The Patterson Group

This Season's Newest Accessory is a Tiny Home!

Have you heard the term “accessory dwelling unit (ADU)” recently and wondered what that means and why people are talking about it? Well, you’re likely to hear more about them in the coming months because Alexandria City Council has approved ADUs for Alexandria! An accessory dwelling unit can assume many forms, such as an in-law apartment, granny flat, tiny home, she-shed, basement apartment, covered garage, or any new structures that are detached from a primary residence. Ideally, these ADUs could be used to bring in rental income, provide on-site housing options for caregivers, as well as help expand housing options, affordability, and accessibility by expanding choice. Many other neighboring jurisdictions have developed ADU policies, including Arlington. We’re thrilled to see Alexandria passing similar measures.

These Local Cookies are a Batch Made in Heaven!

If you haven’t already stumbled upon her mouthwatering Instagram @sugarcookiesisters or experienced her cookie decorating class, we want to introduce you to local cookie artist Rachel Lilly of Sugar Cookie Sisters. Sugar Cookie Sisters’ owner and baker, Rachel Lilly is a local mother of two right here in Alexandria. From custom cookie orders to cookie decorating DIY kits, Rachel offers many ways to make your event, party, small gathering, or even time with your “quarantine pod” special with custom sweets.

ALX-opoly is on its Way!

When the pandemic lockdown began, we turned to our favorite board games… and Alexandria’s Chamber of Commerce did the same! To all my Alexandria-loving and competitive board game players out there, ALX-opoly is coming soon to your next family game night!

New Year, New You, New Home!

In Alexandria, it’s not uncommon to see new construction seemingly at every turn. But what is it about a newly constructed home that is so appealing? What are the benefits of purchasing a new home? Well, here are just a few of the many reasons new constructions are so popular.

2021 New Year Market Update

2020 was a year full of uncertainty and frustration, however, the housing market showed incredible strength. We expect 2021 will have similar demand as we respond to the challenges and changing preferences that emerged in 2020.

Hey 2021! What are you planning?

In three days, we will turn the page on 2020 and look to 2021 with full hearts! So, what are our predictions for 2021? Well, this year allowed us to look at our homes with new eyes: problem-solving eyes. Where can the kiddos do homework… undistracted? Where can I do work… undistracted? How can we utilize our space, stay sane, and stay out of everyone’s hair?! We took a look at our spaces and needs, and we predict 2021 will bring these needs some solutions.

It's Christmas Eve...

It’s Christmas Eve and only eight days until 2021! I think this calls for a celebration! Well Alexandria, we’ve had some ups and downs, some roses and thorns, some highs and lows. But through it all, our community prevailed. I’d say our community definitely made it to the top of Santa’s nice list this year… and he won’t even have to check it twice!!

Suckers for Sugar: National Cupcake Day Report

Before we have dreams of sugarplums dancing in our heads this holiday season, here at our Patterson Group HQ, located just blocks away from some fantastic Old Town bakeries, we’ve decided to round up some of our favorites to celebrate National Cupcake Day (December 15)! Although we don’t necessarily need a reason to indulge in sweets during the holidays, it’s nice to use a “national holiday” as our excuse. We ordered a chocolate and vanilla cupcake from each to go head-to-head for our taste test. It was hard to pick a favorite when these three local cupcakeries were so tasty.

Festive Wreaths and Garlands at Home

Before you deck the halls, deck out your decor 🎄✨⁠

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