What’s the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?

Realtor LogoIn the Commonwealth of Virginia a real estate agent is a person who is licensed to be paid a commission on a real estate transaction. Real estate agents have minimal educational requirements but must pass a test for licensing. After that, the agent must follow up with continuing education to stay apprised of updates in real estate law. Real estate agents may not work independently and they must affiliate with a real estate broker. Real estate agents may not work independently and they must affiliate with a real estate broker. A real estate broker has a higher education requirement than a real estate agent. In addition a real estate broker must have 3 years of full-time work experience as an agent in order to qualify for the process of becoming a broker. Broker's are responsible for supervising the efforts of any agents whose licenses are affiliated with them. Because the broker has a deeper understanding of real estate laws and practices, agents often come to their broker when they have questions or need assistance. There are three types of brokers: a managing broker, an associate broker and a principal broker. Every real estate firm in the Commonwealth of Virginia has a principal broker. The principal broker is the primary licensee from which all licenses at the firm are authorized. A principal broker is uniquely responsible for the actions of every affiliated agent or broker. In addition to managing the burdens of real estate law and practices, the principal broker is responsible for the actual business practices of the brokerage. At some point, a brokerage can grow too large for one broker to manage. In addition some brokerages have multiple offices. For this reason a principal broker may need to appoint managing brokers. A managing broker has all the education experience that a principal broker has, but the managing broker's responsibilities are generally limited to the management of agents and offices. Most real estate agents at most chain brokerages report to a managing broker and only rarely interact with the principal broker. At Nesbitt Realty every agent has immediate access to and direct supervision from the principal broker. An associate broker is a broker who has fulfilled all the educational requirements to be a broker, but the associate broker does not assume a managerial position. An associate broker is affiliated with a managing or principal broker. An associate broker requires minimal supervision, the supervising broker is still responsible for the associate broker's actions. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Nesbitt Family Photos

Here's a look at who you're dealing with when you deal with Nesbitt Realty. We are a family-business second, and a family first. We work together and play together. 

Nesbitt Realty is a real estate brokerage serving Northern Virginia. Locals trust us because we provide the same services as a national chain realty but with a hometown touch.

  • Our Agents

    Here are some of our top agents:
    • Will Nesbitt -- principal broker licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland
    • Julie Nesbitt --- top producer with proven results and strong educational background
    • Ronald Ginyard --- retired USMC recruiter and technical sergeant, more than 15 years experience as a real estate agent
    • Stuart Nesbitt --- a local agent with deep community connections.
    • Andrew Patton --- a native and graduate of East Carolina University .

    [read more about our agents]

Nesbitt Realty

Equal Housing Opportunity

real estate brokers in Northern VA 1451 Belle Haven Rd. #222
Alexandria VA 22307
LICENSED IN VIRGINIA

703 765 0300

888 783 6391 (fax)

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

What’s so great about a condo?

There are many types of condominiums, some condos look like houses or townhouses, most look like high-rises or garden-style apartments. Even though a condo can look look like a townhouse or house, owning a condo differs from owing a fee simple property in many ways. There are aspects of condo living that some may view as advantages or disadvantages, and you should be aware of these before you buy. Here are a few basic benefits and considerations of condo living to help you make your decision.
Montbello condos
5901 Mt Eagle

The City

Busy folk who love being close to the action often choose a condominium because condo developments most often occur in the city. In the Carlyle District, in Arlington and places like Skyline Square, land is at a premium. But in all these examples, your condo is well served by public transportation. These condos are also close to the culture and opportunities of the city. Of course the downside to being in town is that you're in the city---that means traffic, hustle and bustle and other disadvantages of living downtown. For example, the USPTO is crawling with people during rush hour. Crystal City is a pass-thru for many many commuters. Most homes and townhomes have a lawn or yard of some kind, but few condo owners have a yard or personal green space.

Community Living

A condominium owner is part of a community. The community lifestyle has many advantages. For example, the owner of a condo can leave things on a whim. There is no yard to worry about and the building is secure. Neighbors and condo staff will watch the property while you're on travel or vacation. Most condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Crystal City and Falls Church have security features such as buzzers, a concierge or a guard service. If you travel often for business or pleasure (or if this is a second home), there are no worries while you're out of pocket. Many condos have clubs, activities and the opportunity to socialize with neighbors. But, shared walls and common areas mean that you are more likely to hear your neighbors. If you need your home to be a hideaway where you can escape from people, you have to deal with the fact that you might encounter neighbors in the hallway. Nosy neighbors are found everywhere, but it's a lot easier for them to keep tabs on you as you come and go in a condo. The community will set standards and make decisions about common areas. For example, many condo association have rules about pets so that the common areas are not over-run with pets and pet debris.

