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Category: Condo Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Located in New Alexandria, the firm is experienced in buying, renting and managing a wide range of Northern Virginia real estate, especially condominium communities.

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Basic Condo Selling Tips

It should be obvious, but start by choosing a selling agent that cares about you and your condominium. The agent you choose should also understand the benefits and challenges of the condominium lifestyle.
Halstead
Halstead at the Meto
An agent who has never lived in a condo or owned property in a condo might not appreciate the benefits of life without guttering, lawn care or exterior maintenance issues. Your Condo Alexandria agent knows how a condo community functions and just how great it is to own a condominium. A Condo Alexandria agent understands why some units are more than others. A Condo Alexandria agent can help others understand what a great view you have or how nice it is to be close to the parking lot. Each condo has its own benefits. We find your unit's benefits and make them obvious so that the buyer who wants your condominium can find it.

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
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Nesbitt Realty sells real estate, fine homes & condominiums in Northern Virginia

Alexandria National Cemetery

  The Arlington National Cemetery is recognized around the country and around the world, but nearby is a similar treasure from our nation's heritage: the Alexandria National Cemetery.
flag at Alexandria National Cemetery
The Alexandria National Cemetery is located in the City of Alexandria VA
Arlington National Cemetery was featured in Gardens of Stone and numerous other feature films. This has no doubt added to Arlington's mystique and celebrity. Arlington Cemetery was carved from the farm of Robert E. Lee, a native of Alexandria. This is one of many connections between Arlington and Alexandria National Cemeteries. The five acres of Alexandria National Cemetery are tiny compared to Arlington's 612 acres. Newcomers and those who don't know the history of the area may be surprised to learn that while Alexandria was a colonial era settlement, Arlington is a relatively new creation. (Check out Alexandria's best real estate deal ever!) Alexandria National Cemetery predates the cemetery in Arlington and is in some ways the reason for Arlington's existence. Alexandria National Cemetery was established during the Civil War in 1862 as one of the original 14 national cemeteries. The first four acres of Alexandria National Cemetery were purchased by the US government from what was to be Spring Garden Farm.  By 1870, the United States purchased additional land to bring the cemetery up to its current size. The first burials made in Alexandria National Cemetery were soldiers who died during training for the Civil War. Additionally, some casualties were sick or diseased soldiers from one of the numerous hospitals around Alexandria. The death and destruction wrought by the Civil War exceeded all expectations. It was evident that Alexandria National Cemetery would be woefully short of the needs imposed by the War. By 1864, Alexandria National Cemetery was nearly filled to capacity. In large part, the shortage of space in Alexandria led to the planning, development and construction of Arlington National Cemetery. After the Civil War, improvements were made to the design of Alexandria National Cemetery and by 1871 the cemetery had added a fountain, a cobblestone avenue and graveled walkways. A wrought-iron rostrum, a small pond and a greenhouse were added as well. The primary building on grounds is a brownstone structure---the superintendent’s lodge.  The lodge dating to 1870 is the oldest surviving building on the grounds. The lodge is constructed in a style and with materials popular from the era and perhaps best recognized in the the Smithsonian Institution's "Castle," and the U.S. Capitol floor and rotunda door frames.
Alexandria National Cemetery
Many of the graves at Alexandria National Cemetery date to the Civil War era
Like other national cemeteries, the Alexandria National Cemetery featured a "comfort station" built in 1887. This building is one of only a few such structures to survive to the present day. In 1927, the station significantly altered by adding a dining room and converting the facility into a kitchen/store room and tool-shed/toilet. The entire cemetery is surrounded by a wall of Seneca sandstone with River Blue Stone coping. (This is the same material used to build the superintendent's lodge.) Visitors gain entry by passing through a 12-foot wide ornamental cast-iron gate at the Wilkes Street entrance. In the 1930's the flagpole was added and in 1995 the cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic places. There is no grave locator or kiosk on the grounds and the cemetery only has room for cremated remains and certain relatives of persons already buried at Alexandria National Cemetery. Among other notable persons buried at the Alexandria National Cemetery are several "Buffalo Soldiers"---a nickname for several Cavalry Regiments of the US Army. Several African-American regiments of Buffalo Soldiers were formed during the Civil War to fight alongside the Union Army. Among these were the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and many United States Colored Troops Regiments.  After the Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers were established by Congress as the first peacetime all-black regiments in the regular U.S. Army. It is fitting that these soldiers are buried near Alexandria's African American Heritage Park. Together with the African American Heritage Park the Alexandria National Cemetery makes up the eastern boundary of the Carlyle District.
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The Potomac River

Washington Monument
Creative Commons License photo credit: CrimsonMage
The Potomac River is located on the east coast of the United States, and runs through Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. before it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. It is over 380 miles long and wider than 11 miles at its widest point. As it passes through Washington DC, the nation's capital, the Potomac passes the Washington Monument and the memorials of Jefferson, and Lincoln. Many consider the Potomac to be one of the most beautiful and bountiful rivers on the East Coast. The river is also widely regard its historic, scenic and recreational significance. Among the many who loved the Potomac was George Washington, who worked as a surveyor at many points along the banks of the river. George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon is on the Potomac.
Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate on the Potomac
The Potomac's source is a small spring at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. From there, the river gathers many tributaries, winding through the mountains and valleys of Appalachia. One of its most dramatic turns occurs at Harper's Ferry where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac.

