(703)765-0300

Author: Julie Nesbitt

Julie Nesbitt is an ABR who has served buyers in some of Alexandria’s most exclusive neighborhoods.  She is a top producing agent who has listed and sold property in Northern Virginia. In addition to helping folks buy, sell and rent property in Northern Virginia, Julie is the primary administrator of the property management services performed by Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. Call Julie at (703)765-0300.
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What to Look for in an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens continue to be one of the hottest trends in home décor, but not all of them are created equal.
Julie
Your realtor Julie Nesbitt
Here are some things to consider when evaluating the safety and durability of this attractive yet vulnerable feature:
  • Is there adequate ventilation? Extensive outdoor cooking spaces should be carefully designed to keep smoke and odors away from dining spaces.
  • Was the installation done by licensed and insured installers? If something does goes wrong — even years later — these professionals will stand behind their work.
  • Are the cabinets, countertops, and appliances really weather proof and likely to hold up?

Buying in Northern Virginia?

Buуіng a hоuѕе in {Location_Name} іѕ both а wonderful and gratifying task. Yоu mау nееd tо juggle competing prioritieѕ іn оrdеr tо ensure thаt you get the results you want. Although it's great to buy a home, hоmе buуіng саn bесоmе a reason for ѕtrеѕѕ аnd аnxіеtу in many реорlе. However, іf buy with a Nesbitt Realty agent, we can take all the stress out of the process. Our agents know where and how to find the best properties for your needs. Our agents are experienced with deep local connections. And we can save you thousands on your purchase. Contact Nesbitt Realty to learn more about  your choices in {Location_Name}. [Learn more about buying with Nesbitt Realty] For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

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Five Reasons to Hold an Open House

Not all real estate practitioners are enthusiastic about the effectiveness of open houses, but here are five good reasons to consider holding one:
Julie Nesbitt
Julie sold another!
  1. The odds are low but sometimes open houses lead to a sale.
  2. Home sellers like them. They like seeing their real estate professional working hard for them.
  3. Visitor feedback is good for sellers.
  4. Other real estate practitioners tour open houses and they sometimes produce sales.
  5. Open houses engage people, including friends and neighbors who might bring in a buyer.
Source: Inman News, Mary Umberger (02/17/2010)

  • Home Prices In Arlington Continue To Hike

    Glendale
    The housing market in Arlington County is getting more and more expensive as potential buyers continue to have fewer homes and condos to choose from.

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  • Inlet Cove is near Fort Belvoir and Potomac Mills

    Inlet Cove outside Belvoir
    Inlet Cove is alongside Route 1 This neighborhood of townhouses is near grocers and eateries Inlet Cove is close to Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, and Potomac Mills shops, in the city of Woodbridge Interior to these properties are multilevel Inlet Cove is serene

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  • Pending Home Sales on an Upswing

    home inspector
    Pending home sales increased again in March, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, rose 5.3 percent to 102.9 from 97.7 in February, and is 21.1…

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  • A Good Time to Buy a High-End Home

    Station Square
    Some of the best housing deals are on high-end homes, many over $1 million. Some of them need TLC or they aren’t in the most-coveted locations. But there are plenty of desirable properties and lots of sellers who are getting impatient. Buyers with cash have the best opportunities. Buyers who need a mortgage should move…

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  • Who is today’s homebuyer and why are they buying?

    Nesbitt Realty 703 765 0300
    The National Association of Realtors recently did a study about the characteristics of home buyers. Some of the findings might surprise you. Thirteen percent of buyers purchased a home with one or more parents and grandparents together with adult children. There were several reasons given for purchasing a multi-generational home. Cost savings; Children over the…

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What is the Virginia Condominium Act?

Condos real estate agents
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Condos
If you own a condo in Virginia, or if you're thinking of buying a condominium in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it might be a good idea to glance at the Virginia Condominium Act. This act describes the terms of ownership and limitations and requirements of condo associations.  It also describes the unique attributes of condominium mortgages and the describes what is allowed under condominium ownership schemes. The Condominium Act includes a provision that allows buyers of condominium real estate three days to review financials and covenants of the subject property. During these three days, a buyer can cancel the contract if the buyer doesn't like what he finds in the condominium disclosures. Always talk to your agent about how this is handled in a real situation so that you take full advantage of your rights and duties.
Condominiums are found in all shapes, sizes, prices and types. Are you looking for a high-rise condo, a mid-rise or a garden-style condo? Maybe you'd prefer a townhouse?

The term "garden-style" condo usually refers to a condominium residence in a building that has less than three stories. Most garden-style condos have balconies or patios for each residence. Many garden-style condos have a main entrance that opens to a common-area hallway. Additional common areas include the green space and "gardens" surrounding the structures. If you're interested in garden-style condos you'll have a lot of options in Northern Virginia.