The Association

You can take part in the decision making (by voting or by being a board member), but you must abide by the rules of the community. As you may know, condos are governed by a set of rules called Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). This can include restrictions on noise levels, pet ownership, renovations, and even what kind of curtains you can put in your windows. Every unit owner is a member of the condo association, which also has an elected board. The association serves to enforce bylaws, handles maintenance and repair issues, etc.Because the condo association is made up of homeowners rather than property-management professionals, the association may be weak and inefficient. Most associations oversee a paid management firm. Also, if you want to make renovations to your unit or rent your unit out, you may have to get approval from the condo association.This purpose of this oversight is most usually designed to make sure that you don't remove any load bearing walls or short circuit community electricity.

Maintenance

Homeowners have a lot to worry about, but condo owners on the other hand ... Condo owners generally don't mow lawns. They don't clean gutters. They don't even have to hire or pay landscapers. In a condominium someone else takes care of the exterior, the common areas, the snow removal and moreSomeone else makes sure there's money enough to pay for the new roof. Of course, that service comes at a price: the monthly condo fees. The association collects these fees to pay for maintenance and repair of the common areas. All homeowners pay for maintenance, but the owner of a single family residence can save money by mowing his own lawn. The owner of a single family home can defer payment a little longer if money is tight. Of course, by aggregating the fees of maintenance, condominium owners often have enough money to pay for amenities that are not common in a single family residence. For example, a swimming pool is pretty standard in a condo.

Affordability

Some condos in Northern Virginia list are every bit as expensive as single family houses elsewhere. Condos in Crystal City, condos in Arlington and condos in Alexandria (especially in the Carlyle District) can be quite pricey. But some condos are surprisingly affordable. This makes a great option for first-time buyers and singles who may find single-family houses unaffordable. Condominiums are more sensitive to trends in the real estate market than single-family homes. Now that the prices have dropped there are some tremendous bargains for shoppers.

Amenities

Most condominium developments offer a range of amenities in the common areas. It's pretty standard in Northern Virginia to have access to a swimming pool, gym or tennis courts in most condo complexes.

Properties in

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

Property Management 101

Property management is a business in and of itself. If you want to invest in real estate, but you don't want to be a property manager, the solution is really quite simple: employ the services of Nesbitt Realty. Our property managers are experienced individuals who will manage the day-to-day operations of your property. We manage residential properties, multi-family properties and even homeowners and condo associations.
property managment
Amin & Will in Lowes
A big value-add provided by your Nesbitt Realty property manager is "separation". This to say, your Nesbitt Realty property manager maintains a level of separation between the landlord and the tenants and the property. As you may already know, it's important to invest in real estate without emotionally investing in tenants or property. Your Nesbitt Realty property manager helps ensure that you always make the best decision for your family, rather than making the best decision for the tenant's family. So, your Nesbitt Realty rental property manager serves as a buffer between the owner and his tenants. Nesbitt Realty can help you find tenants, handling repair projects and maintenance, oversee improvements, collect rent, and even pay some expenses and taxes. The specific tasks we handle vary based upon upon the needs and wishes of the property owner. Nesbitt Realty Property Management also handles commercial properties such as office buildings, freeing the owners from the day to day responsibilities. Additionally, a competent Nesbitt Realty property manager gives you protection from certain liabilities.
Julie
Crunch-time processing rents!
Nesbitt Realty usually charges a percentage of the rents collected. Every aspect of Nesbitt Realty property manager's responsibilities will be outlined in a contract signed by both Nesbitt Realty and the landlord. This agreement details financial responsibilities and specifies the types of financial reports the landlord can expect. Your Nesbitt Realty property manager will stay current on new laws and condo regulations which may be relevant to your situation. Nesbitt Realty Property Management takes a lot of the burden off of owning rental real estate. Most Nesbitt Realty property managers are themselves landlords. They know your needs. Nesbitt Realty is family-owned and family-operated. Our realty business serves Northern Virginia, and our services as well prices are quite competitive although we compete against some of the biggest names in the industry. Even though this is a rather competitive market, we are quite successful as we are the winners of a number of awards in categories for client satisfaction. You are assured that you will have no worries when it comes to reveling in the joy of stress-free, passive income, and there is no work necessary on your part. There is always a solution for you when your business is in the hands of Nesbitt Realty. We confidently offer you an experienced, professional, well-trained, and dedicated team who will confidently manage each detail ranging from leasing to maintenance. Our team is experienced, professional and dedicated to managing every detail from leasing to maintenance to financial transactions in {Location_Name}. Learn more about us now! Agents with Nesbitt Realty are full-time, knowledgeable, and long-time locals.  
Julie and Will Nesbitt pause from property management to take a quick picture.
Julie and Will Nesbitt pause from property management to take a quick picture.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Fannie Mae Soars to Record Profits

