Back to School events

The approaching end of the summer season signals the time to start preparing for school. If you missed the 3-day school supply sales tax holiday that ran from August 2-4 in Virginia, there are still some local businesses where you can buy cheap school supplies in time for class. Maryland will also be having their tax free events from August 12-18.

Staples- is the most straight-forward; since desk supplies are what they specialize in, you’re sure to find what you need there, and they are currently running great sales on some of the most popular school items. There are over 15 Staples locations within 10 miles of Arlington.

Target- is where you can find some of the most colorful, fashionable school supplies, and the advantage of shopping here is that they also supply private school uniforms. You can print coupons for school supplies and back to school clothes directly from Target.com There are 6 locations in the Arlington area.

Wal-Mart- is generally where you will be able to find the most affordable supplies and clothes. Their website is great for back to school shopping, organized by grade and category, and you can even find checklists to make the process easier. This is a fantastic place to go especially if you are getting ready to send a kid off to college for the first time, since they have such a wide selection of basics for such low prices. There are three locations within 10 miles of Arlington.

Record breaking lows for Fixed Rate Mortgages

This article just came out in the RREIN Daily e-news magazine and I thought it was very helpful information. If you want to read more about this go to: www.FreddieMac.com

Another Week of Record-Breaking Lows for Fixed-Rate Mortgages

RISMEDIA, Friday, July 13, 2012— Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates continuing to find new all-time record lows amid easing bond yields following June's lackluster employment report. Both the average 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgage hit new lows. The average 30-year fixed has been below 4 percent for 16 weeks. The average 15-year fixed has been below 3 percent for 7 weeks.

Results showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.56 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending July 12, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.62 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.51 percent.

Additionally, the 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.86 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.89 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.65 percent.

The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.74 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.79 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.29 percent.

The 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.69 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, up from last week when it averaged 2.68 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.95 percent.
"Following a lackluster employment report for June, long-term U.S. Treasury bond yields eased somewhat this week allowing fixed mortgage rates to reach yet another record low,” says Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac. “Only 80,000 net new jobs were added to the economy last month, not enough to lower the unemployment rate from 8.2 percent. This was the concern of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting held June 19-20. Minutes released from that meeting on July 11, revealed that a few members felt further monetary stimulus was needed to promote satisfactory growth in employment to meet the Committee's goal.”"

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! We live in a great country, where we have the opportunity to celebrate our freedom. DC also has one of the best firework shows in the country. Arlington has great parks that you will be able to view the show without the drive or hassle of going into DC. Enjoy and be safe.

Long Bridge Park will have activities for the whole family:

Complimentary shuttles that operate from 11:00 a.m. -10:30 p.m. from Pentagon City and Crystal City stations, parking will be free on garage level at the Crystal City Shops. You can visit www.arlingtonva.us/DPR for details or call (703) 228-3329.

Memorial Day 2012 events

Memorial Day Events
Here some events that are happening this weekend that you might enjoy! Remember to always be safe and drive carefully!

Saturday May 26th
11:00 a.m.
Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally will visit the Navy Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony.

Sunday May 27th
12:00 p.m.
The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally departs from the Pentagon and will be riding through D.C.

5:00 p.m.
A free concert will be sponsored by PBS on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Monday May 28th-Memorial Day
9:00 a.m.
The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is "Honoring our Fallen Warriors." Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.

11:00 a.m.
A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.
2:00p.m.
The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

4:00 p.m.
Women in the Military Service for America Memorial will be at the gate of the Arlington National Cemetery and will hold a ceremony that includes formal military honors, a keynote address, wreath-layings and the Memorial’s signature event, the scattering of rose petals in tribute to departed comrades.

Lenders, Mortgages, & Escrows! OH MY!

Purchasing a new home can be a daunting task, and if you are a first time buyer or if this is your 20th home purchase, we always want to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Here is a list of questions that you can ask your lender or can help you in narrowing down your search for the best lender for your needs.
Please remember that we also have an extensive list of lenders that might work for you, please give us a call and we would be happy to provide that information to you.

10 questions to ask your Lender
Be sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions.

What are the most popular mortgage loans you offer?

Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for us and why?

Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?

Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost and how long will it be required? NOTE:
Private mortgage insurance usually is required if you make less than 20 percent down payment, but most lenders will let you discontinue the policy when you’ve acquired a certain amount of equity by paying down the loan.

Who will service the loan? Your bank? Another company?

What escrow requirements do you have? What are escrows?

How long is your loan lock-in period (the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored?) Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if they drop during this period?

How long will the loan approval process take?

How long will it take to close the loan?

Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?

Used with permission from the Real Estate Checklists & Systems
(www.realestatechecklists.com)

Bike to Work day is May 18, 2012!

Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18, 2012 This Friday Keith White is organizing a morning ride into DC with your neighbors from Arlington Heights (plus Alcova Heights & Penrose) for Bike to Work Day! Everyone will meet at 8:00 on Friday morning at Thomas Jefferson Park (corner of 2nd and Irving) for a 45 minute, 6 mile ride to Freedom Plaza in DC. Bike to Work Day is a FREE event for both new and experienced bicycle commuters throughout the Washington metropolitan region. Those who register and attend one of 59 regional pit stops will receive a free Bike to Work Day T-Shirt*, food, drinks, and a chance at winning bicycles or other great raffle prizes. For more information and to register go to: www.biketoworkmetrodc.org Keith’s route goes through Fort Myer and Arlington National Cemetery, past Lincoln & Korean War Memorials and along the Mall with great views of the monuments & White House. It is truly one of the best ways to experience some of the most scenic vistas in our area. Please note, you will need a helmet & photo ID to enter Ft. Myer. Please contact Keith White at kandswhyte@gmail.com or 703.980.2140.

Mother's Day event

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. An event that will be taking place this weekend is the Bike D.C. and there will be several road closures and I wanted to give you a heads up about it. Here is a lsit of the road closure in our area and hopefully you will be able to avoid the traffic. The road closures will start at 6:00 a.m. and end by noon on May 13th, 2012. *Route 50 East & Westbound ramps to Meade/Lynn Street• Northbound Meade Street from Marshall Drive to Rosslyn • Southbound Route 110 from Rosslyn to Crystal City• Marshall Drive between Meade Street & Route 110• Eastbound Washington Boulevard from Memorial Bridge to Columbia Pike• Westbound Columbia Pike from the Pentagon to the Air Force Memorial*Residents living in the affected areas will be allowed reasonable access when there is a break in the cyclists. Residents living on North Meade Street adjacent to the Iwo Jima Memorial will be allowed to come and go with police assistance. Here is the link in case you would like to participate: www.bikedc.net Have a great weekend!

May activities for Mother's Day

May is such a popular month for so many occasions and activities! One of these occasions happens to be Mother’s Day, and we all like to celebrate or remember our mothers. May is also a great month to spend time with your family. There will be plenty of sun to go out and enjoy the weather, riding bikes, gardening or even just sitting outside and sunbathing is always fun. Here a couple of local events that will be going on around the Arlington area, hopefully you can get out and enjoy all or one of them. • Spring Dance Depertory Performance May 4th 2012, 125 S. Old Glebe Rd. www.BalletNova.org • The Arlington Civitan Open Air Market May 5th, 2012 7:00 a.m . – 1:30 p.m. 15th & N. Quincy In the garage behind Lee-Washington High school • 2012 Ballston Arts & Crafts Market May 12th, 2012 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Welburn Square (The Ballston Circle) N. Stuart & N. 9th Here are some recipes to help with the preparations for Mother’s Day which is May 13th this year, Enjoy! Rice Krispies* Spring Flowers Ingredients: Box of Rice Krispies 1 package marshmallows ¼ cup of butter ½ tsp. of vanilla extract 1 bag of green gummy candies 1 package of lollipop sticks 2-3 containers of pastel colored icing 2-3 tubes of pastel sprinkles 1 bag of jellybeans or other small candies Flower- shaped cookie cutters Directions: -In a bowl, mix one package of marshmallows and ¼ cup of butter or margarine. -Melt in the microwave on high heat for 3 minutes, stirring every minute to get a smooth consistency. -Once melted, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor and 6 cups of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal. -Mix well and then spread into a greased 9x13 inch pan. -Refrigerate pan for 1 hour to set. -Once cooled, pop Rice Krispies Treats out of pan and onto a cutting board. -Use flower- shaped cookie cutters to carve out several Rice Krispies Flowers. -Stick 2-3 gummy candies onto each lollipop stick as the petals. -Place Rice Krispies Flowers on top of lollipop sticks. -Lie Rice Krispies Flowers flat on surface and decorate with pastel-colored icing, sprinkles, jelly beans, or any small candies. -Place decorated Rice Krispies Flowers flat on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to set. -Finally, stick your Rice Krispies Flowers in a decorative planter, vase, or basket. Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfait Ingredients: • 1 cup fresh fruit or berries (see list below) • ½ cup plain or vanilla flavored yogurt • ½ cup granola or other whole grain cereal • 1 tbsp. honey or favorite fruit jam Directions: 1. Spoon half of the fruit or berries into the bottom of a parfait glass or other ice-cream sundae-type dish. Top with half of the yogurt, and sprinkle with half of the granola/cereal. 2. Repeat with remaining fruit and remaining yogurt. 3. Add decorative drizzle of honey or dallop of jam and sprinkle the rest of the granola/cereal. *Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Pears, Cherries, Apples, Nectarines, Pineapple, Mango, Papaya, Kiwi, Banana.* are great fruit choice.