Harpers Ferry

At Great Falls, the Potomac tumbles down from the Appalachian Highlands to the sandy soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain.  Visitors from the colonial era to the modern era relish the views here. Today visitors at Great Falls will not only marvel at the cataracts, but also the engineering efforts of those who sought to fulfill George Washington's dream of connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. The C & O Canal was only operational for a few short years, but remnants of the system are still functional at Great Falls Park.

Great Falls

Finally, the river flows almost 400 miles widening to over 11 miles as it reaches the Chesapeake Bay on the long, low, and barren peninsula named Point Lookout, Maryland.  Before the US Civil War, Point Lookout was home to a few hotels and boarding houses, but during the war it was converted into one of the largest and worst of the Union prisoner-of-war camps.

Point Lookout Postcard

Fishers, anglers, boaters, sailors and kayakers all enjoy the Potomac.

The Potomac River has a watershed of 14,670 square miles including tributaries in Maryland (the Monocacy, Savage, and St. Mary's Rivers); in Virginia (the Shenandoah and Occoquan Rivers); in West Virginia (the South Branch and Cacapon Rivers); in Pennsylvania (Conococheague and Antietam Creeks); and in Washington DC (the Anacostia River). The Potomac cradles forests, battlefields, farmlands, mountains, parks, and cities. It is known to many as our Nation's River.Potomac at Arlington

If you're searching for a home or condo in Northern Virginia with a view of the Potomac, contact Will Nesbitt with Condo Alexandria.
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Homeowners are special people

Of course as a homeowner you'll be responsible for maintenance and repairs on the house. As a condo owner, many of these responsibilities are handled by the condo association. Either way, you're the type of person who has taken charge of his or her life. You can paint your wall any color you want. You don't need your landlord's permission to get a pet.
dog
Fred
As a homeowner you're more likely to be a part of the neighborhood watch and the garden club. According to some studies, home owners are more likely to vote, and more likely to participate in local government activities. As a condominium owner you have become one of America's landed gentry. According to the Rossi and Weber National Survey of Families, home owners possess significantly higher levels of self-confidence than renters. Tax advantages are one of the biggest financial benefits of home ownership. The typical home owner that pays a $1,000 house payment will realize tax savings of about $120 each month. (As a general rule, most homeowners can deduct most or all of their interest payments on their home loan, property taxes and loan points, but check with your tax advisor about your situation.) What this means is that next year your rent won't go up, but your liability will go down. Generally if you can afford the cash flow, it's cheaper to buy than to rent. Because you're a homeowner, you know what this means. This increase confidence and wealth will have an impact on your family life as well. According to Boehm & Schlottmann, University of Tennessee, "Children of home owners are 59% more likely to become homeowners. Their children are also 25% more likely to graduate from high school and 116% more likely to graduate from college." As an owner, you'll stop paying rent and you'll start building ownership equity. A survey of consumer finance by the Federal Reserve Board found that the median net worth of most modest-income owners is almost $60,000 compared to less than $10,000 for renters in the same income group. In many cases, your home will provide you with more privacy than rental living. For some, this means a quieter living environment, for others it's the ability to have a grow garden, have a backyard barbecue or a build a garage. You'll have the freedom to make whatever changes or improvements you like. Now that you control your living environment, you can make adjustments as your family changes or just as your personal taste dictates.

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

How are rental agents paid?

I just received this:

I am a student interested in the field of real estate. I understand that a real estate agent makes money on the sale of a property based upon a percentage of the final sale price. I was wondering how a real estate agent makes money on a lease of a rental property?