Mortgage giant Fannie Mae reported $17.2 billion for net income in 2012, its largest annual profit ever, The Wall Street Journal reports. The housing market’s recovery is leading to fewer loans going bad, which is in turn helping Fannie see rising profits. Timothy Mayopoulos, Fannie’s chief executive, said he expects Fannie to “remain profitable for the foreseeable future.” In the fourth quarter of 2012, Fannie posted a $7.6 billion profit. That’s compared to one year earlier, in which the mortgage giant posted a net loss of $2.4 billion. Fannie officials say they expect to post a large gain for earnings in the first-quarter of 2013, which it will report next month. Fellow government-sponsored enterprise, Freddie Mac, also reported its own record profit for 2012: $11 billion last year. Fannie and Freddie have received $187.5 billion from the U.S. Treasury when taxpayer bailout money was needed to keep the GSEs afloat as distressed properties were surging. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now send nearly all their profits to the U.S. Treasury. “As a result, they have gone from being a major drain on the government’s coffers to a significant potential source of revenue,” The Wall Street Journal reports. Source: “Fannie's Windfall Blurs Debate Over Its Fate,” The Wall Street Journal (April 2, 2013)
  • 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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Homes For Sale Near Upton Hill Regional Park and Seven Corners

Upton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia near the Arlington and Fairfax County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard. Upton Hill offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!  The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both.
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will open for the season in March. The water park and swimming pool complex will opens Memorial Day weekend. Upton Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the area and the local governments' commitment to its community. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Seven Corners VA
Nesbitt Realty is a real estate brokerage serving Northern VA
 

VAR’S Fight to Reduce Grantor’s Tax Increases in Northern Virginia

  Some last-minute work by VAR has paid off: In his proposed amendments to Virginia’s transportation bill, Governor Bob McDonnell has asked that the proposed grantor’s tax increase in Northern Virginia be reduced from 25 cents per $100 to only 15 cents.
VA Association of Realtors
Nesbitt Realty is a member of the Virginia Association of Realtors
The bill passed by the General Assembly included a regional package for Planning District Commission 8, which includes a large portion of Northern Virginia. To help raise approximately $30 million for congestion relief, the bill (HB 2313) raised the grantor’s tax in the region by 25 cents per $100. From the Virginia Association of Realtors:
But when we looked at how the General Assembly arrived at that figure, we noticed something immediately: Its calculations were based on the average grantor taxes collected from 2007-2011 – years that include the worst part of the housing crash. So we hired Dr. Chris Chmura, a well-known Virginia-based economist, to estimate sales data for the Northern Virginia area. Then, using those figures (ones that are more reflective of the current market), we saw that a 25-cent increase wasn’t necessary. Working hand-in-hand with local associations whose members would be affected by the increase, we met with the governor’s office repeatedly over several weeks. We showed how the region could raise that $30 million with only a 15 cent per $100 increase in the grantors tax. Governor McDonnell agreed, and worked our suggested change into his amended bill, which the legislature will consider. We will now be reaching out to members of the General Assembly to make sure they understand our intentions, most notably, not to do the bill harm. We think we’ve found a win-win scenario – one that lowers the amount of the grantor tax increase without lowering the amount of money that will flow into PDC 8 for transportation.

Properties in

How may an appurtenant easement be terminated?