From the suburban feel of Kingstowne to the central location of Bolling Brook from the vintage charm of Belle View to the chic feel of Carlyle Square, are just some of the many Northern Virginia condominium communities we feature.


[read more]

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Mid-rise condos are taller than garden-style condos, but smaller than high-rise condos. Mid-rise condos in Northern Virginia are 5 to 8 stories tall and are generally found close to or inside the Beltway.


[read more about mid-rise condos]

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High-rise condos have more than 9 floors. They are generally found inside the Beltway and are often located near Metro stations, public transportation, or major commuter traffic arteries like I-395.


[read more about high-rise condos]

[idx-listings linkid="347904" count="3"]

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

Condos need maintenance …

Everything built by man requires some maintenance at some point.

Even so-called maintenance-free homes require some attention. So when making the transition from renting to buying, one aspect of home ownership that must be considered carefully is maintenance. Renters enjoy few advantages over buyers, but one benefit of renting is that in most cases renters needn't worry about the expense of maintaining a property. Many first time buyers aren't ready to take on the hassles and expenses of yard work, gutter cleaning, painting and so on, and for this reason condos are a viable and interesting alternative. In the case of a condo, maintenance can be separated into two categories: owner's responsibilities and association responsibilities. These exact nature of these duties and responsibilities will vary from condo to condo, but there are a few rules of thumb. For example, certain retirement communities provide maid service as part of the condo, but most often the condo owner is responsible for cleaning his own unit. In most cases, the condo owner must clean the condo interior, including all windows which are reachable from the interior. The condo owner must clean of his or her private balcony or patio. Most renters are accustomed to this type of arrangement already. Unlike renters, condo owners own the appliances in the unit. Thus, the condo owner cleans and maintains all the appliances, but the condo owner also pays for repairs and replacements as needed. A condo owner has the power to pick his own appliances, but with that benefit comes the duty of maintaining that unit. In most older condos, the association supplies the heating and cooling to the unit, and the condo owner owns the convector or radiator (heat transfer appliance) in the unit. In new condos, the owner typically owns the HVAC (heat pump / air conditioner) that heats and cools his unit. Plumbing and electrical concerns remain for owners of single family homes and townhouses, but in all but a few rare cases the condo owner need only worry about systems that are outside the walls.  For example, the condo owner typically owns the bathroom vanity and the pipes supporting that vanity but not the pipes which supply water and take sewage away from the bathroom. A condo owner owns his kitchen cabinets, but not the electrical wires inside the wall that bring power to his kitchen appliances.
Julie Nesbitt
Relaxing in Old Town
In general, the condominium owner is responsible for his personal space, but the condo association is responsible for all common areas.  This includes maintaining and operating the elevators and outside doors.  In most cases this includes the windows. Most always, the association maintains the lawns, flowers and shrubs. The condo association maintains the roof. While the owner of a single family home must maintain his own driveway, a condo parking lot is maintained by the condominium association. The parking garage can be private, common, or common with assignments.  If the parking garage is common, with or without assignments, the condo association will clean and maintain the parking. A private garage is the domain of the condominium owner.

Review your docs

Ultimately, you'll want review your condo documents, charter and by-laws to determine exactly how your condo association interprets its domain.  Rest assured, a condo owner will have more to maintain than a renter, but significantly less responsibility than the owner of a single family residence or townhouse.

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

New Construction Buying Tip

serving condo owners, sellers and buyers in Northern VA
Nothern Virginia Condo Experts
If you're thinking of buying a newly-built condo or new house, you probably already know that every new development will have its own sales staff. These people are often friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the new development. However, these folks work to sell this property only, because the sale staff works for the builder. The on-site staff of a new condominium knows the property as-well-as or better than anyone around and they are there to assist you but they work for the builder. The staff at a new home development probably knows the property very well, but they will tell you want the builder wants you to know. When in the market for a new construction, it's a good idea to work with a Realtor who is there to protect your interests. A Nesbitt Realty agent knows the entire area, not just one development. If you have your own Realtor you can trust that you'll understand the pitfalls and benefits of buying new. Best of all it doesn't cost you one dime more than if you use the onsite staff. You have a right to representation: exercise that right today!

