Outdoor kitchens continue to be one of the hottest trends in home décor, but not all of them are created equal.
Your realtor Julie Nesbitt
Here are some things to consider when evaluating the safety and durability of this attractive yet vulnerable feature:
Is there adequate ventilation? Extensive outdoor cooking spaces should be carefully designed to keep smoke and odors away from dining spaces.
Was the installation done by licensed and insured installers? If something does goes wrong — even years later — these professionals will stand behind their work.
Are the cabinets, countertops, and appliances really weather proof and likely to hold up?
One of the biggest questions every condo buyer and home buyer has to ask is, "How much work am I willing to take on?"
Some folks want a turnkey residence. Some folks want a residence in {Location_Name} that has brand new modern appliances and cabinets. Some people want appliances and cabinets that have never been used.
Some people don't mind an older kitchen. Some people like the feel of a kitchen that was put in long ago.
Others like an older kitchen because they like the idea of ripping out the old and putting in the new. It can be very gratify---not to mention financially rewarding---to completely remake a residence. As a homeowner, or condo owner, you are the ultimate authority. It is your domain to decide what will stay and what must go. This can be a lot of fun.
But, remodeling can be a lot of work. Living through the dust and the inconvenience can be a hassle. If you don't know where to turn to, it can also be very expensive. But no matter how you personally resolve the issue, it's important to consider before you actually start shopping. Phone Nesbitt Realty to learn more about your choices in {Location_Name}.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
Determining the value of a property when deciding where to live can be accomplished with the expertise of licensed real estate agents.
Stuart Nesbitt is a Realtor licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
There are 3 factors that dictate the price of a property:
Location
Uniqueness and architectural design
Improvement values
A competitive market analysis can be provided are based on:
Properties that is comparable within the area
Adjustments with property size and conditions differences
Location and the sale or rental date of the property differences
Real estate costs are certainly open to negotiations but there are factors that affect the market including localized areas. These factors include:
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Condos
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 mortgages and the describes what is allowed under condominium ownership schemes. The Condominium Act includes a provision that allows buyers of condominium real estate three days to review financials and covenants of the subject property. During these three days, a buyer can cancel the contract if the buyer doesn't like what he finds in the condominium disclosures. Always talk to your agent about how this is handled in a real situation so that you take full advantage of your rights and duties.
Condominiums are found in all shapes, sizes, prices and types. Are you looking for a high-rise condo, a mid-rise or a garden-style condo? Maybe you'd prefer a townhouse?
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.
Mid-rise condos are taller than garden-style condos, but smaller than high-rise condos. Mid-rise condos in Northern Virginia are 5 to 8 stories tall and are generally found close to or inside the Beltway.
High-rise condos have more than 9 floors. They are generally found inside the Beltway and are often located near Metro stations, public transportation, or major commuter traffic arteries like I-395.
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 needn't worry about the expense of maintaining a property. Many first time buyers aren't ready to take on the hassles and expenses of yard work, gutter cleaning, painting and so on, and for this reason condos are a viable and interesting alternative.
In the case of a condo, maintenance can be separated into two categories: owner's responsibilities and association responsibilities.
These exact nature of these duties and responsibilities will vary from condo to condo, but there are a few rules of thumb. For example, certain retirement communities provide maid service as part of the condo, but most often the condo owner is responsible for cleaning his own unit.
In most cases, the condo owner must clean the condo interior, including all windows which are reachable from the interior. The condo owner must clean of his or her private balcony or patio. Most renters are accustomed to this type of arrangement already.
Unlike renters, condo owners own the appliances in the unit. Thus, the condo owner cleans and maintains all the appliances, but the condo owner also pays for repairs and replacements as needed. A condo owner
has the power to pick his own appliances, but with that benefit comes the duty of maintaining that unit.
In most older condos, the association supplies the heating and cooling to the unit, and the condo owner owns the convector or radiator (heat transfer appliance) in the unit. In new condos, the owner typically owns the HVAC (heat pump / air conditioner) that heats and cools his unit.
Plumbing and electrical concerns remain for owners of single family homes and townhouses, but in all but a few rare cases the condo owner need only worry about systems that are outside the walls. For example, the condo owner typically owns the bathroom vanity and the pipes supporting that vanity but not the pipes which supply water and take sewage away from the bathroom. A condo owner owns his kitchen cabinets, but not the electrical wires inside the wall that bring power to his kitchen appliances.
Relaxing in Old Town
In general, the condominium owner is responsible for his personal space, but the condo association is responsible for all common areas. This includes maintaining and operating the elevators and outside doors. In most cases this includes the windows. Most always, the association maintains the lawns, flowers and shrubs. The condo association maintains the roof.
