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Who Pays Virginia’s Highest Property Taxes?

November 25, 2013June 11, 2015Aubrey Nesbitt

1. Loudon County Median property taxes: $4,784 Median home value: $544,400 Taxes as of home value: .09% Median income for home owners: $118,518 Taxes as of income: 4.0% 2. Alexandria City Median property taxes: $4,366 Median home value: $555,100 Taxes as of home value: 0.8% Median income for home owners: $114,262 Taxes as of income: 3.8% 3. Fairfax County Median property taxes: $4,624 Median home value: $568,900 Taxes as of home value: 0.8% Median income for home owners: $122,516 Taxes as of income: 3.8% 4. Arlington County Median property taxes: $4,635 Median home value: $596,600 Taxes as of home value: 0.8% Median income for home owners: $127,655 Taxes as of income: 3.6% Table: Who Pays America's Highest Property Taxes?. (2009, January 22). Forbes, 1, 1. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/22/taxes-homes-property-forbeslife-cx_mw_0122realestate_table.html

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I hit the jackpot!

November 23, 2013February 6, 2016Will Nesbitt

Here's a republish of an article I wrote back in 2008. It's still true, years later.

I hit the jackpot! Yes ... that's right. I hit the jackpot. I won the lottery. Mine is the lucky number. I won't be giving up my blog or my real estate business because I won the jackpot. In fact, I'll be working harder than ever. But today, I pause to give thanks to God and family and friends and clients for this wonderful life of mine. To tell the truth, I didn't hit the lottery today. I won the lottery on the day I was born and I've been reaping the benefits ever since. The best part is ... I didn't even have to buy a ticket. You see, I was born in the United States of America, which means that I already have life better than most of my fellow man. I've never known war, or famine or pestilence. I've enjoyed an ever increasing standard of living since the day I was born. If you were born in North America you probably won the lottery too.

But ... It gets better than that. I was born in the Commonwealth of Virgina, the Mother of States, the Mother of Presidents, the Capital of the Confederacy and the Pride of Dixie. The Commonwealth of Virginia, where Captain John Smith founded Jamestown. The state which George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and James Monroe and William Henry Harrison and John Tyler and Zachary Taylor and Woodrow Wilson all called home. The state where Robert E. Lee fought and eventually surrendered. The home of the Pentagon and the USPTO and the epicenter for the technology revolution. The Commonwealth of Virginia, most beautiful state in the Union, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sparkling beaches of the Eastern Shore. The Old Dominion cradled me as she cradles the Chesapeake Bay, one of the largest and most important estuaries on the Atlantic. It gets better than that. I was born in Fairfax, one of the most prosperous counties in the nation. I make my home where where the Piedmont meets the Tidewater, on a ridge overlooking the Potomac River in a place called Belle Haven---one of the nicest neighborhoods in Fairfax County and Alexandria. My trusted, loyal and beautiful wife is busy making a Thanksgiving feast. My sons are healthy and headed for home. Life could be better ... but I really don't know how. So, today, I give thanks. Thanks to God, family, friends, clients and country for all that I have been given. I rededicate myself to the purpose of good and wish you and all of yours a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. I hope your Christmas is merry and expect you to have a prosperous and healthy New Year.

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

7 Things Your Realtor Doesn’t Want to Hear

November 22, 2013November 22, 2013Aubrey Nesbitt

“I’ll know it when I see it.” Buyers should come into the home buying process with a list of must-haves and wants. Buyers that want to be taken seriously get preapproved. This helps to expedite the process of making offers and also to pinpoint the price range of what the buyer can afford.
Stuart and Will Nesbitt discussing real estate related matters in the office
“I’m not in any hurry.” Realtors don’t expect to rush you through the home buying process. At the same time, they don’t want to waste their time with a client that doesn’t have any firm motivation to make offers or to buy.
“I’m not going to give it away,” or “it was good enough for me for 30 years, it ought to be good enough for a buyer.” Stiff prices based on feelings can result in a home with a price that will never sell. Realtors suggested prices factor in market value and current conditions.
“Let’s test the market at this price.” This usually means that the price is too high and that the house will set on the market until it gets stale. Because it the home sets in the market for too long, people start to think there’s something wrong with the home and as a result the home ends up selling for less. Realistic prices get realistic offers.
“My sister (brother, cousin, friend,) is a Realtor in another state and she told me that my house would be worth $XXXXXX.” This is a bad idea because no one, including another Realtor, can advise someone about real estate pricing in another state.
“Let’s toss this low-ball offer in to see how serious (or desperate) the seller really is.” A common effect of a low ball offer is rejection and no counter offer. Low-ball offers just offend sellers and result in the seller not taking the offer seriously. Realtors can help generate reasonable offers that will progress the home buying process.
“I’ve bought and sold lots of homes, so I know real estate.” Each real estate transaction stands alone because of several variables (e.g. property’s location, property’s condition, and market value.)