Thanks for the help, Jim

A landlord lists his property with a real estate agent for a number of reasons. The landlord benefits from the agent's experience and connections, but also because the agent has access to the MLS (or Multiple Listing Service) and other venues for promoting the rental property. There are many ways that a rental listing can be charged, but most usually the landlord agrees to pay a portion of the first month's rent to the listing agent.  The more the rent, the higher the commission paid.  Landlords are generally happy to pay this because a listing agent saves them time and money (as compared to ads in the paper plus dealing with calls from unqualified renters). If the renter has his own agent, the listing agent will pay a predetermined portion of the commission to the selling agent (as the renter's agent is called).  Please let me know if this helps. Our Renters  Resource Page will answer common questions like:
  • Who is a Rental Agent?
  • What is the cost of hiring a Rental Agent?
  • Which areas do you serve?
  • Where may I search for homes?
Do you have a maintenance issue to report? Read answers, renting tips, & more! For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.
Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt
1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. 2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long. 3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home. 4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.
decks
Decks
5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take. 6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life. 7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers. 8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. 9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased. 10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

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  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

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  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

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  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

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    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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Condo Markets Remain Strong

Builders and developers are reporting growing optimism in the apartment and condominium market, according to the latest Multifamily Production Index, released by the National Association of Home Builders.
Condos
Condo Alexandria is Northern VA's condo expert
"The apartment and condo markets continue to improve as new household formations generate demand," says W. Dean Henry, CEO of Legacy Partners Residential in Foster City, Calif., and chairman of NAHB's Multifamily Leadership Board. "However, there are certain issues facing builders and developers that may impede their ability to keep up with this demand, such as the rising cost of building materials, labor shortages, and the price of land." The Multifamily Production Index has been strengthening since the middle of 2010, and multifamily starts has been increasing since the end of 2010 to coincide with developers’ increased confidence, says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. NAHB is projecting a 30 percent increase in multifamily starts in 2013. Source: National Association of Home Builders condominiums in Northern VA Condo shoppers might want to check out these resources:

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    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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What do real estate agents do?

When selling property, brokers and agents arrange for title searches to verify ownership and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which they agree to the details of the transactions and in a final meeting, the new owners take possession of the property. They also may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do.

Duties to Sellers

Agents and brokers spend a significant amount of time looking for properties to sell. They obtain listings---agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Following the sale of the property, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission. The listing firm and its agents must
  • promote the sellers' best interests
  • be loyal to the seller
  • follow the sellers' lawful instructions
  • provide the seller with all material facts that could influence your decisions
  • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and
  • account for all monies they handle for the seller.
Once you have signed the listing agreement, the firm and its agents may not give any confidential information about you to prospective buyers or their agents without your permission so long as they represent you.

Duties to Buyers

If the real estate firm and its agents represent you, they must
  • promote the buyers' best interests
  • be loyal to the buyer
  • follow the buyers' lawful instructions
  • provide the buyer with all material facts that could influence your decisions
  • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and
  • account for all monies handled for the buyer.
Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get an idea of the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract, which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to the buyer. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties that interest them. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, for example, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the area's low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their client's instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers to get the best possible price. Once the buyer and seller have signed a contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. The agent must make sure that any legally mandated or agreed-upon inspections, such as termite and radon inspections, take place. In addition, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent ensures they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. Loan officers, attorneys, or other people handle many details, but the agent must ensure that they are carried out. Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number---usually employed in large or specialized firms---sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the region's transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the client's particular requirements. Brokers and agents do the same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Agents must work with a broker. They usually provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent's sale of the property. Brokers, as independent businesspeople, often sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee.

Condo Considerations: Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

Here are some common questions to ask your agent, your mortgage broker and yourself when you are thinking of buying a condo.
  • How much can I afford per month?
  • Is the condo is my price range?
  • Is the community that I like?
    • Where are the grocery stores, shopping malls, bars?
  • Is there enough space for my needs?
  • What is the condition of the condo unit?
  • Do the common areas need repairs, renovations?
  • How old is the condo?
  • Is there a parking facility?
    • Is parking assigned?
    • Is there a fee to park?
    • Is there guest parking and if so where?
  • Does the condominium have access to public transportation?
    • Metro or bus only?
    • Shuttle or Limo service?
  • What are the chances that this condo will increase in value?
  • What type of security system is in place?
  • Does the condominium association allow pets? If so how many and what type?
  • What are the condo fees and what they include?
  • What is the condo association policy about renters?
  • How much is in the reserve fund?
  • Does the condo association have a certificate of insurance?
[mortgage interest_rate="3.5" mortgage_term="30"]
[affordability]
[closingcosts]

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    We аll wаnt tо find оur drеаm hоmе аnd wе thіnk іt іѕ easy. However, аftеr dоіng thе ѕеаrсh bу оurѕеlvеѕ, we ѕlоwlу bесоmе fruѕtrаtеd аnd tіrеd. When this hарреnѕ, wе ѕеttlе fоr ѕоmеthіng less. Finding thе rіght home fоr uѕ ѕhоuld nоt bе that difficult. Thеrе are simple wауѕ tо find them. First, wе…

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