The south Arlington community of Nauck (also known as Green Valley or Johnson's Hill) is a historic community that dates all the way back to the civil war.  The rich history is evident throughout the community centers, parks, and homes.  Nauck is known for several Arlington staples such as "Superman Hill", the Nauck town center, the historic Green Valley Pharmacy, the Beenie Weenie half smoke eatery, and the Walter Reed Community Center (pictured)

The neighborhood has several community centers, parks, and places to go for a walk or a morning jog. You can read more about this great community at our community page.

An example of one of the wonderful homes found in the community is 2800 19th Street South, a four level home with three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.  This home is quite fitting to the neighborhood and has a lot of character as well as some updated features such as upgraded stainless steel appliances.  This great property also features a spacious two-car garage with a private driveway.  Outside the home there is a hot tub gazebo which is great for a warm soak at night.

With hardwood floors, multiple gas fireplaces, and three spacious bedrooms, this is a great place to call home.  The proximity to Washington DC, the metro, and all the hot spots of Arlington are just an added bonus to the home itself and the tight-knit and wonderful community of Nauck.  If you are looking to relocate into the Arlington area, this could be a good fit.

You can view the sale listing for 2800 19th Street here.  If you have any questions about this property, or are looking for help in purchasing a new home, you can search the Nellis Group page or give us a call at 703-930-0655.

   I had the opportunity to go to a NHL Hockey game earlier today with a Nationally recognized Top Producer: Nate Martinez from Glendale, Arizona. Martinez and The Nellis Group were both part of the Top 100 Re/Max Teams in the world in 2011. We had a chance to talk about the Phoenix real estate market and I was intrigued to find out it was parallel to the Washington DC metro market.

    Both real estate markets are currently thriving. We are seeing buyers that had been waiting for more homes or lower interest rates start taking advantage of the current inventory. Martinez mentioned that many sales were cash offers and the majority had multiple offers.

     Earlier today we received multiple offers for a home in Alexandria and last week we had multiple offers on another Nellis Group listing. I am in Arizona to also attend and share with other top Realtors from around the Country at a conference entitled "Sellabration". I can't wait to hear about the different real estate markets throughout the country.

     Our goal this year is to provide our clients with Investor Watch which is part of the Real Estate solutions we give to every client. To find out more about our solutions: Nellis Group Solutions  - Contact us today about leveraging our team for your needs.

I love to go back in mid-December when there is a Christmas market and concert to welcome in the holiday. The small warm shops twinkle with lights and decorations and there is a Christmas tree in the main square, there are only 8 hours of daylight and the temperatures can be biting cold. The town has an old-fashioned feel that I love and miss.

We celebrate the Christmas holiday very similarly to the United States with church services and choir concerts being a large part of the holiday. In the UK, two days are celebrated – the 25^th December being Christmas Day, and the 26^th December, which is called Boxing Day.  Boxing Day evolved according to a couple of different theories, the most popular being that because servants were required to work on Christmas Day, they were able to take the 26th off. They were presented with “Christmas Boxes” as they left for the day, which contained presents, or special treats. The second theory is that boxes were placed in churches so parishioners could deposit coins for the poor. The contents of the boxes were then distributed on December 26, also known as the Feast of St.Stephen.

On Christmas Eve the British don’t leave out Milk and Cookies for Father Christmas (Santa Clause) but rather Mince Pies and Sherry to warm him up over the cold British Isles. Our favorite Christmas treats are Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls rather than Cookies. Christmas Day is always a Roast Turkey with all the trimmings and for dessert we have Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce, an extremely rich pudding made with dried fruit. Traditionally a coin is hidden in the Pudding and the person who finds the coin will have luck the following year. We also share “Christmas Crackers” at the dinner table. Christmas Crackers are popped by two people pulling on either end and inside contain a small gift, a joke and a paper crown. We wear the crowns as we eat our dinner – this way everybody in the Kingdom can be King or Queen for a day. Christmas crackers have become popular in the U.S. in the past few years with many major retailers selling them in boxes of 12 usually.

Finally, Queen Elizabeth II comes on national television every Christmas Day to make her annual speech. Most folks gather around the TV to hear her talk for a few minutes about the events of the past year and her hopes for the coming year. Although a lot of folks try to play down their interest in the speech, usually most will tune in regardless.