References: Werner, N. (2013, November 19). Things your REALTOR doesn't want to hear.... Things your REALTOR doesn't want to hear.... Retrieved November 22, 2013, from http://normwerner.realtytimes.com/advicefromagents1/item/26647-things-your-realtor-doesn-t-want-to-hear

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Benefits Of House-Hunting During The Holiday Season

November 21, 2013June 18, 2015Will Nesbitt

When you're writing out the holiday shopping list, maybe it's time to put your name on it and a home as the gift.

Rates are typically lower because demand is lower.
End of year sellers are typically very serious and may have tax reasons to want to sell before year end.
Less competition can mean lower prices.

If you've been considering buying a home,read more here: Real Estate News

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

Alternate Heating Source Safety Tips

November 18, 2013November 18, 2013Will Nesbitt

The fall and winter are upon us. This causes many of us to seek out alternative sources to heat our home and keep warm. Alternate heating sources are a major contributing factor in residential fires. The following safety tips will help you keep a safe home.

Keep at least three feet of clearance between your alternate heat source and anything combustible.
Do not keep or store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.
Never leave a heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep, and never leave children or pets unattended near heating sources.
If you use an electric heater, be careful not to overload the electrical circuit.
Avoid using electrical heaters in bathrooms as they may come in contact with water.
Only use heaters that have been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features, such as automatic shut-offs. It is important to install and use heaters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Do not use a range or oven as an alternate heating source. This is a safety hazard and may be a source of toxic fumes.
Do not use fuel burning appliances without the proper room ventilation.
Never fill a kerosene heater while it is in operation or hot. Avoid overfilling.

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Reston’s Lake Anne Trees Could Be Replaced with Parking

November 12, 2013November 12, 2013Aubrey Nesbitt

Reston’s Residents are divided about whether or not to develop a 1.1-acre piece of land to create a parking lot (Jackman 1). “The piece of land is full of mature trees,” said Jackman (1).

The trees in the background of this picture are the trees that could be removed to make room for a parking lot

According to Scott Laemmle, a resident of Reston, “If I wanted to live in Arlington, I would have lived in Arlington.” Laemmle said that he moved to Reston because he loved all the green space. Laemmle continued on and said “the trees they are considering getting rid of are very nice and add to the 'park-like' quality of living in Reston.”

According to Laemmle , the trade-off to the “tree-magedon” that is going is that it may improve the value of homes in Reston.

According to Jackman (1), “the slice of land is owned by the Reston Association, and Republic is proposing swapping another

1.1-acres of land along Baron Cameron Avenue, in two chunks.” “At a public hearing last month, Republic president David Peter said that the parking was needed to attract customers who don’t live nearby” said Jackman (1).

Jackman (1) said that the trees that may be removed are the “increasingly rare American hollies, black oaks and scarlet oaks” and

that they “provide refuge for butterflies and birds.”

“The Reston Association will vote on the issue on Nov. 21,” said Jackman (1).

1. Jackman, Tom. "Redevelopers of Reston’s Lake Anne Propose Replacing Trees with Parking, Residents Divided." Washington Post. N

.p., 12 Nov. 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

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Reston real estate — Nesbitt Realty sells homes, townhomes and condos in Reston

How Men, Women Differ on Home Buying

November 12, 2013November 12, 2013National Association of Realtors

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus — and that couldn't be more true when it comes to home buying. According to Prudential Real Estate's third-quarter Consumer Outlook Survey, men and women are quite different when it comes to what they value most about home ownership and the process of buying and selling. Women enjoy the home search more than men, with 87 percent of women versus 77 percent of men saying they like looking at homes, the survey finds. More women associate home ownership with "pride," "accomplishment," or "independence," while men tend to associate it with "control over living space" and "more space for my family." "As the real estate market strengthens and household formation grows, men and women approach the buying-selling process from different angles," says Earl Lee, president of Prudential Real Estate. "What's most interesting is the dynamic that exists among couples and the role that agents play in balancing couples' real estate objectives." Agents may often find themselves stuck in the middle, but both sexes say they trust their agent to be the voice of reason and settle any disagreements among couples. Eighty-three percent of survey respondents say their real estate agent was helpful in moderating an agreement, and 86 percent value the agent's point of view as much as — or more than — their partner's, according to the survey. Both sexes cited "honesty" and "knowledgeable" as the most important traits in a real estate agent. Men and women tend to take on different responsibilities when it comes to home buying, the survey finds. Men take on more of the financial aspects, while women tended to take the lead on planning aspects, such as neighborhood research. Nearly 40 percent of men said they researched banks and secured the mortgage; 42 percent of women said it was their responsibility to manage appointments, and 34 percent took the lead in researching neighborhoods. When it comes to the most important home features, men and women are mostly in agreement. Both genders ranked "safe neighborhood," "overall condition of home," and "number of bedrooms" the highest. Source: Prudential Real Estate

