7 thoughts to consider when downsizing

Falls Church realtors
Byron condominium is located in Falls Church VA
If you're approaching retirement, or just had it with the big-house lifestyle, it might be time to down-size. Here are some thoughts to consider when downsizing:
  1. Consider a short-distance move for familiarity. Plus, a shorter move can be cheaper.
  2. If you're moving out to a new county or state, check the property taxes.  This is especially important if you're on a fixed income.
  3. Look for handicap features that you might not need now but which may you if your health or physical abilities decline.
  4. Think about sharing space with a younger (or older) family member.
  5. Insist on good security in the new property.
  6. Look for a home that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
  7. Ask about energy efficiency.  Utility bills will go up but a fixed income does not.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

About the Dog Parks in Arlington

Dog parks have become quite popular. People are looking for ways to spend outside time with their dog without infringing upon other people's space. Owner/handler and dogs can make great lasting friendships in a secure dog park.
dog
Fred
Arlington County has 8 dog parks for you and your pet to enjoy. These parks are referred to as CCA's, Community Canine Areas. The Arlington area is very pet-friendly, so you and your dog can spend time outdoors in a safe environment. Of course with such great benefits come rules and regulations. Please be sure to read all the expectations that the park has outlined for you before you enter the parks. The parks are open from sunrise to half an hour past sunset. If you would like more information on the dog parks, please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources at 703-931-9241. Below is a partial list of rules that you must abide by:
  1. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated
  2. No dog less than 4 months old allowed in the parks
  3. Female dogs in heat are not allowed
  4. No food
  5. Owner/handlers are allowed 3 dogs at one time.
 
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    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

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  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

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What types of homes are people buying?

7207 HALIFAX PL, Springfield VA, 22150
typical brick home in Springfield
The National Association of Realtors recently did a study to learn more about the types of homes that people are purchasing. By collecting data from home sales across the country they are able to give us a window into types of homes that people are buying. Some of their findings were very intriguing. What's the most typical home purchase in America? If you're not from Northern VA, you might not be surprised to learn that seventy-nine percent of home buyers purchased a detached single-family home. I would expect that in Northern Virginia we have more townhouse and condominium buyers than the national average. The typical home purchased was 1,870 square feet in size, was built in 1993, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The average home purchase was a home that was 20 years old! Home buyers who bought previously owned homes purchased their home for a better price and overall value and the charm and character their home provides. Only a fraction of home buyers purchased brand new home. New home purchases represented only 16 percent of all recent home purchases. Why did folks buy new homes?
The Jamieson
Great views from this condo at the Jamieson are not found in a typical home.
New home purchasers bought a new home to avoid renovations or problems with plumbing or electrical, and the ability to customize their home. Do you fit the mold of an "typical home buyer"? For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

