre-existing conditions and unexpected large scale expenses during the listing period and for a year after settlement.  And the policies are usually renewable!



Long & Foster has recently put their stamp of approval on the 2-10 and HMS warranties.  What does this mean for buyers and sellers?  It means that with Long & Foster adding their name to the product, this will add them in the picture and hold them accountable should anything go awry.  Hows that for backing up their clients?  Thumbs up for Long & Foster for taking this bold step!

They (we) sincerely want you to have a smooth transaction and we want you to be happy in your new  home!






If you'd like to buy or sell a home call me today.  I will treat your transaction as if it were my own.

Best regards,

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

Ps All photos are a courtesy of:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Friday, October 21, 2011

Washington Vase

Washington Vase by Podmore and Walker


 I have to say that I have always been intrigued with life and objects from the middle 1800's.  In fact, my china is a perfect example.  It is called Washington Vase and it was produced by Podmore and Walker in the middle 1800's.  It was called the "poor man's china" and sold for peanuts at the time it was made.  It is a type of "flow" china.  Many of you have heard of "flow blue".  Well, this is "flow mulberry".

 I bought this china many years ago from a friend.  I wanted the  "flow blue" yet it was highly sought after and  too expensive.  Over the years I have added to my collection by purchasing pieces from various antique dealers, shows and so forth.


Washington Vase by Podmore and Walker


One thing I love to do (and haven't done in years), is to set a whole table with these pieces.  It makes for quite a dinner presentation.  I am now finding myself concerned that pieces will get broken and/or chipped so I haven't used these dishes in years.

If you'd like to make the most of your real estate experience call me today.  I am here to earn your business and I will treat your transaction as if it were my own.

Best,

Carla Brooks