I hope I can get back there in the next few years to celebrate again.

Looking for a creative genius. Video, Visuals & Vision are a must for capturing all types of media. Well versed on MAC and PC. Graphic Design background is a plus. Ability to do basic html, manage online marketing campaigns and blogging with content on all platforms including engaging consumers on social media. Additional work with homes listed for sale, internet buyers and additional web sites.

         Momma's (Vicki Nellis) Cinnamon Rolls

   I wanted to share the best cinnamon roll recipe ever.  My wonderful Mom would get up early every Christmas morning to make these delicious treats. We all looked forward to them every year.  The cinnamon rolls were so much work she only made them once a year.

    I do remember one year she made them for my birthday which was so so special.  Last year James Nellis got up early to make them for us. We look forward to him making them again this year.

    I can promise anyone that makes these for their family will be well loved! I have attached the recipe below:

Rolls

3 1/2 to 4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 packages regular or fast-acting dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)

1 cup milk

1/4 cup butter or margarine (1/2 stick), room temperature

1 large egg

Cooking spray to grease bowl and pan

Filling

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup butter or margarine (1/2 stick), room temperature

1/2 cup raisins, if desired

1/4 cup finely chopped nuts, if desired

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 to 2 tablespoons milk

1. In a large bowl, stir 2 cups of the flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, the salt and yeast with a wooden spoon until well mixed. In a 1-quart saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until very warm and an instant-read thermometer reads 120°F to 130°F. Add the warm milk, 1/4 cup butter and egg to the flour mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, stopping frequently to scrape batter from side and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula, until flour mixture is moistened. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, stopping frequently to scrape bowl. With a wooden spoon, stir in enough of the remaining flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is soft, leaves side of bowl and is easy to handle (dough may be slightly sticky).
2. Sprinkle flour lightly on a countertop or large cutting board. Place dough on floured surface. Knead by folding dough toward you, then with the heels of your hands, pushing dough away from you with a short rocking motion. Move dough a quarter turn and repeat. Continue kneading about 5 minutes, sprinkling surface with more flour if dough starts to stick, until dough is smooth and springy. Spray a large bowl with the cooking spray. Place dough in bowl, turning dough to grease all sides. Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place about 1 hour 30 minutes or until dough has doubled in size. Dough is ready if an indentation remains when you press your fingertips about 1/2 inch into the dough.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 sugar and the cinnamon; set aside. Spray the bottom and sides of a 13x9-inch pan with the cooking spray. Sprinkle flour lightly on a countertop or large cutting board. Gently push your fist into the dough to deflate it. Pull the dough away from the side of the bowl, and place it on the floured surface.
4. Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten dough into a 15x10-inch rectangle. Spread 1/4 cup butter over dough to within 1/2 inch of edges. Sprinkle with sugar-cinnamon mixture, raisins and nuts. Beginning at a 15-inch side, roll dough up tightly. Pinch edge of dough into the roll to seal edge. Stretch and shape roll until even and is 15 inches long. Using a sharp serrated knife or length of dental floss, cut roll into 15 (1-inch) slices. Place slices slightly apart in the pan. Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place about 30 minutes or until dough has doubled in size. Remove plastic wrap.
5. Move the oven rack to the middle position of the oven. Heat the oven to 350°F. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove rolls from pan; place right side up on a cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, stir glaze ingredients until smooth, adding enough milk so glaze is thin enough to drizzle. Over the warm rolls, drizzle glaze from the tip of a tableware teaspoon, moving the spoon back and forth to make thin lines of glaze. Serve warm.

Makes 15 rolls

  If you are looking for a great picture with Santa.  Pack your kids up and head to Tysons Galleria.  The kids will enjoy getting their picture taken with Santa. Tysons Galleria is a beautiful mall located in Tysons Corner, Virginia in Fairfax County. Your family will enjoy the festive atmosphere at Tysons Galleria. Many families from Maryland, Washington DC & Virginia travel to this mall due to the many shops, restaurants and unique stores it contains.