Bilevel condominiums — lofts and townhouse style lay-outs

For some people one of the benefits of condo living is that everything is on one level. There are no stairs inside the unit of some condominiums. For those in wheelchairs, for the elderly or for those who just like life without stairs, this is a big advantage. But for some people, life on one level is just not enough. Lofts and bilevel condominiums offer condo-style living, but don't limit life to just one level. One of my favorite examples of this is found in the top floor units at the Tiers of Manchester.
swiss-style condos
Chalet style condos at Manchester Lakes
The Tiers are "swiss-style" condominiums. Their roof lines echo the high-pitched roofs favored in Alpine cottages. In Switzerland these roof provide the pitch needed to get excess snow off the roof. But in Manchester Lakes, these roofs provide opportunities for dramatic overlooks in the condo itself.
Loft at the Tiers
Loft at the Tiers of Manchester Lakes
The pitch of the roof allows for high angled ceilings and the placement of a loft over-looking the living area.
Looking down from loft
Looking down from loft at Founder's Walk
It's difficult in a photograph to show how this brings a real feeling of spaciousness to the condo. The lofts here also provide bonus space for storage and closets under the eaves of the roof. The loft is easily accessed by way of a spiral staircase that only adds to the dramatic feel of these condos.
spiral stairs to the loft
Spiral stairs to the loft at the Tiers
Kingstowne has a good many condominiums with lofts, and the Tiers of Manchester and Eton Square are just two of my favorites. To check pricing and availability on these go to Tiers or Eton Square.
Sycamores
fireplace at the Sycamores
Lofts are dramatic and very appealing, but they aren't for everyone. Another alternative in you're looking for a multi-level condo is the townhouse style layout found at the Sycamores at Van Dorn. The Sycamores is one of many garden-style condos in this area that offer townhouse-style floorplans in a garden-style condo. This gives you all the benefits of condo life (low maintenance, amenities) with the homey feel of a townhouse. In condos such as these, the bedrooms are upstairs, but the kitchen and living room are downstairs. In some condos like the Sycamores and Old Town Village, most or all units have a townhouse style unit. In other condos, such as Eton Square in Kingstowne or Worldgate near Reston, on the the top floor units have the townhouse-style unit.
Sycamores condos
Sycamore at Van Dorn
But there is yet one more way to get a multi-floor condo.
The Fountains condominiums at 301 N. Beauregard
Rear of the Fountains condominiums at 301 N. Beauregard
Some high-rises offer units with multiple floors. For example the Fountains in the West End of Alexandria VA, has units that occupy two floors. The Fountains is also one of the most affordable condominiums in Northern Virginia and features a convenient location that is easily accessible via I-395 or public transportation. The Atrium in Arlington VA is a high-end condominium in Rosslyn that has dramatic two-level units with two-story windows. There are plenty of choices these days. Contact us to find a property that will fit your tastes, budget, commute! For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

You might be surprised by what you’ll find in the Carlyle District

Carlyle Towers is located in the Carlyle District not far from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria VA. This area is served by Yellow and Blue Line trains with stops at the Eisenhower Metro Station and King Street Station.

For Sale

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

McLean’s Harris Teeter makes a food run fun

Harris TeeterLocated on the ground floor of the Crestwood Heights condominiums between Freddie Mac and the Galleria, Harris Teeter is open 24 hours and includes a pharmacy, wine consultant and free underground parking. Harris Teeter was the first grocery store in the Tysons Corner area. Previously Tysons area residents had to travel into downtown McLean for groceries or a pharmacy. Harris Teeter now draws customers from single family homes, condos and apartments along International Drive, Spring Hill Rd and Lewinsville Rd. Harris Teeter's salad bar, sushi bar and homemade pizzas attract the lunchtime business crowd, especially those from neighboring Freddie Mac. A brightly lit eating area, with a fully staffed Starbucks, includes an outdoor patio with seating for more than 20. It is also open through the evening for early dinners. Grocery shoppers will find a wide variety of fresh produce, including many organic items. There are plenty of free samples in the bakery, deli and cheese areas, too. The wine and beer aisle is smaller than you would expect but makes up for it in variety. They No. Carolina-based chain seems to have created a Wegman's, but on a smaller scale. All the amenities of the super-size store but in a smaller footprint. They even thought to include cup holders in the grocery carts so you can sip your latte as your shop. (and yes, the cups fit perfectly) Shoppers who park on the first level leave the store via the escalator while their cart rides in the nearby cart-o-later. And no worries if another "snowmaggeden" hits while you are shopping since all parking is underground, well lit and very clean. Their staff is very helpful. Their prices competitive. And their loyalty card is a must-have. Next time you are in Tysons Corner, take your eyes off the high rises and construction cranes and take a look inside Harris Teeter for a glimpse of the future. For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

How your ratios affect your home buying power.

Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt
Two ratios are calculated by mortgage lenders to determine a buyer's maximum loan amount:1) the front ratio and, 2) the back ratio. Front Ratio: The total mortgage payment including principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) as well as any condominium or homeowner association fees divided by your total GROSS income. Traditionally, this ratio must be below 30% Example: With a gross income of $5000 per month, a total mortgage payment (PITI) of $1350, the front ratio would be 27%. Back Ratio: The total mortgage payment PLUS any car payments, credit card and any other loan payments including student loans divided by your total GROSS income. Traditionally this must be below 40%. Example: With a gross income of $5000 per month, a total mortgage payment of $1350, a car payment of $325, 1 credit card payment of $60 and 1 student loan payment of $150 for a total of $1885 with a back ratio of 38%. For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300. If you need help calculating your ratios, please contact Julie Nesbitt at 703 765 0300.

