5 common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

1. Ask your lender as many questions as you can think of. Many times we miss out on great deals just because we didn't take initiative to ask questions. Real important you get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) so you fully understand all the costs involved with getting your loan 2. A well priced home will not sit on the market. Act quickly if you truly love a home. In today's tight inventory environment it is not uncommon to run up against 5 or more offers on a single property 3.Choosing a agent is huge in making a offer. Time is of the essence so choosing a agent who is very responsive is essential. Man this is so critical. Typically buyers work with the first agent they meet. ALWAYS get a second opinion. Not all agents are equal. 4. Proposing a offer is often times a artful process to make it most appealing to the seller. Again it is going to come back to who you choose as an agent. A Realtor experienced with working for first time home buyers will know how to write the offer with the best chance of getting accepted 5. Considering resale value in the span of 10 years will make your decision easier. You make money in Real Estate when you buy not when you sell. Take that into consideration before buying that first home. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

What’s the difference between a Mid-Rise Condo and A High-Rise Condo?

Mid-rise condos have 4 to 8 floors. High-rise condos are 9 stories or more.  Most high-rise condos are located near the center of the city, which may provide a better commute to work. Most condos also include a variety of amenities, including laundry services, pools, convenience stores. Some condos even small grocery stores located within the building itself.

Properties in

Properties in

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

Why do I need to sign a buyer’s representation agreement?

July 1, 2012 agents are now required to have buyer representation in writing in the state of Virginia. Realtors must disclose which party represented in a transaction prior to showings. Without a clear understanding, many clients are hesitant to sign (perhaps you do not know the agent well enough to commit or think there is a fee for a buyer rep- there is not). I would recommend signing a limited agreement for a day to view 1 to 2 homes. If you are comfortable  with the agent after the initial meeting, then extend the agreement for the purpose of finding your home with that agent. If you sign the buyer's agency agreement, they will then represent you, and any information they have or can gather about the seller, will be shared with you. Your information will never be shared with the seller. The agent negotiates on your behalf, and represents you the best way they can. A good agent will provide all the pros and cons about a home. Since the agent views homes all the time, and presumably, you only buy a home once every 5 - 10 years, they will spot defects that you won't. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Properties in

 

What are the homes like at Wilton Woods?

Wilton WoodsWilton Woods homes are elegant and welcoming with the ambiance of the 1940's and updates of the 2000's. Many homes showcase 2 car garage and spacious layouts. Conveniently located in Franconia shopping is minutes away. Kingstowne shopping center provides local restaurants and retail shopping. Ridge view Park is located in the center of the neighborhood providing peaceful walking trails. Commuting is quick and easy. Wilton Woods has routine shuttle bus service too Franconia Metro and is minutes away from the beltway. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Weekend Festivities In Old Town- Farmers Markets & More!

Art Festival
Old Town Alexandria Art Festival
                    Old Town Alexandria is a vibrant community. Festivals and Farmers Market's are a common activity during the weekend.  Weekends in Alexandria offer a wide variety of farmers markets, where Old Town's Market Square bustles with the same energy as the days when George Washington would send down his produce from Mount Vernon. Whereas Del Ray's market kicks in early Saturday mornings, the West End and Four Mile Run showcase their fresh goodies on Sundays. Find fresh flowers for your home or a jar of jam to take home as a creative souvenir; but first make sure you have enough room in your suitcase. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

Pentagon Row- Comfort & Convenience By The Metro

Pentagon City                       Located at Joyce Street and Army-Navy Drive, the Shops at Pentagon Row feature main stream fashion retailers and commercial restaurants as well as the Arlington Visitors Center. Shoppers can enjoy the charm of Main Street while shopping in an urban village setting. The Shops at Pentagon Row are located near Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines; near the Pentagon City Station.  Pentagon Row boost the following retailers:
  •  A Visual Affair
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Best Foot Forward
  • DSW Shoe Warehouse
  • Harris Teeter
  • Hudson Trail Outfitters
  • Jouvence AVEDA
  • LA Fitness
  • LOFT
  • Mattress Warehouse
  • Metropolitan Nail Bar
  • Pacers Running Stores
  • Pentagon Row Cleaners
  • Pentagon Row Ice Rink
  • Rite Aid
  • Solar Planet
  • Sprint
  • Sur La Table
  • The Vitamin Shoppe
  • World Market
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Westmoreland Terrace- Quiet Arlington Condos

