K Michael Nesbitt, Author at Real Estate & Property Management Services

A Life Lesson to Ponder

November 19, 2015November 19, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Having a bad day? Have you ever been in a situation where you sit back and think - why me? Do you think that things may be out of control? Do you feel unsure about the direction you may be going? If any of these were answered with a "yes", I hear ya. Life is interesting and a bit of a challenge, no matter which brick on the path of life you're on currently. One thing is for sure, things will change. Whether or not they change for the better is not only your choice. This involves many people. Is it that some people just don't want to get involved, for fear of failing again, or is it just that they are timid when dealing with life itself? Either way, the assistance or lack there of, can alter the very state of our lives. People are of the utmost importance in this sort of situation. Having a strong support group of people (friends and family) will greatly increase the odds that you come out of the situation with minimal mental anguish. Knowing this will also allow you to realize how important you are to others. Stress is constantly stinging people. Some have subtle ways of showing it, others not so much. No matter what, caring for these people when they need it may be a small thing to you, but the positive impact it may have on them could monumental. Think about it next time you see someone in a state of stress. What would your little bit of assistance be worth to them? Move the mountain, one pebble at a time and this world will be better for it. Still looking for the ideal place to ponder your deepest thoughts? Look below for some help.

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Should I Rent or Buy?

November 17, 2015November 17, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Is it time to take the plunge into the home buyers' world? If the idea of purchasing your first home or just buying the next home is on your mind, I have some thoughts to add to the collection you've already been making in your own mind. Sometimes moving seems like an exciting experience and other times just a nuisance. The act of actual moving is totally irrelevant, though when it comes to actually achieving movers happiness. In order to gauge the level of success you've achieved from a move some factors must be taken into account. The first that I've noticed when trying to understand this is whether or not I find myself smiling on the way home or annoyed, dreading another night there. Where we lay our head at night is a big part of happiness. Finding a place that draws us to it is a key to achieving the level of happiness that we've dreamed about for probably all our lives. I know I have an ideal mind set and when heading home over the years, different houses and apartments that I've lived in have conjured up thoughts of peace as well as dread. This is why I have a suggestion if you are moving into a new area. Do you know the neighborhood? Do you know the neighbors? Do you feel comfortable with your morning and evening commute? If any of these make you a bit hesitant, please do some research before buying and dedicating yourself to an area. Maybe now is the time to rent a home to take a year and investigate the location a bit. This may give greater insight into the desired location you want to buy. Maybe something just isn't right. If so, the lease will end and you can pick up the iMac and the six iPads and just move the family. When it finally feels right, it'll feel right and then you know without a doubt that you're ready to lay down roots in the area. If now is the time to test out new areas, check out the guide below and the listings that just may help you on your search for happiness.

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.

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To Sign or not to Sign

November 16, 2015November 16, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

The Hot Stove is Heating up. Here we are in the middle of Thanksgiving warm up time and the boys of summer are just beginning to make their splashes. The qualifying offers are being presented and things are ramping up. Out in the midwest there is a big decision looming. A qualifying offer was presented and promptly refuses by two big pieces of the puzzle. The Cardinals are the team I reference here and I believe I know what they should do. John Lackey and Jason Heyward are the two big pieces that I mentioned above. Both had acceptable seasons last year for the team with the best record in the regular season. For John Lackey, it was arguably his best. For Jason Heyward, not so much. The thing that Heyward brought to the table this past season was clutch offense in the post season. His numbers in the regular season, however; were mediocre at best. What this team needs in this corner outfield position is a consistent .300 hitter who can smash the ball over the yellow line in the outfield. What Jason offers is less than this. I hope the Cards don't back up the Brinks truck for this player, who may or may not out perform any of our other options, the best of which is Piscotty. As for Lackey, I have a sneaking suspicion that he is wanting the world after last season and he just may get it. The Cardinals have been very shy about giving a pitcher more than two years, especially one so close to the end. The money he will want, since he's declined the qualifying offer, will probably hamper the teams' ability to go out and replace Lance Lynn, who will miss the entire season recovering from surgery. My advice for the Cardinals, keep doing what you've been doing to be successful and don't fall for these two for the wrong amount of money. Would they help, sure. Would the amount of money they want hurt us more - definitely. I'm not saying I don't like these two, I just like winning more. Still looking for the perfect place to watch the game? Follow the guide below and check out the listings that I've attached.