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One of the biggest questions every condo buyer and home buyer has to ask is, "How much work am I willing to take on?" Some folks want a turnkey residence. Some folks want a residence in {Location_Name} that has brand new modern appliances and cabinets. Some people want appliances and cabinets that have never been used. Some people don't mind an older kitchen. Some people like the feel of a kitchen that was put in long ago. Others like an older kitchen because they like the idea of ripping out the old and putting in the new. It can be very gratify---not to mention financially rewarding---to completely remake a residence.  As a homeowner, or condo owner, you are the ultimate authority. It is your domain to decide what will stay and what must go.  This can be a lot of fun. But, remodeling can be a lot of work.  Living through the dust and the inconvenience can be a hassle. If you don't know where to turn to, it can also be very expensive.  But no matter how you personally resolve the issue, it's important to consider before you actually start shopping. Reach out to Nesbitt Realty to learn more about  your selections in {Location_Name}.

condominium

 

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

#1 Community to Raise Children: Arlington County Public Schools

Arlington County Public SchoolsArlington Public Schools is located across the Potomac River and Washington D.C. in Arlington, Virginia. While the county has one of the smallest land areas in the commonwealth, it still ranks as 15th largest among Virginia's school divisions. The county runs 26 square miles and has 22 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 secondary school, and 6 other school programs. The area is very diverse with students from 126 nations and 98 different languages. Arlington Public Schools is a great place for your children to learn; Newsweek and the Washington Post rated all of its high schools within the top 2% of the US. In 2010, Parent Magazine rated Arlington #1 community to raise a family. In addition, 94% of APS parents grade their child's school with an A or B, compared to the 46% national average. Check it out! Source: apsva.us
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Homes for Sale In Arlington

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  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

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  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

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  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

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  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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Real Estate Contracts With Contingencies

Real estate contracts sometimes come with contingencies. This is a part of the contract that states certain conditions or timelines are met or the seller or buyer can void the contract. The conditions or timelines can be any that both parties agree on and are put within the contract. Contingencies usually last for a specified period. Once the contingency ends the contract could end or the contract is valid without the contingencies agreed upon. Usually the buyer is more eager to have a contingency plan but in today's economy and market they are more widely accepted by both sellers and buyers. Nesbitt Realty can help you with your contingencies in your contract. For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

What are the steps of buying a home?

It's a waste of time and energy to look at homes that are outside of the budget, so prequalification is the first step for any home buyer. If you choose to work with Nesbitt Realty here are many of the steps that we'll be taking on the road to home ownership.
Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt is an Accredited Buyer's Agent and Top Producing agent.  Put her experience to work for you.
  1. Tour properties --- We'll take a top level tour of some of the properties that are in your budget. This gives the client something concrete and real to think about so that you can decide whether this home ownership thing is for you or not. It also gives us a chance to see which properties most interest you so that we can rely upon our experience to identify communities and properties you may have overlooked.
  2. Revisiting --- We'll revisit those communities that hold the greatest interest and look at everything available in those communities.
    • A few more choices --- If none of these really feel right, we'll find a few more to consider and continue with the search.
  3. Make an offer --- When we've found the property that stirs the soul, fits the budget and feels right, your agent will prepare an offer. At that time we'll collect earnest money.
    • The earnest money is evidence that the seller is serious about the purchase and is held in escrow until the sale is completed. We'll submit a preapproval letter, a copy of the earnest money deposit and the signed offer for the seller to consider.
  4. Negotiations --- Sometimes there is a difference between the asking price and the selling price. The selling price is determined by negotiation. We'll pass drafts of the contract back and forth until the buyer and seller have agreed on all terms.
  5. Loan processing --- Your loan officer will then collect additional documentation from the you and from your agent. This documentation will serve the purpose of proving the representations made in the loan application process. The buyer will produce pay stubs, bank statements etc. The loan office and agent will also order an appraisal as required by all lenders.
  6. Settlement --- Settlement is the word used to describe the actual transfer of ownership. We'll settle on the property in a timely fashion on an agreed upon date. Settlement will occur at a title company's office and a settlement agent will ensure that funds are present as is marketable title.
  7. Ownership --- Here's where the fun begins ... as does the responsibility of home ownership.

Real Estate for:

What Does a Realtor Do?