Santa has already arrived and will be at Tysons Corner through Christmas Eve.  Please see the hours below to visit with Santa: Monday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm (Break 1pm - 2pm and 5pm - 6pm) Sunday: 12pm - 6pm (Break 2:30pm - 3:30pm) Christmas Eve: 10am - 6pm (Break 1pm - 2pm)

The address for Tysons Galleria is Tysons Galleria is: 2001 International Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102. Call for more information on Tysons Corner at 703-827-7730

Go there soon to avoid the Holiday Rush for Santa Claus

    Team Cure in total raised just over $50,000. There are no words that can be used to express the gratitude we have for you partnering with us so that someone else may not lose their life to brain cancer. Our goal is that people facing brain cancer in the future will be able to smile with a solution in hand. May the next mother, wife, father, brother, sister be healed from this dreaded disease.

     It is rare that both students would come from the same high school. This year both came from a high school located in Vienna, Virginia: Marshall High School located off of Rte 7, just down the road from Tysons Corner, VA. For more about the ceremony go to: FCA Annual Event

1. Location: Never consider distance on a map when determining where to live. Everything is based off of commute time rather than map distance due to daily traffic and rush hour

2. Schools: Whether you are single or have 7 children schools will impact your resale. Make sure to check out the right resources to compare schools prior to buying a home.

3. Alternative Transportation: In the local area we have services unknown to other cities including: Metro, VRE & Slugging

    Here is what the client had to say about Carol French with The Nellis Group: "Carol was amazing!! She was very knowledgeable about the area and what to look for as a 1st time home buyer. The staff and the entire Nellis Group was excellent!"

     Find out more about Relocation with The Nellis Group

     Search ALL the New Homes, Foreclosures, Short Sales in Virginia, DC & Maryland

In preparation for the 36th Marine Corps Marathon runners from around the Country gathered to support a great cause. They came to Washington, DC in order to run the marathon and raise money for Brain Cancer through Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure or ABC2.

Team Cure was comprised of local runners and Elite Real Estate Leaders and Companies from throughout the United States. Team Cure is now in its second year and added not only more runners this year but increased the total amount raised for charity. This year they made a concerted effort to raise over $50,000 for this specific charity.

The Nellis Group along with clients, friends, family & business vendors were able to raise just over $20,000 for Team Cure. One advantage of the business exposure we at The Nellis Group have on a national level in real estate is getting to know excellence in our industry. As a result, top Realtors and their companies participated this year in raising awareness and money for Brain Cancer. We have found that most companies are successful because of their ability to put the consumer first and live for a higher purpose. Each of the top Realtors listed below have done that this year by putting those impacted by Brain Cancer ahead of themselves. Each Realtor below took time away from consulting, selling, speaking and family in order to train and raise money to prevent this disease from impacting others in the future.

Kristan Cole and her team joined together to form Team Alaska. Kristan first found marathon running last year with Team Cure and in the last 12 months has participated in 5 marathons and multiple other road races! Team Alaska included 3 marathon runners: Kristan Cole, Jason Woodward & Allison Woodward. Jason was the fastest runner this year for Team Cure running a sub 4 hour marathon. Team Alaska also had one 10K runner: Kristi Tanner. Their team from Wasilla, Alaska helped raise over $10,000 for Brain Cancer Research.

Paul Chiolo a top Realtor from Wildwood, New Jersey joined Team Cure for the first time in his Marine Corps Marathon debut. Paul and his real estate company were able to raise just over $5,000 for Brain Cancer.

Denny Grimes joined Team Cure for the second year to run in the Marine Corps Marathon. A Realtor from Fort Myers, Florida accumulated over $1,800 in support of the charity. Denny was one of the faster runners on Team Cure this year and is hoping to run more marathons in the upcoming year.

Michael Maher joined Team Cure for the first time this year and for his first ever Marathon run. Michael with limited exposure to distance running accomplished his first 1/2 marathon and full in the last 2 months. The Maher Team out of Kansas City, MO was able to raise $1,800 for Brain Cancer.

A special thank you to these Top Real Estate professionals for raising money and running in the Marine Corps Marathon. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.

Come and Celebrate Halloween early at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County, Virginia.

    7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

      There is a great event you need to plan to attend. Burke Lake Park hosts their annual Ghost Train Ride.