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Take A Walk in the Woods

November 11, 2015November 11, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

When is the last time you read a really good book? If you need to think about the answer to this question, maybe you need a little help. Or, maybe you don't like reading. If you do like reading and would like a suggestion, I have one for you. This is going to be the first of many, many posts about books. I enjoy reading, maybe a bit too much. I also like writing. I do both of these activities every single day. It's been this way for a long time. I hope someday to get published, so I can dedicate more time to it. Anyway, back to the post. While I was driving around the other day, I looked over to my right through the naked branches of some trees and I could, for the first time, see some spectacular views of the nearby golf course. After I stopped gazing and corrected the path of the car, I instantly thought about a book that I know well.

The reason why I thought of this book is that the book is all about nature and experiencing it. This book is available in all forms, your paper, hardback and e-form, both book and audio book. You can get it on line, at Barnes & Noble or just take a trip to Skyline Drive and pick up a copy at the gift shop. I have delved into each of these and several times. The audio book is very fun, because the author reads his own words and it gives new depth to the piece. After reading it in traditional form many times, hearing his voice was a breath of fresh air. The book I refer to is A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson. In this book, Bill talks simply about walking the Appalachian Trail (The AT). He notices a path one day by his home and decides to take the walk. He meets up with a long lost friend, Katz, and they have one heck of a time on the trail. He talks at length about nature, trees and wildlife on the trail. He goes into detail about the history of the AT as well. I like to ask people this question when talking about the book: Have you ever laughed out loud, just reading a book? If you haven't, get ready for a lot of this. He has a way of writing that makes it fun to do almost anything and to want to read more about whatever it is that he's doing. Their encounters with other path walkers are truly entertaining. Overall, the book is a delight and I know I will read it again many times. It goes by quickly and it is a very easy read. Bill Bryson has written several other books. If you have the inclination to pick up a new author, give Bill a chance, he just may hook you. One of these days, I hope to have a following, like his. Are you looking for the next place to cuddle up with a good book? Follow the guide below and look at the listing that I have included. I will be happy to help you along the way.

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Super Luxury

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A Few Things to do Before the Snow Comes

November 10, 2015November 10, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Are you ready for the white fluffy stuff? We all have opinions on the existence of snow, but few of us know how and when to react to it coming down. Now is the time to think about it, before it's too late. The leaves are falling and some trees are all but totally bare. The ground is not cold yet, but it surely is full of leaves. The views

that this gives us are spectacular, especially in this part of the country. Virginia is beautiful anytime of year, but when the leaves fall, the views of mountains and valleys are simply amazing. Now that the leaves are all but off their branches, it's almost time for the snow to bless us with its' presence. Some places get more snow than others, but one thing is true about anywhere in this country when the cold hits - water doesn't flow if it's too cold. Why does this matter? It matters, because the valves that currently have hoses hooked up to them need to be shut off and shut off from a valve inside if possible. If the only thing you can do is shut the water off outside, make sure to take the hose disconnected from the valve. This will help prevent damage to the valve. One other thing to do here is go to a hardware store and buy a cover for the valve. This will keep the temperature from getting too cold and may even prevent cracked pipes. The next thing to do just before the snow comes is to clean up the yard. The kids, no doubt, have left some small surprises for you to find. The last thing you want to do is twist an ankle on a toy when you have to walk through the snow to find the newspaper or just to enjoy the quiet sound of falling snow.

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Lastly, please find the snow shovel and put it in a place where it can actually be useful. I am amazed at the amount of people who find themselves needing to buy a new shovel every year, because they lost the old one. Now you're ready for the days of 16"-24", only to see the same thing two days later. Is is time to move into your new home, just before the winter hits? Follow the guide below and check out the listings as well.