While the owner of a single family home must maintain his own driveway, a condo parking lot is maintained by the condominium association. The parking garage can be private, common, or common with assignments. If the parking garage is common, with or without assignments, the condo association will clean and maintain the parking. A private garage is the domain of the condominium owner.
Review your docs
Ultimately, you'll want review your condo documents, charter and by-laws to determine exactly how your condo association interprets its domain. Rest assured, a condo owner will have more to maintain than a renter, but significantly less responsibility than the owner of a single family residence or townhouse.
Nothern Virginia Condo Experts
If you're thinking of buying a newly-built condo or new house, you probably already know that every new development will have its own sales staff. These people are often friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the new development. However, these folks work to sell this property only, because the sale staff works for the builder. The on-site staff of a new condominium knows the property as-well-as or better than anyone around and they are there to assist you but they work for the builder. The staff at a new home development probably knows the property very well, but they will tell you want the builder wants you to know.
When in the market for a new construction, it's a good idea to work with a Realtor who is there to protect your interests. A Nesbitt Realty agent knows the entire area, not just one development. If you have your own Realtor you can trust that you'll understand the pitfalls and benefits of buying new. Best of all it doesn't cost you one dime more than if you use the onsite staff. You have a right to representation: exercise that right today!
Perform essential and customary acts to help out with the purchase or sale of real estate.
Properly account for the money or other property put in his or her attention.
Reveal any “adverse material facts” which are, or should be the broker’s knowledge.
Realtors can help buyers pre-qualify for mortgages and keep abreast of the newest house listings. They can assist sellers in screening potential buyers and preparing their homes. They are able to demonstrate investors the properties that fit their risk profiles and long term investment strategies.
Nesbitt Realty can quickly find the best house for you personally. Our pros can efficiently organize and coordinate meetings with sellers and potential buyers in {Location_Name}.
A Nesbitt Realty Realtor is well acquainted with the affairs you'll need to know about the neighborhood you might be considering:
the security of the community,
Cost,
Metro availability,
Nearby parks and sites,
Nearby shopping,
School quality.
Our agents have immediate access to homes when they are put in the marketplace. Your agent will help structure the deal to save you money, when you’re prepared to make an offer on a home. She or he will describe the benefits and drawbacks of different types of mortgages and guide you through the mounds of paperwork. Email Nesbitt Realty to discuss your options in {Location_Name}.
I met with a first-time buyer over the weekend. She was prequalified by her lender. Prequalifying helped frame her choices. It's a waste of time and energy to look at homes that are outside of the budget, so prequalification is the first step for any home buyer. Here are the steps that we'll be taking on the road to home ownership.
Tour properties --- We took a top level tour of some of the properties that are in her
budget. This gives the client something concrete and real to think about so that she can decide whether this home ownership thing is for her or not. In addition to the units we saw, I can think of a number of places that would also fall within this client's budget and still offer a very reasonable commute to Ft. Belvoir. But I wanted to get her impressions of these places before going on a bit deeper.
Revisiting --- We'll revisit those communities that hold the greatest interest and look at everything available in those communities. (So far we just did a top level search.)
A few more choices --- If none of these really feel right, we'll find a few more to consider and continue with the search.
Make an offer --- When we've found the property that stirs the soul, fits the budget and feels right, I'll write up an offer. At that time I'll collect "earnest money".
The earnest money is evidence that the seller is serious about the purchase and is held in escrow until the sale is completed. We'll submit a preapproval letter, a copy of the earnest money deposit and the signed offer for the seller to consider.
Negotiations --- Sometimes there is a difference between the asking price and the selling price. The selling price is determined by negotiation. We'll pass drafts of the contract back and forth until the buyer and seller have agreed on all terms.
Loan processing --- Julie at Condominium Mortgage will then collect documentation from the client. This documentation will serve the purpose of proving the representations made in the loan application process. The buyer will produce pay stubs, bank statements etc. Julie will also order an appraisal as required by all lenders.
Settlement --- Settlement is the word used to describe the actual transfer of ownership. We'll settle on the property in a timely fashion on an agreed upon date. Settlement will occur at a title company's office and a settlement agent will ensure that funds are present as is marketable title.
Ownership --- Here's where the fun begins ... as does the responsibility of home ownership.
It's a waste of time and energy to look at homes that are outside of the budget, so prequalification is the first step for any home buyer. If you choose to work with Nesbitt Realty here are many of the steps that we'll be taking on the road to home ownership.
Julie Nesbitt is an Accredited Buyer's Agent and Top Producing agent. Put her experience to work for you.