      The dates for the Ghost train are October 22, 23, 29^th and 30^th   10:00am to 6:00pm 

      The cost is $4.50 a person. Your children will love it. Children under 2 ride free.

      The train ride will go through a 1.75 mile loop. You and your children will be surprised by all the characters they can find in the “Haunted Forest”

You will have to come and find out who is hiding.

 

           The day prior to the Marine Corps Marathon and Marine Corps 10K, Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2) sponsored a picnic luncheon for all teams raising money for Brain Cancer research. Due to the cold, wind, rain, and snow the event was held inside at the Walter Reed Community Center in Arlington Virginia. Lunch was very tasty. We enjoyed pulled pork barbecue, hot dogs, salads, and desserts courtesy of Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.
            Friends and families with their children attended to celebrate raising money for such a great cause.  It was so nice to see the people that the Nellis’ knew over the years give their support for a wonderful event to honor the two mothers lost to brain cancer (Vicki Nellis & Terri Rogers). Announcements were made regarding the race. The most creative announcement made though was that James and The Nellis Group made their goal of $20,000 in donations for the cause. This was amazing to have done that in only a few days before the race. What that also meant was that James Nellis would be having his head shaved. Yes, that was the deal if the $10,000 was received in under 6 days before the race.  One of James’ good friends supplied the electric shears and away the hair went. The kids delighted in taking a turn to shave his head as well as some of the adults.  Someone who obviously knew what they were doing did the finishing touches on James (Michael Rogers). A cheer was heard when all the hair was gone.
            Group pictures were taken as well  as random snapshots during the afternoon. Shirts and race packets for the Marine Corps Marathon & Marine Corps 10k were distributed. All in all the picnic, even though not outside ,was a special event. 

I have always enjoyed walking and so decided this year that I would walk, along with several of my co-workers at The Nellis Group, to help raise awareness and donations towards Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. I am no “spring chicken” so was a little nervous about the whole event – I need not have been as the day turned out to be rewarding and inspirational. I was hoping to complete the 6.2 miles in one hour and thirty minutes.

 As we got on to the Metro at 6.30am on Sunday morning you could already feel an excited buzz in the air. There were thousands of  people from many different walks of life, each one ready to participate for their own charity or reason. Coming out of the Metro onto the Washington Mall was a shock to the system, although it was a beautiful sunny morning it was also bitterly cold.

 I started walking nine minutes after the 8.00a.m. cannon exploded, the lines for the porta-potties being so long! So many people participating gave me a burst of energy to get going. I was in awe of the many thousands who wore the pictures of fallen soldiers on their backs and those young servicemen and women participating without limbs. It brought home to me (and tears to my eyes) the sacrifices so many have made for the United States.

I would run a little and then walk a little. After the third or fourth mile it was hard not to run as it felt if I stopped running I would stop altogether. It was actually easier to keep a very slow jog going. I would focus on someone up ahead and tell myself I was going to overtake that person before I could slow down again. Every mile was marked with young Marines spurring us on. As we neared the end there were hundreds of Marines cheering and encouraging us to keep moving, there was loud funky music to walk and run in rhythm to, and there was even a high school drum ensemble offering encouragement.   

 Crossing the finish line was very special because, as I finished, a Marine placed a medal around my neck and then followed up with congratulations and a handshake. It should have been the other way around with me thanking him for his service!

 By the way, I finished in one hour and twenty-five minutes so was very pleased with myself! What an amazing way to spend a Sunday morning – am ready to go again next year to raise money for Brain Cancer!  

Yahoo.com put out a list this week of the top 5 Best and Worst Housing markets since President Obama took office.  As most of us know, we were in the midst of a recession and declining housing market when President Obama took over the White House.  But not all of the news is bad as some markets have rebounded since then.

Virginia placed 2 cities the top 5, in the category of Best Housing Markets.  Vienna, VA placed #5 showing a 12.8% increase in value.  The median home value in Vienna in August 2011 was $638,500 and the median sale price was $645,400.  Burke, VA placed #4 showing a 13.5% increase in value with median home value $434,200 and median sales price of $427,300.

These are more signs that the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia suburbs continue to be a great place to live with a strong housing market. 