Realtors are required by law to:
  • perform necessary and customary acts to assist in the purchase or sale of real estate.
  • perform these acts in good faith and with reasonable care.
  • properly account for money or other property placed in his or her care.
  • disclose “adverse material facts” which are, or should be, within the agent’s knowledge.
Realtors in {Location_Name} can help buyers pre-qualify for mortgages and keep abreast of the latest home listings. They can assist sellers in preparing their homes and screening potential buyers. They can show investors the properties that fit their risk profiles and long-term investment strategies. Nesbitt Realty can quickly locate the great home for you. Our agents can efficiently organize and coordinate meetings with potential buyers and sellers. A Nesbitt Realty Realtor will be well acquainted with the important things you'll want to know about the neighborhood you may be considering:
  • the quality of schools,
  • the safety of the community,
  • traffic volume,
  • price,
  • Metro accessibility
  • nearby parks and attractions
Our agents have immediate access to homes in {Location_Name} as soon as they are put on the market, saving you hours of wasted drive-around time. When you’re ready to make an offer on a house, our Realtor will help structure the deal to save you money. He or she will explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mortgages and guide you through the mounds of paperwork.  
Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage. We appreciate every client and we'd love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to get a free assessment of your property's value. Nesbitt Realty has received numerous awards and recognitions for client satisfaction because we get results that make our clients in {Location_Name} happy. We'd love the opportunity to show you about why our clients in {Location_Name} rave about our service.  

Marketing Properties in {Location_Name}

One realty website that has one of the largest Internet footprints of any real estate site in Northern Virginia is Nesbitt Realty and Property Management. Furthermore, Nesbitt Realty's agents are highly skilled at leveraging MLS exposure, Internet articles, local print media, and other relevant avenues. Through the use of professional photography, video updates, maps, for instance, we at Nesbitt Realty assure buyers and renters that they have the necessary and accurate information prior to making an informed decision regarding your property.

Daily Landlord Responsibilities

Nesbitt Realty is the provider of a necessary level of separation and we also maintain the necessary separation between landlords and tenants in order to ensure that all business matters are handled appropriately and that the interests of the landlord are always protected. Tenants also have emergency repairs handled on a timely basis with Nesbitt Realty because we like to keep all parties involved comfortable without the complications of poor decisions that would negatively impact your investments.

Property Upkeep

There is a list of investors that we keep on file at Nesbitt Realty that has proven to be highly reliable and reasonably priced when it comes to handling problematic situations as they arise. We work hand-in-hand with contractors, handymen, and other providers as the need arises who are recommended by landlords. Nesbitt Realty never uses property maintenance as an avenue for generating profits for ourselves.

Communications

We are only one call away. Emails are responded to periodically.

Rent Collection Services

Nesbitt Realty's expectations are that tenants pay on a timely basis and they are held accountable for late payments. Rents are processed quickly. Therefore, landlords' payments are punctual. Whenever necessary, we serve late payment notices, eviction notices, and other necessary documentation to secure an orderly and regular rental income. Learn more about us now! Do you like working with small family-businesses? Then you'll love working with a Nesbitt Realty agent.

Benefits of Renting

While there are some obvious benefits to buying over renting, there are also many benefits to be gained from renting a property as opposed to purchasing a property. Some of the benefits of renting include the ability to save money while renting for the purpose of purchasing a home, and the inclusion of amenities which the renter would not likely be able to afford if they were to purchase a home instead of renting. Renters are also free from most maintenance concerns. This is especially true in a condominium. The renter may be responsible for small items such as changing light bulbs but more extensive repairs are typically covered by the landlord. If you're looking for a rental unit, contact us to learn more about how a rental agent can help you find the best deal possible.

703 765 0300

 

Why We Persuade Sellers to Accept Realistic Pricing

When prices were declining, many home sellers were having a lot of trouble accepting the market value of their properties. Even though the prices might seem high to those moving to Northern Virginia, some sellers are still adjusting to the market.
    1. We tell them the odds. Calculate the absorption rate in their area. Divide “1” by the number of months of housing inventory. For instance, if there are 12 months of inventory on the market, the probability of selling in any given month is 8.3 percent. The probability of not selling is 91.7 percent.
    2. We explain the cost of not selling. That includes paying the mortgage, insurance, utilities, etc., plus the cost of any further price declines.
    3. We compare the price per square foot. Show the seller the prices of comparable homes sold on a price-per-square-foot basis.
    4. We point out how much lenders are willing to loan on similar properties. If a house can’t qualify at the price the sellers seek, few will be able to buy it.
    5. We show them the goods. Take sellers on a tour of competing properties and show them the online tours of those that sold previous.
    6. We use online pricing tools. Sites such as NesbittRealty.com help us demonstrate competitive pricing.
Nesbitt Realty explains these fact so that sellers can make an informed choice about selling a home or condo today.

  • Reviving A Stale Listing In 22314 In Alexandria In 22314

    Do you have a abode similar to 124 Roberts Ln #201 in Alexandria that hasn't sold? Did you know that in Fort Ellsworth:

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  • What Has Recently Sold At Lyon Village?

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  • Listings Similar To 10074 Daniels Run Way In 22030 That Have Sold At Farrcroft

    Do you have a home similar to 10074 Daniels Run Way in the City of Fairfax that won't sell? Did you know that in Farrcroft:

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