Tour properties --- We'll take a top level tour of some of the properties that are in your budget. This gives the client something concrete and real to think about so that you can decide whether this home ownership thing is for you or not. It also gives us a chance to see which properties most interest you so that we can rely upon our experience to identify communities and properties you may have overlooked.
Revisiting --- We'll revisit those communities that hold the greatest interest and look at everything available in those communities.
A few more choices --- If none of these really feel right, we'll find a few more to consider and continue with the search.
Make an offer --- When we've found the property that stirs the soul, fits the budget and feels right, your agent will prepare an offer. At that time we'll collect earnest money.
The earnest money is evidence that the seller is serious about the purchase and is held in escrow until the sale is completed. We'll submit a preapproval letter, a copy of the earnest money deposit and the signed offer for the seller to consider.
Negotiations --- Sometimes there is a difference between the asking price and the selling price. The selling price is determined by negotiation. We'll pass drafts of the contract back and forth until the buyer and seller have agreed on all terms.
Loan processing --- Your loan officer will then collect additional documentation from the you and from your agent. This documentation will serve the purpose of proving the representations made in the loan application process. The buyer will produce pay stubs, bank statements etc. The loan office and agent will also order an appraisal as required by all lenders.
Settlement --- Settlement is the word used to describe the actual transfer of ownership. We'll settle on the property in a timely fashion on an agreed upon date. Settlement will occur at a title company's office and a settlement agent will ensure that funds are present as is marketable title.
Ownership --- Here's where the fun begins ... as does the responsibility of home ownership.
Nesbitt Realty can help you purchase a home in {Location_Name}.
Nesbitt Realty is a award-winning business thriving in one of the largest and most competitive real estate markets in the world. Find out why our clients love us.
If this is your first home purchase or if you're an old hand, we're happy to help in {Location_Name}.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that since so many details, especially financial ones, are involved in buying and selling a home, using a real estate agent is a good idea because that professional can be a guide throughout the process, making the entire process and experience so much easier.
The key to a successful and positive experience with a real estate transaction is finding the right professional to assist you. While a real estate agent can meet your needs, the services of a Realtor® will suite your needs even better.
In {Location_Name}, what’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?
Of the more than two million people who have earned real estate licenses, only a small percentage of them are Realtors. Realtors, who are members in good standing of the National Association of Realtors, their state association of Realtors, and a local real estate board, are held to high standards of ethical behavior and undergo continuing education annually to remain accredited.
All agents of Nesbitt Realty are Realtors!
We appreciate the opportunity of serving you, we and thank you for considering us in the management of your rental property in {Location_Name}. Our promise is that we offer you our best effort every single day as we strive for perfection. On those very rare occasions when we make a mistake, we move swiftly to correct our errors and make the damaged party whole.
Learn more about what we do and the services we provide.Did you know that Nesbitt Realty in Northern Virginia will match any offer made by any Realtor?
Rental Agents cannot tell you what you need or which property in {Location_Name} to choose, but they can give you invaluable advice. Once you have identified your requirements, then contact our Rental Agents to help you find the right property. Explain clearly to the agent about what you are looking for. Our agents know the area and the market well, and if they know what you want, they can probably take you directly to a property that ticks off all the right boxes. [Read more about rental agents.]
Corner view
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 especially quickly. With the Federal Reserve ending its purchases of mortgage securities this month, the mortgage market is likely to rise from its current low level. Even if prices fall further, the rising cost of borrowing could eliminate any savings.
As Kenneth Rosen, chairman of the Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics at the University of California, says, this is a "very good time to be a buyer at the high end."
Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nick Timiraos and James R. Hagerty (03/27/2010)
Selling A House As Is: What Does It Mean To You As The Buyer?
What goes through your mind when you see the term "as-is" in a property listing in Arlington? While some people may see this as a warning, others like real estate investors may see it as an opportunity. But what exactly does "as-is" mean?
5 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector in Northern VA
Home buyers in Northern Virginia are well advised to interview a home inspector before hiring that inspector. What should you ask if you're going to hire a home inspector in Arlington, Alexandria or Fairfax County? Here are a few ideas for questions.
Title insurance protects the policy owner against loss in the event that the property’s title or legal ownership is something other than insured. It helps ensure that the property owner is assuming clear title for the real estate being purchased. Title insurance is different than other types of insurance in that it offers protection against…
Today we're featuring this property for sale at River Towers in Alexandria Virginia. We highlight properties that are interesting, unique or just good deals. This 1 bedroom property is listed for $168,000. We like to keep our eyes open for home buying opportunities for our clients.
