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Archive for July, 2008

Arlington Virginia Real Estate … SOLD … (I Love that word)

We promoted here, there and everywhere. We showed it a dozen times. We held open houses and surveyed the daily usage of our lock box and finally YES finally we got an offer! Scott and his team massaged his buyer such that the price our client wanted was met and the deal is closed. Were excited about the buzz. it seems this market, allbeit a buyers market, still has a few to sell here and there. Check out this amazing value here: http://slideshow.mris.com/slideshow.cfm?ListingKey=10446355975

Thanks for visiting our site and please call us today! Were happy to list your property, help you find a property or even familiarize you with an area before you buy. Simply call and we’ll be there for you! 703-283-4524 or scottmontgomery@kw.com

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We’ve Been Selling to our Buyers in Reston Virginia

We have another delighted first time buyer right here in Reston. Having met this lovely dynamic young couple from their visit to one of our open Houses they decided they wanted to work with a local realtor who they could trust and would listen to their needs and desires and search out the appropriate answers for their new home. This was exactly what was happening when we found this gem of all gems right in the heart of Reston, Virginia. This 2 bedrooms and 2 bath unit even boasts a loft, who would of ever guessed wed be able to negotiate a lower than asking price for this unbelievable find?

We had searched days and weeks and now we had found the one! Without hesitation we wrote the contract and negoitated a lower than asking price, we settled a few short weeks after and again satisfied our buyers every wish. They even provided a testimonial should any clients ever be looking for a reference, we certaiinly have one in them right here in Reston Virginia!

Take a look at the link below to see this amazing space: http://slideshow.mris.com/slideshow.cfm?listingKey=10424714624 

Thanks for stoppng by our site

We Look forward to hearing from you SOON!!!! 

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Cameron Station in Alexandria Virginia is where one of our clients now calls home!

We recently had a customer buy into an amazing condominium development in Alexandria Virginia. Just a few miles down the road from Fairlington Villages (SW on route 395) there is a small community know as Cameron station.

This neighborhood boasts single family homes, townhouses and condominiums. Scott and his team had the pleasure of selling one his first time home buyers a condo in this quaint neighborhood. After months of endless searches this development satisfied all of our clients wish list and more. Come one Come all to Cameron Stations 10 year anniversary party: Below is a snippet from their website inviting you and yours.

Cameron Station - Gazeboameron Station is celebrating its
10-Year
Anniversary on
September 19-21, 2008.

Join your neighbors in
celebrating ten years of
community in Cameron
Station. See below for
information about the
individual events, how to
register, and how to
volunteer. We request that you register for all Friday and Saturday events.If you have questions about the celebration or want to volunteer to help, please send an email to anniversary@cameronstation.org

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Fairfax Virginia is where our most recent buyers bought!

Recently my team and I satisfied another buyer in the Fairfax Virginia area. They even provided a testimonial and a referral of a close friend within weeks of our working together.

The search process lasted a little over a day when this gem surfaced. It met their precise criteria and in addition was meticulously maintained offering move in condition to my buyers. They instantly fell in love. Fortunately the stars were aligned and the seller was happy to negotiate a lower price and coordinate move dates to accommodate my buyers current lease demands. We settled in a few short week with a rent back. Today the new owners couldn’t be happier!

Whether you’re looking for townhouses or single family home or a fee simple condominium we can help.

Call us today for help in Fairfax Or Fairfax County Virginia!

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Marquette in Great Falls, Virginia by Keswick Homes

Another neighborhood is formed in Great Falls Virginia.

As I drive down Rt 7 to hit the Dulles toll rd (Rt 267) I happen to notice a sign that invites me to see the model home for The Marquette built by Keswick homes. An exclusive new neighborhood that boasts multi room multi acre estates. Yesterday I decided to take a turn in and catch a glimpse as well as take a couple pictures for you to see the grandness of these estates. You can also find information about the project, including the footprint of this neighborhood, on their vary own website:  www.brookfieldwashington.com/marquette.aspx

*the model home is behind this mansion…..While SOLD out for the moment definitely worth coming to take a look at Keswicks homes and the Great Falls area.

Call me today and we can set up a tour of the area.

Great Falls Virginia offers just about everything for everybody!

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Newport Shores is one of Reston Virginia’s Finest Lake Front Neighborhoods

Situated around the north side of Lake Newport in Reston Virginia (20194) this community boasts beautiful homes with an elegant yet casual feel, perfect for you to let your hair down or have formal guests over for a visit. Currently there are 2 on the market ranging from $950K to just under $1.3m.