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No Blues in the STL

November 9, 2015November 9, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

We love the regular season, right? The fans of the St. Louis Blues know very well what I'm talking about. This team thrives in the regular season. They have not been horrible in the regular season for a long time. There was actually a period of time that they made the playoffs for 26 straight seasons. Why, then haven't they hoisted the cup? Well, I don't presume to know the exact answer to this question that has plagued the fans and team of this great franchise. I do, however have a possible reason why they are so good before the playoffs. This reason shined brightly the other day against the Chicago Blackhawks, who are in the midst of a dynasty. The Blackhawks seem to know how to finish the season, when the Blues do not. The other day, this past Wednesday to be exact, the game got off to a very sloppy start. The score was 3-1 Hawks before the first ten minutes of the game were in the books. Before they knew what hit them, the Blues were down 5-2 and all hope seemed to be fading away. A victory was just not in the cards for that night. Then something happened that keeps this team together all season (regular season) long - they didn't give up. The Blues scored the next 3 goals and sent the contest into overtime. David Backes ended the night in the overtime period and the Blues celebrated on the ice. This is a perfect example of what we've seen for years from this team. The 'never say die' attitude they display only has one flaw - it goes into hibernation come playoff time. The Cardinals have figured out how to finish the deal and now it's the Blues' turn. Keep up the good work boys and bring home the hardware at the end of the season. Just a little tweak in mindset is all it takes. Still need that perfect place to watch the next game? Maybe the guide below and the listings here can help out.

Affordable
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Super Luxury

Alexandria also has many condos for sale. We've taken the time to sort these by price as well. Check Alexandria condos for sale to find condos sorted by price.

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Why we Should Respect Other Drivers

November 6, 2015November 6, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Are you feeling frustrated at any time on the road? Do you have unpleasant thoughts behind the wheel? Would you be happy to never have to drive anywhere ever again? If any of these questions were answered by you with an emphatic 'yes', you may want to read on. Normally, I would reserve Fridays for my thoughts on a dining experience, but today I need to throw out a few words about a drive I had on the road the other day. I am feeling more and more like I need to have a five point harness and maybe the same HANS device that Jeff Gordon wears to work. Why would I say this, you inquire? Well, it's pretty simple - people are taking their mundane or frustrating lives to the roadways. I experienced one of these people the other day and I wish I hadn't. I did learn though, to simply take a different route when trying to get to a certain part of Rte 1. It is much easier, trust me, to drive the speed limit and not get mad if others are driving like fools. The destination will be reached with less stress and the sane driving may even allow one to avoid a ticket from Mr. law man/law woman. The simple truth is that this life is so much better when we can just put ourselves in one another's shoes for a bit and think about how we should really be conducting ourselves in any given situation. The aforementioned alteration of demeanor and attitude will for sure rub off on others and make this life a better place to exist. Love is all around us. It sometimes is our job to not only find it, but spread it around also. Need a new place to dine in, off the roadway? Follow the guide below and look into some of the listings just underneath.

Crystal City as seen from Arlington Ridge — View from Arlington Ridge toward Crystal City

Arlington Ridge is bordered on the north by the The Pentagon, on the west by the Army Navy Country Club, and on the south the City of Alexandria. The main thoroughfare is the eponymous Arlington Ridge Road. Arlington Ridge Road is lined with manors and fine homes, many of which offer picturesque view of the Potomac valley and Washington DC. Arlington Ridge has two historical points of interest: the Hume School (currently the site of the Arlington Country Historical Society and Museum) and Fort Scott (the site of Fort Scott Park). Together with the established neighborhoods of Aurora Hills and Addison Hieghts, Arlington Ridge provides some of the finest homes in Arlington County.