For condo buying or condo selling in Northern VA call Nesbitt Realty
A condominium is usually a housing unit or apartment in a multi-unit building in which each unit is individually owned, while common areas and the property in general are jointly owned by the residents and the owner of the building, or all of the residents together. Some people choose to purchase and live in a condominium because some condos are less expensive than a traditional single-family house. Additionally, many condos have added amenities and facilities.
Most condominiums have amenities you won't find on a similarly priced single family residence. A typical condo has a pool, a work-out room, and party room. Typically all or some of the exterior maintenance and lawn care is provided by the condo association. Many condos have utilities included in the price of the condo fee. These and many other luxuries are standard in a condominium community but are beyond the reach of those who reside in single family homes. In short, condo owners choose condo life because they love life and they don't want to be bogged down with maintaining a lawn or cleaning gutters. They want to walk out the back door and enjoy a dip in the pool while the other guy is spending time writing checks to pay his utilities.
The best part about owning a condo is that your condominium sets you on the path to financial freedom. Buying a condo costs more monthly cash flow than renting an apartment. But, in most cases, all that money comes back to you at the end of the year in the form of tax refunds. Best of all, next year your mortgage will be the same amount and your debt will be reduced. With an apartment your money is gone and your rent will surely have a cost of living increase.
Before deciding to purchase a condominium, it is important to do your research into both the legal and practical aspects of owning a condominium. As with any home purchase, location, size and price are important. With a condominium you'll also want to understand the ownership scheme. This type of information is found in the "condo docs" or condominium documents. Most states, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, require condo doc disclosure before any purchase contract is finalized. The condo docs will contain detailed information on the ownership and property rights of the condo and its owners. The rules of the homeowners association are generally explained in the condo docs in plain English (and not in legal jargon)? It's important to read the condo documents to understand the annual maintenance and upkeep fees, as well as to obtain a full understanding of exactly how much control the association have over the regulation of the property?
Condominiums can be found all over the country, with more being developed each year. Condominiums are quite common in Northern Virginia and the National Capitol area. Some condos are new construction, and a few are apartment buildings that were rental apartments before making the switch.
In newly constructed condos, it's common to find a sales office onsite at the condominium. And whether your buying from a condominium owner or a condo office, it's a good idea to take a guided tour of facilities and the units that are available for purchase. Of course, many new condominium offices have staff that act as sales agents. Potential condominium owners can make an appointment to meet with a staff sales agent to discuss interest in condo ownership; hHowever, when you're in the market for a condo, it's a good idea to employ your own Condo Alexandria real estate agent rather than rely on the services of the condominium staff. Your real estate agent will have an understanding of the condominium ownership structure and the condominium documents and the real estate agent can explain what this means to you.
Although there are various types of condominiums, the most common legal arrangements involve individual ownership of each unit, with joint ownership of the communal or common areas by all of the residents in the building. You might be surprised to learn the variety of sizes found in condominiums. Condos range from studios and one bedroom apartment, to a four bedroom penthouse apartment. Even condominiums with the same number of bedrooms can have different floor plans and different numbers of bathrooms and half-baths.
Nothern Virginia Condo Experts
While some condominiums are located in large multi-unit buildings, others may be detached form each other and be located in a gated or planned community. Some condominiums may be located in resort or vacation destinations. Besides total cost of the property, you should also inquire as to the annual homeowners association costs. These fees are usually charged in order to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the common areas. Owning a condominium can be one of the largest investments you make, so make sure that the one you choose can accommodate your specific needs. Purchasing a condominium can be a great way to buy a property in the location you really want with all the amenities you seek.
Julie is a Realtor serving Northern Virginia
Real estate agents act as go-betweens for buyers and sellers of real estate property. With certain exceptions, anyone who assists with the sale of real estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required to be licensed by the state. Each and every real estate agents must be affiliated with a real estate broker. A broker is a real estate profession who has higher educational requirements and who has a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a real estate agent. A realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. As a realtor, agents and brokers agree to ascribe to a high standard of ethics and participate in continuing education programs.
In most cases, a real estate agent works for one party, either the buyer or seller, renter or landlord. The agent uses his or her specialized training to best represent the clients' best interests. In some cases, the agent will work in a dual capacity representing both sides of the transaction. In all cases, the agent's first duty is to truth and honesty. But when you choose a real estate agent, don't be afraid to ask about what obligations state law imposes.
Some agencies have up-front fees or retainers. It's okay to shop around and to interview several agents and agencies to find the one that you feel most
comfortable working with, but it's only fair to the agent and to yourself to settle on one agent to sell or buy a home. Although it is your right and duty as a consumer to shop around, it is unethical and unfair to work with more than one agent at a time. An experienced agent will always ask if you already have representation. This way the agent won't waste his time or accidentally interfere with the relationship you already have.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