An appurtenant easement can be released by the dominant estate. An appurtenant easement is also released if the necessity for the easement no longer exists. An appurtenant easement is one of two primary types of easements. The other type of easement is an easement in gross. An easement in gross is attached to a particular person but the appurtenant easement is attached to a particular parcel of land. Either of these types of easements may be created in a variety of ways (express grants, express reservation, necessity, implication, prescription, agreement, and by condemnation). Each may also be terminated in a variety of ways (lack of necessity, merger, release, abandonment, destruction, court order).
  • The difference between equitable title and legal title

    Julie Nesbitt
    Do you know the difference between equitable title and legal title? Equitable title is conveyed to the buyer when the seller signs the offer to purchase. A ratified sales contract creates equitable title. After closing and accepting the deed, the buyer receives legal title. Equitable title does not carry all the rights, privileges and duties…

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  • What is the Virginia Condominium Act?

    flag
    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…

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  • Condos need maintenance …

    condo Alexandria
    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…

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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.…

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  • Update: Lepelletier case against Judge Tran Dismissed

    Nesbitt Realty is located at the Belle Haven Professional Center
    As you may already know, Robert Lepelletier, Jr. sued Nesbitt Realty and as a result he was ordered to pay sanctions to Nesbitt Realty by Fairfax County Judge John Tran. Lepelletier sued the Honorable Judge John Tran in Federal court. Lepelletier's case against Judge Tran was dismissed and his motions were denied. Despite being ordered…

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Negotiations

In a tight market, there will be offers. Be ready for all offers and don't be offended if someone tries to lowball you. You know what your condo is worth. Sometimes a lowball offer is just a buyer's way of asking you if you'll negotiate. Your reply should be, "Sure I'll negotiate, but I'm not stupid." For this reason, decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.Then, respond with a counter-offer to keep the ball moving. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Millennials Home Preferences

The Millennial generation is about 90 million strong—forming the largest demographic wave in the country’s history—and some reports suggest they’re readying for home ownership.
Stuart at Porto Vecchio
Stuart Nesbitt, a chip off the old block
Millennials’ entrance into home ownership has been delayed due to the recession, high unemployment, and high student loan debt. They’ve been living in their parents’ homes, as well as delaying marriage and having children, surveys show. But the pent-up demand from this generation is starting to surface, says Fred Ehle, vice president for PulteGroup. Homebuilders, like PulteGroup and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, recently revealed surveys of what Millennials want in their future homes. In general, the surveys reveal that this generation isn’t wowed by luxury and prefers technology and flexible space. Pulte Homes found in its research that more than half of Millennials who decided to buy a home last year from the homebuilder said their main reason was to invest and build equity. As for what they’re looking for in a home, they appreciate an efficient use of space, an open layout for entertaining, ample storage space, and outdoor space that extends their living areas, according to the Pulte survey of 531 adult renters between the ages of 18 and 34. "What may be different about this buyer is that they may have more stuff," says Fred Ehle, vice president for PulteGroup. "It's different kind of stuff: technological gadgets, gaming. They also do work from home." The Better Homes and Gardens survey of 1,000 adults ages 18 to 35 found that Millennials don’t like traditional floor plans and prefer unique spaces. They like to do home improvements themselves and are “fix-it” types. One in five said that “home office” is a better suited name for their dining room, according to the Better Homes and Gardens survey. What’s more, 43 percent said they want to transform their living room into a home theater. The survey also showed they’d rather have extra space in their kitchen for a TV than a second oven. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed say they wouldn’t purchase a home without up-to-date tech capabilities. Source: “GenY is finally in a mood to buy (houses),” USA Today (March 28, 2013)
  • Help With Down-Payment For First-Time Buyers For A Residence In 22304 In Alexandria

    Are you planning to buy a modest nice condo like this condo at 4862 Eisenhower Ave #164? Considering purchasing a home? Okay. Please rely on a professional like Nesbitt Realty to help.

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  • First-Time Home Buyer Credit In The City Of Falls Church

    Do you want a little help to purchase a $1,250,000 5-bedroom home in 22046? Has the time come to buy a your first home? Good. Nesbitt Realty am a resource that can assist.

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  • Does Nesbitt Realty Offer A Down-Payment Assistance For First-Time Home Buyers Of $28,428 On 8417 Brookewood Ct McLean VA 22102?

    Attaining your first home is an exciting milestone, and it's likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. So don’t jump into it without doing your homework. You can count on a personable ace like me to assist.

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  • Can A First-Time Buyer Get A Rebate On A Luxury Detached Home Like 2510 N Columbus St?

    Attaining your first home is an exciting milestone, and it's likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. So don’t jump into it without doing your homework. It's Nesbitt Realty's job to help. Do you want a very large luxury place in 22207 in Arlington County?

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  • Help With Down-Payment For First-Time Buyers In 22015 In Fairfax County

    Has the time come to purchase a a home? Alright! Nesbitt Realty is available help. Are you planning to buy a sprawling mid-market interior row/townhouse like this striking interior row/townhouse at 9514 Draycott Ct?

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