Westmoreland Terrace The Westmoreland Terrance Condominiums are a garden-style, private entrance condo community located at 1314 North Fort Myer Drive along North Ode Street in Arlington, Virginia. Located just outside of the Rosslyn business district and the greater Courthouse Metro area, this sprawling condo community spans 4.2 acres and offers a quiet and more subtle living alternative compared to the surrounding metropolis. Built in 1947 and converted in 1982, the post-war cinder and brick facade buildings offer parking and storage amenities, and 8 out of every 10 condos features a private laundry facility. The Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums house 149 condo units and there are 159 unassigned parking spaces available to its residents. Residents have a choice between one and two bedroom units, and the condos are also pet friendly, a rare feature compared to nearby residential communities. Finally, each unit features thick walls and a choice between red and white oak parquet floors. The Westmoreland Terrace condos have anywhere between 14 and 16 units per building and the layout of the property captures the rich history of Arlington County. The surrounding acreage maintains many of the original trees that existed before the building was constructed, some in excess of 150 years old, and the property is reminiscent of an older, less urbanized ideal. The Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums boost a tucked-away feeling and yet the property is within several yards of US 50 and is only an 8 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. The property is both well maintained and well managed. Through its consistent and quiet manner, this calm and peaceful condo community has thrived for over 60 years. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

King Street Trolley — a great way to get to know Old Town Alexandria

king street trolley logo
King Street Trolley
Around Old Town Alexandria, parking can sometimes be a hassle, (unless you want to pay to park in a garage), but a great way to explore Alexandria is to take the Metro to King St. and then hop a ride on the King St. Trolley. There is no charge to ride the trolley, and it makes stops about every two blocks between the King St. Metro and the Potomac. The Trolley was designed to complement service by the National Harbor's new Water Taxi. The National Harbor is located across the Potomac in Maryland and is the site of a brand new convention center. The convention center and many restaurants are already open in this brand new area landmark. Additionally boat service is available up and down river from the Strand in Old Town. The length of this circuit can be walked in about 20 minutes, so many choose to take the trolley to the Potomac and then walk back to the Metro through Old Town.
King Street Trolley
Trolley at King Street
The Trolley makes it final stop before returning to the Metro near the Torpedo Factory. Just as the name implies, the Torpedo Factory was torpedo factory in the early part of the last century. Today the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a world-renowned art center with three floors of open studios and galleries. Here, one can observe artists and purchase original artwork. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is on the Potomac waterfront. Street musicians and entertainers play nearly every night weather permitting, and tourists and locals alike enjoy walks down by the waterfront.
Train arriving at King Street Metro
A train arrival at busy, convenient King Street Metro
The trolley runs its route from 10 am to 10 pm every day. A printable map is available for those who know nothing about the area. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Belle Haven Country Club

  The Belle Haven Country Club is located near the intersection of Fort Hunt, Route 1, and I-95/I-495.  Situated near Belle View Condos, River Towers, Montebello, Hunting Creek Club, and Midtown Alexandria Station it's within easy reach of the Huntington Metro.  It's beautiful greens are accentuated by many offerings
Belle Haven golf course
All roads lead to the bunker
  • Catered weddings and social events
  • Outdoor and Indoor Tennis
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • 18 holes and over 6900 yards
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Green Spring Gardens

Green Spring Gardens and Horticultural Center in Annandale is an inspiration for gardeners and a destination for tourists and visitors. Whether you are local or just visiting Northern Virginia, Green Springs Garden is quiet get-away to be seen. Green Springs features a valley centered over a wooded stream. The naturalist plant gardens showcase native species while the green houses are filled with tropical plants. Green Spring Gardens feature a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals, bulbs, and vegetable. Check out the horticultural reference library or visit the gift shops to stock your own library. The Garden Gate Plant Shop has plants, gardening gloves, collectible china, wind chimes and other gift ideas. Green Spring's grounds are open dawn to dusk every day of the year. The Horticulture Center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday, noon to 4:30 pm. The Horticulture Center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays. Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk..
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.