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A Solution to your DC Entertainment Woes

November 5, 2015November 5, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Are you tired of whatever it is that you do as means of entertainment? Do you live in the Washington DC area? Are you willing to drive a little ways if you aren't? Do you know what a basketball is? If you answered yes to any one of the above questions, I have a short story for you. I have been dreaming for a long time of having basketball (NBA) in St. Louis, where I formerly resided. That never came true and then I came out east again. This past week I had the chance to go to opening night at Verizon Center to see the game between the New York Knicks and the DC Wizards. I was very excited indeed to finally have a chance to see pro basketball live, instead of in a stinky bar with a hundred of my closest friends. The first time for any sport is a cool thing, but here in the twilight of my life, I was really looking forward to it. I began the evening by getting downtown a little more than two hours before the game. I walked around a bit, then went into the team store and checked out some merchandise. I was helped out by a very nice lady in the store who gave me some study material on the Wizards and Capitals. I took these booklets next door to The Green Turtle and began familiarizing myself with the teams. The time came to go into the Verizon Center and I walked quickly to my seat. Every seat in the facility had a Wizards give-away

shirt draped on it. My section had white shirts, but there were blue and red sections as well. The closer we got to tip off, the more it hit me that this place isn't going to be full. There were no big montages on the big screen and no hoopla at all, to speak of. I was expecting a lot more Opening Night build up, but it didn't happen. There wasn't even a crazy amount of traffic outside and I just now realized this as I looked around the arena. The game commenced and it was entertaining indeed. Both teams had comfortable leads at different points, but the Knicks ended up winning. I am very happy to have this experience behind me and I look forward to more games very soon. The thing I learned is that I think this team needs more support. I will be back to the Verizon Center and if you like basketball, you should as well. It is a good and safe way to enjoy an evening and it is well worth the money. The tickets were a fraction of what I thought they would be for a DC sport. If you are still looking for that dream home to hang up your Wizards cap after the game, refer to the guide below and the listings that follow.

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Why being a Pansy isn’t a Bad Thing

November 4, 2015November 4, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Are you bored with the look of your yard, now that the weather is getting colder? Sometimes at the end of the summer, things are a bit bland in the area of landscaping, then fall arrives. The fall season is magic, what with the addition of colorful leaves, trees strutting their stuff, then dumping it on our lawns. This commonly makes things a bit bland out in the yard. We have only two things to do at this point: accept a banal looking yard or fight back with some fun color. With the onset of winter, how can this be done, without throwing money down the drain, you ask? Well, there are many cool weather choices to add to the landscape of your yard, but one sticks out to me and with good reason.

Several years ago, I was living in Godfrey, a small town in the state of Illinois. I was just finishing up another entertaining outing of shoveling 13" of snow off the long driveway, leading to the garage in the backyard. On my way to the back door, shovel working overtime, I hit something with the shovel that sprang back. I bent down to uncover what it was and this something was a grouping of purple and yellow pansies. These colorful and vibrant colors jumped out at me like the headlight of an oncoming vehicle just revealing itself over the next hill. I just laughed there in the snowy silence, looking at these awesome flowers. How did they do it? I proceeded to look into it and asked a lot of questions. It turns out that they really like cold weather. The best part of this is that they come in so many color combinations. For anyone looking to add color this time of year, even with winter heading our way very soon, try some pansies out. You just may realize that they aren't so wimpy after all. Time for a new place to plant your feet? Look at the guide below and check out the listings.

Northern Virginia — Overview of Northern VA neighborhoods
City — Inside the Beltway, near the Metro, close to shops and culture.
Suburbs — Close to town, but plenty of green grass.
Exburbs — For those who prefer a little longer commute to get a larger home.

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Why DC is Beautiful after Sunset

November 3, 2015November 3, 2015K Michael Nesbitt

Do you hate driving after dark? With all of the attractions in the Washington DC area, sometimes a spectacular view is missed by visitors. Within a very small footprint you can visit such magnificent sights such as The White House, The Washington Monument and The Capital Wheel at National Harbor.

vintage — 1980 Nightime aerial view of Washingto , the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol, right to left. Washington, D.C.

These wonderful attractions that draw tourists from all over the world on a yearly basis are timeless and truly sights to behold. I'd be interested to know how many of the locals have yet to actively visit (actually go inside and experience) these wonders. An aspect that may not be thought of right away when thinking of visiting here, is how amazing these look in the dark cover of sundown. With all of the bridges allowing views from different aspects, driving to these sights after sunset gives a new and marvelous perspective. Check it out sometime, try not to veer off the road and enjoy the visual spectacle that is our nation's capital. Are you trying to find a new abode close by DC? Look below for some help and check out the listings.