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.
In preparation for buying a home, it's a good idea to understand credit scores. Credit scores range between 200 and 850, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:
Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card bills on time? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also affect your history.
How much you owe and where. If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, spreading debt among several accounts can help you avoid approaching the maximum on any individual credit line.
The length of your credit history. In general, the longer an account has been open, the better.
How much new credit you have. New credit—whether in the form of installment plans or new credit cards—is considered more risky, even if you pay down the debt promptly.
The types of credit you use. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit—such as installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage.
Located in the Carlyle neighborhood of Alexandria, condos at The Jamieson are the only development to offer amenity services by the Westin Hotel. Residents have access to the following services:
Tax benefits. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying a home.
Appreciation. Historically, real estate has had a long-term, stable growth in value. In fact, median single-family existing-home sale prices have increased on average 5.2 percent each year from 1972 through 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The recent housing crisis has caused some to question the long-term value of real estate, but even in the most recent 10 years, which included quite a few very bad years for housing, values are still up 7.0 percent on a cumulative basis. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 10 to15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-rate mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will likely increase.
Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.
Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years allows you and your family time to build long-lasting relationships within the community. It also offers children the benefit of educational and social continuity.
Rainy Day in New Alexandria
On a rainy day residents can enjoy the many local indoor activities at the Mt Vernon Rec Center or take in a book or two at the Martha Washington Library.
Landlord Eddie Shiew says “I found they had turned a three-bedroom into a 10-bedroom apartment.” Shiew says that the tenants used sheetrock and divided each of the three bedrooms into three smaller bedrooms! The tenants were hoping to cash in on leasing out the extra rooms on airnb.com.
The tenants were listing the rooms for rent. Two tourists, for example, reportedly were paying $35 per night for a room on the third floor. Once the landlord discovered what was going on, he brought in a construction crew to tear down the renovations and evicted the tenants. The two tenants, however -- Burak Firik and Dogan Kimilli who were renting the apartment for $2,500 a month – took Shiew to court!
“They went to court and got a court order against me, “ Shiew told FOX News. “They said I illegally locked them out.”
A judge ordered that Firik and Kimilli be allowed back inside the apartment. They have not done any more renovations but they are creating spaces to rent on airnb and using curtains as room dividers.
Shiew has hired an attorney and is trying to evict them. He claims the two men violated the terms of the lease, which does not allow any repairs or alterations on the premises without the consent of the landlord.
Firik denied to the media of doing any renovations to the apartment. He says he and Kimilli live in the apartment.
Tips for Landlords
The best way out of a situation like this is to avoid a situation like this. Very careful tenant screening minimizes the chances of this happening.
Have the right lease. If your lease isn't written with the right language you may find there is nothing you can do.
Have regular inspections of the property so you know about modifications before they are completed.
Get pre-approved. Pre-approvals inform the seller that you can afford to purchase their home and that you've met with a lender who has agreed to finance your purchase. You will also know how much you are qualified to borrow. No sense in looking at $500,000 homes when you only qualify for a $400,000 home.
Find the right Agent. Buying a property is one of the biggest undertakings you will face in your life so it pays to have a professional who will be with you every step of the way. It makes sense to work with someone who has more education and experience than you. At the end of it all, hiring a real estate agent will save you time and money.
Educate yourself on the cost. There is more to buying a home than just the purchase price. Closing costs, inspections, appraisal, moving fees, homeowners association, homeowners insurance, and other fees are often a surprise to unprepared buyers.
Nestled in the west end of Alexandria, you'll find the gated condo community of Watergate at Landmark. This high rise community is located within the beltway, provides easy access to I-395 and I-495. Offering a resort style lifestyle with the benefits of condo living. If you are looking to purchase a condo, here are the top 5 reasons Watergate at Landmark is a good value.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Watergate of Alexandria.
Amenities - the resort style amenities offered at WAL are hard to match. Residents enjoy indoor and outdoor access to pool and tennis courts. The fitness center provides showers and a sauna. If you enjoy sports, you'll find a basketball and volleyball court, as well as a putting green. There is also ping-pong and billiards for some indoor recreation. Too tired to cook, no worries there is the convenience of the on-site market and cafe.
Watergate At Landmark is in Alexandria 22304
tennis courts
Security - WAL is a gated community, provides 24-hour security.
Location within the beltway - close proximity to I-395 and I-495 provide easy access to the Pentagon, Crystal City, Old Town Alexandria and the District of Columbia.
Proximity to the metro - residents can enjoy the convenience of a shuttle service to the Van Dorn Metro.
Sense of community - an abundance of exciting activities and events are held every week. Activities run the gamut from yoga, zumba, karoake, lua parties, book clubs, to kid's game night. The strong sense of community offers something for everyone.
From the unmatched amenities to the convenient location, the Watergate at Landmark is a hidden gem of a condo community.
Updated 10/10/15
The Coast Guard Telecommunication and Information Systems Command or TISCOM sets office just near Hayfield in Fairfax County Alexandria Virginia. The Command is the Coast Guard’s lead developer of voice and data communications systems by developing modern digital communication networks and integrating computer technology in the Coast Guard’s daily routine.