Americans on the Move Again, Census Says

October 31, 2013October 31, 2013National Association of Realtors

After staying in place for years, bogged down by the financial effects of the recession, Americans are finally back on the move, according to the latest U.S. Census data. In 2012, nearly 16.9 million people moved between counties, and 7 million made long-distance moves from one state to another. For long-distance moves, that figure was nearly 5 percent higher than 2010. The recession had the effect of “freezing people in place” as they waited out a housing and economic slump, and now there’s “at least a thawing,” Kenneth Johnson, a demographer with the University of New Hampshire, told USA Today. The median price of an existing-home rose to $212,100 this year compared to $166,200 in 2011, the National Association of REALTORS® reports. Many home owners “didn’t want to sell a house that they viewed as a low price,” says Jed Smith, an NAR economist. “Now that the prices are up, away we go.” Where are they going? Many people are heading to the Sun Belt states: Florida, Arizona, and Nevada, Johnson says. They're moving from Northeastern and Midwestern cities, such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and New York. For example, the state of New York lost about 136,000 residents in 2012. On the other hand, metro areas such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale, which lost residents during the recession, regained population in 2012 — particularly as housing and the economy recovers there. Las Vegas; Jacksonville, Fla.; and San Jose, Calif., are other metros gaining residents after a loss, USA Today reports. Source: “Census: Americans are moving again,” USA Today (Oct. 26, 2013)

Community Center Master Plan Reviewed by Residents of Montebello

October 28, 2013April 19, 2015Aubrey Nesbitt

Montebello’s thirty year old Community Center was the focus of the town meetings that took place on September 8^th and 12^th, according to Barbara Boykin (2013). The Community Center Master Plan (CCMP) is comprised of 19 possible

Will Nesbitt, Julie Nesbitt, and Stuart Nesbitt appear in the Montebello news letter

improvements that range in cost from $1000 to $852,305 (Boykin 2013). “Residents were asked to review the CCMP and indicate their priorities, as part of the ongoing development of the plan” said Boykin. “President Doug Kennett or Vice President Greg Bender, Planning and Design Committee Chair Ford Chinworth, Thomas Kerns of Kerns Group Architects (KGA) gave an overview of the plan’s contents” said Boykin (2013). The CCMP, initiated in 2011, serves as an outline of possible projects to be developed, after the Fitness Center is completed, which is supposed to take place around 2015 (Boykin 2013). Proposed enhancements are divided into three categories: site/exterior, lower level, and main level (Boykin 2013). The most expensive renovations include the redesign and relocation of amenities and offices on the main level. Proposed changes include the removal of raised floors in the lounge and café, expanded café seating, a market space reduction, and enlarged entries and restrooms (Boykin 2013). If the changes go through, the administrative offices would be changed to allow for more efficient office and meeting space (Boykin 2013). Boykin, Barbara. "Residents Asked to Review Community Center Master Plan." The Times of Montebello [Alexandria] 1 Aug. 2013: 1&5. Print.

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Washington Golf and Country Club is in Arlington VA

October 28, 2013October 28, 2013Will Nesbitt

WGCC — Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington VA

Washington Golf and Country Club is 120 acres of traditional private country club located in Arlington County Virginia near the Rock Spring neighborhood. This means that Washington Golf and Country Club is relatively close to Washington DC. Members and their guests enjoy

a golf driving range,
putting and practice greens,
a swimming pool,
10 outdoor tennis courts,
a five-court indoor tennis facility, and
a well-equipped fitness center.

In addition, the clubhouse is Georgian-style renovated in 2004 and sits on one of the highest points in historic Arlington, Virginia. The clubhouse features formal and informal dining rooms, a tap room, a men’s grill, a ladies lounge, various outdoor dining areas, as well as a cocktail lounge, meeting and party rooms accommodating groups of 18 to 60 persons, and a large, attractive ballroom, with a capacity of 300-400. WGCC regularly hosts social events such as dances, formal dinners, receptions, and weddings. The center-piece of the club is of course the golf course, one the most challenging 18-hole courses in Northern VA. The course as many pleasant vistas to the Potomac River beyond to the skyline of Washington. A staff of highly experienced professionals is responsible for full programs of golf, tennis, swim and dive and instruction for all age and gender groups.