What do buyer's agents do?

In {Location_Name} whаt does thе buуеr'ѕ аgеnt dо fоr you? Will thеу find homes for уоu tо look at or wіll уоu be dоіng your own ѕеаrсh? Or bоth? Wіll thеу hаndlе things lіkе аррrаіѕаlѕ, іnѕресtіоnѕ and insurance? Will they bе there at the closing? Your аgеnt ѕhоuld be interested іn уоur unіԛuе hоuѕіng needs. Thеу should еnсоurаgе you to dіѕсuѕѕ the ideal home уоu wаnt аnd саtеgоrіzе уоur wаntѕ and nееdѕ. Aѕk whаt рrісе range thеу normally sell in; a rеаltоr dеаlіng in $500,000 hоmеѕ may nоt be аѕ еxреrіеnсеd with thе needs of реорlе whо can оnlу аffоrd a $200,000 home. Talk to Nesbitt Realty to learn more about  your options in {Location_Name}. Learn more about buying a home
first-time buyer
Nesbitt Realty helps first-time home-buyers realize their home-buying dreams.

What grocery stores are in Arlington?

Relocating to Arlington?  Our relocation resources will help you adjust to life here in Northern VA.
Clarendon Whole Foods
Whole Foods in Clarendon
To get Arlington Real Estate services, contact Nesbitt Realty
To get Arlington Real Estate services, contact Nesbitt Realty
Whole Foods Market Phone: (703) 527-6596 2700 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
0.45 miles
64 Reviews
El-Chaparral Meat Market Phone: (703) 276-8337 2719 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
0.45 miles
12 Reviews
European Foods Phone: (703) 524-6800 2700 Pershing Dr, Arlington, VA 22216
0.59 miles
8 Reviews
The Italian Store Phone: (703) 528-6266 3123 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22201
0.95 miles
242 Reviews
Glebe Market Phone: (703) 527-7212 300 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
1.49 miles
5 Reviews
Harris Teeter Phone: (703) 526-9100 600 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
1.59 miles
40 Reviews
Harris Teeter Phone: (703) 413-7112 900 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA 22202
1.8 miles
30 Reviews
Trader Joe's Phone: (202) 296-1921 1101 25th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
1.98 miles
142 Reviews
Safeway Food & Drug Phone: (202) 333-3223 1855 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
2.15 miles
28 Reviews
Safeway Phone: (202) 333-3223 1855 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
2.15 miles
14 Reviews
India A-1 Grocery Phone: (703) 841-9626 4815 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
2.38 miles
4 Reviews
Metro Market Phone: (202) 833-3720 2130 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
2.43 miles
7 Reviews
Manhattan Market Phone: (202) 986-4774 2647 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
3.1 miles
17 Reviews
Giant Phone: (703) 845-0446 3480 S Jefferson St, Falls Church, VA 22041
3.14 miles
10 Reviews
Metro K Phone: (202) 483-6100 1864 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20050
3.14 miles
11 Reviews
Yes! Organic Market Phone: (202) 462-5150 1825 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
3.21 miles
36 Reviews
Harris Teeter Phone: (703) 379-2003 Village of Shirlington, Arlington, VA 22206
3.22 miles
20 Reviews
MOM's Organic Market Phone: (703) 535-5980 3831 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
3.39 miles
35 Reviews
Harris Teeter Phone: (703) 412-1544 3600 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22202
3.55 miles
25 Reviews
Shoppers Food & Pharmacy Phone: (703) 518-4710 3801 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22305
3.77 miles
20 Reviews

Three garden style condo’s to consider

  1. Auburn Village borders the Del Ray community and is minutes away from Mount Vernon Avenue's local restaurants and shops.
  2. Bearings South Located in the 800 block of South Washington Street, the Bearings opens to the brick sidewalks and shade trees of Old Town, the oldest part of Alexandria — originally laid out in 1749 — and a nationally designated historic district.
  3. Abingdon Row is located at the north side of Old Town Alexandria. These condos are brick style with a world of charm and character dating back to the 50's.
Auburn Village real estate agents.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Auburn Village.

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.

Properties in

Abingdon Row reat estate agents
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Abingdon Row.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.