Long and Foster ’s Bonnie Haukness offers: http://slideshow.mris.com/slideshow.cfm?ListingKey=90001648766

Remax’s Casey Margenau offers: http://slideshow.mris.com/slideshow.cfm?ListingKey=90005206136 

As a local resident to Reston I recently took a jog on the path the winds its way around this calming setting- Here a couple snapshots I took with my IPhone or found via the web that really show the serenity of this amazing oasis. Call me today if you’d like to learn more

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently No Comments »

Whats Lurking in Your Counter Tops?

Interesting article post in the New York times on July 24 that shared with its readers the possibility of radiation being omitted from some granite counter tops- YES… RADIATION!!!

“SHORTLY before Lynn Sugarman of Teaneck, N.J., bought her summer home in Lake George, N.Y., two years ago, a routine inspection revealed it had elevated levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. So she called a radon measurement and mitigation technician to find the source.

Using devices like the Geiger counter and the radiation detection instrument Stanley Liebert measures the radiation and radon emanating from granite like that in Lynn Sugarman’s kitchen counters.

“He went from room to room,” said Dr. Sugarman, a pediatrician. But he stopped in his tracks in the kitchen, which had richly grained cream, brown and burgundy granite countertops. His Geiger counter indicated that the granite was emitting radiation at levels 10 times higher than those he had measured elsewhere in the house. The granite, it turned out, contained high levels of uranium, which is not only radioactive but releases radon gas as it decays. “The health risk to me and my family was probably small,” Dr. Sugarman said, “but I felt it was an unnecessary risk.

It’s not that all granite is dangerous,” said Stanley Liebert, the quality assurance director at CMT Laboratories in Clifton Park, N.Y., who took radiation measurements at Dr. Sugarman’s house. “But I’ve seen a few that might heat up your Cheerios a little.”
check out : for more on the story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?_r=2&ref=health&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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Your Loan Is DECLINED…..WHAT?????

This happens and as a matter of fact just recently to me… Here are easy to follow instructions that I learned along the way that could preserve the deal and the customers earnest money deposit.

SCENARIO:

1. Referral comes in from existing client for their contact in another jurisdiction

2. Referral goes right back out to agent in that area

3. Accepting agent takes customer out and shows houses

4. Customer initiates contract and begins loan processes

5. LOAN IS DECLINED on the day before settlement……YIKES…..

WHAT IS A CUSTOMER TO DO?

SOLUTION:

1. STAY IN FULL COMMUNCIATION WITH YOUR AGENT- they are your advocate and not be dismissed. This is not a reason to be ashamed or embarassed but rather they can help you through what is probably the lender simply needing additional information about your income or the property.

2. Work with lender to find out what caused the issue- You probably had a pre qualifaction letter or your agent wouldnt have taken you out to begin with so what gives now? FIND OUT!!!

3. Request to extend the settlement date and in most cases seller will agree to your agents request since you will be making a good faith effort (especially by staying in communications) to proceed with the transaction. This step will more than likely preseve your earnest money deposit as well.

4. Work with lender inside new timeframes to ensure you get to closing table.

5. Enjoy your new home! (hopefully)

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Fairlington Villages:Northern Virginia Premier Condominium Community

As an owner investor in Farilington Villages, Arlington Virginia 22206, I feel its important to continue to promote this amazing community. I have copied an excerpt from the monthly new letters that I feel captures the history of Fairlington perfectly. In addition In including pictures of this community for your enjoyment. CALL us today to schedule a tour and showing of these amazing condo. What a perfect first time buyer opportunity!

“Fairlington itself was constructed as a garden apartment complex to house defense workers and their families during World War II. At the instigation of then President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it was designed by Kenneth Franzheim and associate architect Alan B. Mills. The project was intended to remain a permanent part of the community after the war’s end. Good planning in site selection and project design made it possible. Franzheim and Mills, nationally recognized architects, collaborated on two other DHC apartment projects in the area, McLean Gardens and Naylor Gardens. If built in 1996, the $35 million project would have cost $424,701,600 to complete. In spite of the government’s management of scarce wartime resources, builder Thompson-Starrett managed to obtain quality materials. The first families began moving in during May 1943. By the end of that year, 2,415 apartments were available for occupancy. DHC managed Fairlington until its sale to private owners in 1947. It remained a rental community until 1972 to 1977 when the units were renovated and sold as condominiums.” - Farilington villages newsletter on line

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HOT HOT HOT- High Occupancy Toll Project

Representatives from NVARS government affairs committee met with VDOT in June 08 to discuss the ‘Hot lanes project’ and apparently this is going to be a win-win proposal that will go into affect in 2013. 