To view the Yahoo article, go to Yahoo Real Estate

                Burke, VA                                                 Vienna, VA

   Oktoberfest was a big hit in the heart of Shirlington yesterday. Shirlington is located in Arlington, Virginia and is a hidden gem of Northern Virginia. It does not have a metro line but is located directly off of 395, one of the main avenues for transportation. The streets were lined with people, beer, vendors and all of the restaurants were open for business.  

                                                                                    Capitol City Brewing Company sponsored the entire event. This was the 12th year for this annual event. It was $25.00 per person to enter the Festival and receive a drinking glass cup with 10 tickets to taste the various selections of brews both local and imported. There were more than 40 unique brewers at Oktoberfest.

Tents lined Campbell Avenue in the heart of Shirlington. Below is a list of all the vendors, restaurants and breweries at Oktoberfest. Here is the list of everyone that contributed to the event:

1. & 2. Cap City Food
3. Cap City Beer
4. District Chophouse 
5. Southern Tier
6. Woodchuck Cider
7. Fuller's/Hacker-Pschorr
8. Rogue
9. Ah Love Oil & Vinegar
10. Dogma
11. Climax
12. Gordon Biersch
13. Old Dominion
14. Starr Hill
15. Troegs
16. RJ Rockers
17. T.H.A.I.  in Shirlington
18. Illusions of Shirlington
19. Laughing Dog Brewery
20. Harpoon
21. Sierra Nevada
22. Yuengling
23. Boston Beer
24. Mad Fox
25. Legend
26. Bungalow
27. Extra Virgin Italian Restaurant
28. Karine Steschner
29. Abita
30. Allagash
31. VIDA
32. Additional Tickets
33. Brooklyn
34. Heavy Seas
35. Stoudts
36. Alewerks
37. 901 Restaurant
38. Duck
39. Rabbit
40. Hebrew
41. Dogfish
42. Lost Rhino
43. DC BRAU
44. Port City
45. Epic
46. Oskar Blues
47. Lagunitas
48. Delirium Tremens/St. Louis Framboise
49. New Holland
50. Victory
51. Hofbrau/Weihenstephaner/ErdingerAvery
52. Bang
53. Stone
54. Founders
55. Shirlington Branch Library
56. Signature Theatre
57. Bells
58. Timmermans
59. Thirsty Dog
60. Terrapin
61. Schlafly
62. St. George
63. Smuttynose
64. Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub
65–68. Washington Saengerbund
69. Otter Creek
70. Olde Richmond
71. Trunstein
72. Cheestique
73. Aroma Indian Cuisine
74. Corsendonk
75. Liefmans
76. Uinta
77. Bonsai Restaurant
78. Additional Tickets
79. Original Sin
80. Long Trail
81. Lost Coast
82. Left Hand
83. Green Flash
84. Firestone Walker
85. Luna Grill
86. Crispin
87. Clown Shoes
88. Boulder
89. Blue Point
90. Bitburger/Kostrizer
91. Blue Grass Brewing
92. Ballast Point
93. Sweetwater Tavern
94. Best Buns Bread Co
95. Carlyle Grand Café

      Each year The Nellis Group strives to partner with quality charities in the local Washington DC Metro Area. This year we partnered with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) for a day of golf to raise money in order to impact students, atheletes and all whom they influence. All of the photos from the day are uploaded. We got great photos of the foursomes at The Nellis Group sponsored hole and action shots from the tee.

        If you played in the tournament, take a look at your swing and if you want to see some interesting poses click on the album below:

       It is our pleasure to be one of the main sponsors for the ICS picnic this year. Come out and visit The Nellis Group booth. We will be raffling off Washington Nationals tickets to 2 games this month.

 Immanuel Christian School is located at 6915 Braddock Road, Springfield VA 22151.

       It is typical for our Washington DC Metro market to see a surge in listings and sales in September and October prior to the Holidays. It is vital to have your home not only priced right, staged well but to have a Real Estate Team with the right systems. Find out more about The Nellis Group Marketing System.

        The effective stages of selling a home must be approached with negotiating, marketing and unique systems. To learn more about The Nellis Group Marketing System contact us today.