TISCOM provides telecommunications, electronics and information systems that support the Coast Guard. They are organized into 10 divisions :
Entrance at U.S. Coast Guard's TISCOM
Administration
Ceremonial Honor Guard
Facilities Engineering
Workstation Engineering
INFOSYS Operations
Information Assurance
Telecommunication Operations
Network Engineering
Radio Systems
Defense Message System or DMS.
All the 10 divisions have their own department divisions as well, carrying out various duties assigned to them. The TISCOM team of engineers,technicians and support staff focuses on solving today’s information technology problems by timely and quality service to the field.
TISCOM is in Fairfax County near Alexandria VA. For those who work at TISCOM there are many communities to choose from.
This USCG station is near Hayfield in Fairfax County VA
TISCOM communities to consider
Hayfield
Hayfield is a quiet community without the hustle and bustle of traffic or noise. It is located between Newington and Franconia, just a mile away from TISCOM. Beautiful trees and landscaping offers a relaxed and laid back feeling for professionals. Although Hayfield may sound secluded, it actually is close to the city for commuters. There’s just so much to do for leisure at Hayfield. The Hilltop Driving Range is ultimately close as well as the Golf course for a relaxing game of golf. Those who wish to get more of nature can visit Huntley Meadow Park down south. And the shops at Kingstowne Towne Center cater to all shopping needs. Telegraph KinderCare for the little ones is a walk away and so are Hayfield Elementary and Hayfield Secondary. To Find Homes in Hayfield
Franconia
Southwest of Alexandria in Fairfax County, Franconia is just 3 miles away from TISCOM. Franconia has access to the metro at both the Franconia/Springfield Metro Station and the Van Dorn Metro Station. Other transpiration options would be the Metrobus, Virginia Railway Express and other local as well as regional bus line. Franconia borders Fort Belvoir and most of Kingstowne, Hayfield, Manchester Lakes and Windsor Parks.
Kingstowne
Kingstowne is a subdivision of 22,000 acres of housing including 5,400 homes shared by 3 villages – North Village, Middle Village and South Village in Franconia, Alexandria. Kingstowne definitely is a neighborhood where residents can choose from condos, townhouses and single family homes.
The community itself can make use of the various amenities offered:
2 Fitness Centers / Gyms / Aerobic Studio
2 Swimming Pools
Multi Purpose Courts
22 Hiking / Biking Trails
3 Community Centers
24 Toddler Centers / Play areas
Residents find it quite accessible to the Metro’s Blue Line at the Springfield – Franconia Metro or the Van Dorn Metro.
Huntley Meadows
Huntley Meadows Park can be found in the Lee District on the southern part in Fairfax County. Huntley Meadows is 4500 acres of natural treasure that makes forests, wetlands and flower filled meadows creates a more outdoorsy nature loved environment for residents. TISCOM is just 3 miles away from the park making the area around Huntley Meadows.
Belle Haven
Just 5 miles away from TISCOM, Belle Haven is a luxurious and prestigious neighborhood in the south of Alexandria. Belle Haven overlooks the Potomac River and the Belle Haven Country Club. A wide variety of homes can be found here such as cottages, townhouses, manors, houses and luxury homes, all within an arm reach of parks and country clubs away from the hustles and bustles of Northern Virginia.
Huntington
TISCOM is a mere 5 miles away from Huntington where various styles of homes attract people to stay. The Huntington Metro Station on the Yellow Line provides efficient commuting for residents. Hunting Creek Club and Huntington Club are good options for those on a budget who want easy access to the Metro. Jefferson Manor offers little well-built brick townhouse with easy access to the Metro.
Mount Vernon
8 miles from TISCOM, Mount Vernon is located in the southern part of Fairfax County along the Potomac and toward Old Town Alexandria. Mount Vernon's hills, streams, lakes and forest provide a beautiful landscape. Many homes have views of the Potomac River. Historical sites such as George Washington’s plantation as well as Gunston Hall and Hollin Hill. A variety of parks, restaurants and retail stores are all located nearby for residents’ convenience.
Rose Hill
This suburb is 3 miles out from TISCOM and is located close enough to DC by commute. Rose Hill has wide accessible streets with ample unrestricted parking.
Lorton & Fort Belvoir
Lorton and Fort Belvoir are 7 miles from TISCOM located in Fairfax County, south of Alexandria. Lorton is further from the culture, opportunities and activities of Northern Virginia, but cheaper than you'll find in the city.
Through the years on my many strolls through Old Town, I have passed by the Old Dominion Boat Club. As a member of the of the Mount Vernon Yacht Club I knew of the 133 year old club and the longstanding pride this organisation holds. Founded in 1880 the Old Dominion Boat Club is the oldest boating club in Virginia. While originally created as a social club with a focus on a sports and physical fitness, the club is prides itself on the charity events and scholarships it provides to Alexandria high school students.
Knowing a location change is in the works for the ODBC, my husband and I stopped in to enjoy a light dinner and take in the panoramic views of the Potomac River.