Implemented in 5 other major cities the project will create new HOV lanes that allows commuters to pay their way on. When traffic goes up so will the price of the tolls and when traffic goes down the price decreases with it. The project will renovate over 50 bridges and miles of dated travels lanes in our area over the next few years and will undoubtedly improve the commute for millions of folks in our area. Paying wont be complicated either,  E-Zpass will get in on the deal and sensors will debit the charges automatically. This will eliminate the need for toll booths and be a great way to keep the process streamlined.

Move to Northern Virginia today, Were advancing our lifestyles and improving our residence lives.

 In a buyers markets need I say more?

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently No Comments »

New Property Tax Rates: Effective July 1, 2008

For most Nothern Virginia homeowners property taxes were increased on July 1. In addition local jurisdictions may also increase the commercial poperty tax rate by as much as  .25 cents per every $100.00. Fairfax and Arlington countoes have increased commercial property taxes .11 cents and 12.5 cents respectively in their 2009 budgets.

Residential tax rates in:

1. Arlington County is  .848 cents per $100

2. Fairfax Counbty is .92 cents per $100.

3.City of Alexandria  is .845 cents per $100.

4. Town of Herndon is a whopping $1.16 per $100.

For more information on this or other real estate questions please call or email us today!

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Reader Appreciation starts NOW….Buyers and Sellers Wanted!!!!

I’m very proud to announce that our blog readers just tipped the scales this month with over 12,000 pages viewed on www.TherealEstatePost.com. From Arlington to Reston, Springfield to Mclean (and even a few in Canada) we have uncovered that our loyal base of readers seems most interested in condominium articles about Reston and Arlington as well as the happenings surrounding Reston Virginia’s, Reston Town Center. Honorable mention still goes to Fairlington (small community of Condo’s near the Pentagon) situated in Arlington Virginia. 

Our news worthy look into the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market seems to be taking a strong hold on the cyber world and as a result we have decided its time to appreciate our readers. 

We are offering, to the first signed buyer, and the transaction settles with us as their representation, a $250 gift card to YOUR CHOICE of either   Home Depot or Lowes.

In addition if you’re selling your place and you are our first signed listing agreement that references this site article and the listing agreement remains in effect with us for at least 3 months (or closes sooner) we will offer you a $250 gift card to Home Depot or Lowes.  **If you’re a referring agent both you and  ‘our’ signed customer get to take advantage  of this amazing offer.

Pick up your phone and give us a call today, be the one that gets take advantage of such an amazing offer!!! We look forward to working for you!!!!!

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently 1 Comment »

Looking for a Realtor in Reston Virginia..Scott Montgomery of Keller Williams Can Help You!

If you’re looking to move to the Northern Virginia area and you’re looking for a planned community that has everything…Look no further than Reston Virginia. Nmed after is planner, Robert E Simon, Reston boasts shopping centers, restaurants, parks and sports fields. This community also offers a country club for the avid golfer and bike trails that will take you directly into downtown Washington D.C. for the athlete in all of us.

Scott Montgomery and his team welcomes you to contact us for more information or for a quick tour of the area as your home buying or relocation needs warrant. scottmontgomery@kw.com or call direct to 703-283-4524.

Here are several links to a few of the neighborhoods we serve as pulled from Reston’s very own Association website:

Beacon Hill Cluster

www.beaconhillcluster.org

Belcastle Cluster

www.belcastlect.com

Birchfield Woods Cluster

www.geocities.com/bwca.geo

Brookshire Cluster

www.brookshirecluster.org

Cedar Cove’s web site:

www.cedarcove.org

Coleson Cluster

www.colesoncluster.org

Colts Neck Cluster

www.coltsneckcluster.org

Country Walk Cluster

www.countrywalkcluster.com

Glencourse Cluster

www.glencoursecluster.net

Golf Course View Cluster

www.golfcourseview.org

Hemingway Cluster

www.hemingwaycluster.org

Hunters Green Cluster

www.huntersgreencluster.org

Hunters Square

www.hshoa.net

Hunters Woods Village Condominium Association

www.hunterswoods.org

Lake Audubon Terrace West Cluster

www.lakeaudubon.org

Lakeswinds II Cluster

www.lakewindscluster.org

Lantern Way Cluster

mywebpages.comcast.net/bealorjk/lanterncluster/index.html

Mediterranean Villa Cluster

mediterraneancourt.com/pages/1/

North Shore Cluster

www.NorthShoreCluster.com

Polo Fields

www.polofieldsinreston.org

Regency Square

www.RSCA-VA.org

Ridgewood Cluster

www.ridgewoodcluster.org

Sawyers Cluster

www.sawyerscluster.org

Shadowood Condominium

www.shadowoodcondos.com

Solar Ridge

www.ldcamera.com/Solar

South Bay Cluster Association

www.south-bay.org

Southgate Square

www.southgatesquare.org

Summer Ridge Condominium

www.summerridge.com

The Wharf Cluster

www.thewharf.org

Vantage Hill Condominium

www.vantagehill.com

Vintage Place

www.vintageplace.org

Walnut Ridge Cluster

www.walnutridgecluster.com

Washington Plaza Cluster Association

mywebpages.comcast.net/wpca_webmaster/

Weatherstone Cluster

www.weatherstone.org

Wescottwoods Cluster

www.wescottwoods.org

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Did you know you could find KW Mclean on ActiveRain.Com too?

Scott Montgomery and Team can also be found participating in the ActiveRain Community. For over a year now we have been an active member of www.ActiveRain.com. In the past and even today we continue to offer valuable exciting information about Northern Virginia Real Estate and are proud to announce we rank #1 and are the featured member of Mclean Virginia Realtors. Click here to see what the buzz is about. Be sure to look back over the year for new and old information that may help you make informed decision about real estate.

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Northern Virginia Real Estate Prices continue to FALL…

 

Northern Virginia’s year to date average real estate sales price is down from last year.

Last years average sales price was $537,339.00 and this years grand total is $482,197.00Thats is a 10.26% decrease. Ive had several customers negotiate listing prices down but what happened to 3-6% being the popular percentages realtors liked to promote as an almost automatic decrease when submitting an offer.

Are we going to continue to dip or will perhaps….the pending presidential election or other factors…. help bring us back into a place where values start to increase again?

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Keller Williams Mclean Virginia Realtor Scott Montgomery pledges….

We will never do this to your listing….

Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you sell your property the right way.

 Scott Montgomery

703-283-4524

scottmontgomery@kw.com

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently No Comments »

midtown Reston Town Center

Midtown Reston Town Center is brought to you by Kettler.  Check out their video below for more information on this wonderful condo community in the heart of Reston Virginia at The Reston Town Center.

Please contact Scott Montgomery for availability and to set up a showing for this or any Reston, Virginia property today!

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Reston, One of the faster growing suburbs in Virginia offers Hidden Creek Country Club!

Nestled among giant hardwoods near the growing suburb of Reston, Virginia, Hidden Creek Country Club is a privately-owned, quiet and secluded oasis that’s just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.. This information was captured www.hiddencreekcc.com….

Members come from all walks of life yet all share an enjoyment of all the wonderful amenities that a country club like Hidden Creek has to offer. These include the 18-hole Ed Ault designed golf course, the practice facilities, plus the clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts. While many members have been part of the Hidden Creek family for decades, the club is particularly suited to parents who want the family to enjoy all that a country club has to offer.  

Call Scott Montgomery today to learn more about the buying , selling or renting housing opporutnities that surround this undiscovered oasis!!! 703-283-4524(cell).

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently No Comments »

Is it time for renters to buy? Call me at Keller Williams Mclean Virginia to discuss

NBC’s Today show had a snippet posing this very question this morning and their verdict is in. In summary, LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Renting makes sense in areas where there is still room for a decline in real estate prices (Northern California and the New York tri state areas) but in other areas such as college towns and areas where younger generations are populating (Upstate New York, Texas, and certainly the Washington DC metro area) buying maybe a great idea IF:

1. Your credit is strong and you’re getting a good interest rate.

2. The rule of 15  (your annual rent times ‘15′ equalling your price point to buy while still satisfying your living condition requirements)

3. You steer clear of any funky mortgage options- stick with a 15/30 year fixed- fancy funding has gotten us in the mess most areas are in today so lets avoid past mistakes

4. Plan on the long term investing to make it profitable (equity gains) for your future.

If you want to discuss further please feel free to give me a call today! 703-283-4524(cell)

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently No Comments »

Congratulations and Good bye to Laura Rubinchuk!

While sad for us, it is with great pleasure for her that the Real Estate Post Team announces that their very own, Laura Rubinchuk of the Keller Williams Mclean Virginia office, is setting out on her own.

After many months of support Laura has found it within to start her very own real estate business. During her time with us Laura has cultivated quite a following and is certain to take her high spirit, smarts and positive demeanor to the height of real estate successes for herself and her customers. While we hope she wont be far, we wish her a fond farewell and many successes in the months and years to come.

Please post a congratulatory comment for Laura and wish her the very best- We will miss her!

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REDUCED!!! Come take a look again…Vienna, 22181

Come take another look at this magnificent Georgian Style Estate- This property boasts 6 bedrooms and 6 full baths as well as heated pool and cabana on a meticulously maintained 2 acre hill top lot situated at the end of a cul de sac. We have motivated sellers who want to pass this gem, that they have called home for many years, to the perfect suitor…YOU!!  Call me today to schedule a showing. 

http://www.homevisit.com/tour/vtour.asp?id=28608

www.2084Hunterscrestway.com

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Condo living in Reston Virginia, 20194’s exclusive, The Paramount

The buzz is out! Reston Virginia’s short kept secret is slowly being unveiled to everybody looking for value! The Paramount condominiums.

This magnificent High Rise Condominium has it’s penthouse suite and plenty of other units for sale even as I share the news today. Come home to a purely indulgent high rise condominium style of living. Your prices vary according to  features and are anywhere from low $400’s to over $1 mill.

Built in 2005 this fairly new construction boasts all of the modern day amenities one would expect in a premier location like the Reston,Virginia. Granite, Marble, 9″ ceilings, stainless etc. these units have it all. And are less than a block from the shops and eateries of what is growing to be one of Northern Virginia most popular shopping mecca’s, The Reston Town Center.  No matter what you like The Paramount is sure to please when youre looking for that special one of kind place to live.

 

Please call me today to set up a time to show you in person the wonders of  The Paramount at The Reston Town Center.    703-283-4524

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Happy 4th of July 2008!!!!

It’s the 4th of July in our Nations Capitol and with that good times will certainly be had.  The fireworks show is setting up, the people traffic guard rails are being installed and cop surveillance’s are being enhanced. Come one come all down to the Potomac River’s edge just across from the Washington Monument (Virginia side) for the best seat in the house.  You are sure to be awwweed by a spectacle of colors and amazing snap, crackle, pop!!!

Enjoy the celebration..and be proud to be an American!!!!

 

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5 Celebrity Foreclosures - I Wouldn’t Want These Bills!

Even celebrities aren’t immune to poor money management, but then again, nobody talks about how smart they are at investing money. Take a look at these 5 Celebrity Foreclosures:

 1. Jose Conseco - Claim to Fame: Former Pro-Baseball Player
Owes: More than $3.3M

2. Ed McMahon - Claim to Fame: TV Host Announcer
Owes: More than $4.8M

3. Evander Hollyfield - Claim to Fame: Pro Boxer
Owes: $10M

4. Michael Jackson - Claim to Fame: Musician
Owes: $24.5M

5. Courtney Love - Claim to Fame: Singer-Actress
Owes: $386K

Posted by Scott Montgomery | Currently No Comments »

The BEST Time to Buy Northern Virginia Real Estate … September 29th, 2008

I was reading the actual bill that describes our ‘$700B bail out’  and WOW is what comes to mind. This should be the cause for an amazing change from the mortgage lock-down […]

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Mid Town North- Reston Town Centers Finest September 17th, 2008

Welcome to a great presentation I found on You Tube that offers terrific video footage of Reston’s, Mid Town North condominiums. The Kettler CMO and sales team that created this presentation are doing a […]

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The Odyssey, Arlington Virginia’s not so hidden gem September 4th, 2008

Standing over 12 stories tall and located  in the heart of Arlington Virginia this high tech looking, contemporary condominium building has terrific view of the DC skyline, especially from the […]

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The Wooster and Mercer Lofts- Centered between Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stops September 4th, 2008

Situated practically in the middle between Arlington’s Rosslyn and Courthouse metro stops the Wooster and Mercer Lofts are available for sale now. Boasting anywhere 10-18 foot high ceilins in most […]

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Clarendon 1021- Great sense of Community in Arlington Virginia September 4th, 2008

Built in 2005, Clarendons 1021 holds 400+ units and has roughly 500 parking spots in an attached underground garage. Situated right next door to Station Square, in the heart of […]

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Station Square: The Heart of Arlington, Virginia September 4th, 2008

Built in 2006, this cluster of 3 condominium buildings hold 300+ units and have roughly 600 parking spots in an attached underground garage. Situated in the heart of Clarendon these […]

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Reston Virginia, 20194 Home Sales are on the Rise August 29th, 2008

I was looking around at a great website www.city-data.com for information on Restons home sales and to my surpise I learned so much more about the demographics of this steadily growing […]

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Restaurant Three (3) Clarendon August 25th, 2008

Saturday night my wife and I, with a few close friends, enjoyed an amazing atmosphere and dinner at Restaurant 3 in Arlington Virginia. Situated in small corner of the block that Station Square condominiums […]

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