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?
Northern Virginia is a part of the National Capital Region it is home to some of the most educated, affluent and particular buyers in the nation. Everyday we help folks relocate in and out of Northern Virginia as well as help locals advance their real estate goals. If you're shopping for a home in Northern Virginia, you will find our Buyer's Guide to Northern Virginia Real Estate is a great resource for understanding the area and for seeking out the perfect real estate match for your tastes and budget.
If you need any help with a specific search please don't hesitate to call us at (703)765-0300.
[What makes us different!]
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!
We аll wаnt tо find оur drеаm hоmе аnd wе thіnk іt іѕ easy. However, once reality sets in we start to realize that having a professional who knows how to make it happen is probably your first and most important step. Then you need to define your budget and criteria. A real estate profession can help you prioritize criteria to separate needs from wants and wants from wishes. Talk to Nesbitt Realty to learn more about your choices in {Location_Name}.
Learn more about the buying process and how our agent can help you and save you THOUSANDS on your purchase.
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.
What exactly does a Realtor do?
By law, Realtors are required to:
Perform certain mandatory and standard acts to help out with the purchase or sale of real estate.
Properly account for the money or alternative property placed in her or his attention.
Disclose untoward material facts that are, or should be, inside the broker’s knowledge.
Realtors can assist sellers by screening potential home buyers and by helping them prepare their homes in order to list them on the market. Realtors can also assist buyers by showing investors suitable properties for their risk profiles and long-term investment goals.
The agents at Nesbitt Realty can quickly locate the perfect home for you in {Location_Name} through efficiently organizing and coordinating meetings with sellers and potential buyers. Our realtors stay informed about all the important aspects of an area that you might consider when purchasing a home. These may include the following:
the quality of schools,
association fees,
Metro availability,
community amenities such as shops, parks, and restaurants.
When homes in {Location_Name} are listed on the market, our brokers have immediate access to them, which saves home buyers hours of time that is otherwise wasted driving around. Our realtors will help you save money on your negotiations, will explain and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mortgages, and will guide you through all the necessary paperwork when you are ready to make an offer on a home.
If you want to sell your home in {Location_Name}, Nesbitt Realty can help you reach your goal. Our Realtors are experienced and familiar with the real estate market in Northern Virginia. A Realtor can help you determine the best listing price for your property. We know how to market your home to get the best price as quickly as possibly. Nesbitt Realty knows how the home selling process works, so we are ready to assist you every step of the way. Nesbitt Realty has access to the MRIS (our local multiple listing service). MRIS is the MLS database that agents use to find homes for sale in the area. Our agent will add your property to it. Working with a Realtor will make the home selling process run smoothly and much simpler than if you attempt to do it on your own. We're a local family-run business and we appreciate the opportunity to serve your needs in {Location_Name}.
Learn more about selling your home
Choosing the right property manager tо hаndlе your рrореrty allows the owner to rеlаx knоwіng that thе property is in thе hаndѕ оf a reliable tеаm оf рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ.
Find out more about our team and practicesWhat's best for the client is what we want.
Finding the Perfect Rental Property
Every person is an individual and as such we all have different wants and needs. This applies to all aspects of our lives but can be particularly frustrating when trying to find a home. In the rental market one size does not fit all and finding the perfect property can be a challenge.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that occupancy rates and rents in desirable areas can be high and it is often difficult to find a property that suits both your budget and your requirements. Even in areas where there are more available properties it might still be difficult to find something that ticks all the boxes.
Here are a few tips to take some of the stress out of the search:
Know your needs
You, as a potential renter, need to know what you need. Some people are simply looking for a place to eat, sleep and shower while others are looking for a lifestyle or a space that will accommodate various activities, such as working, entertaining and hobbies. Think about what the space needs to do for you and make a list of your specific requirements. For example, do you need built in kitchen appliances? Is a washer and dryer essential or is there a laundry nearby? Do you need easy access to the metro or do you need parking for a car? These are questions only you can answer. And then of course there is the all-important budget. What will your money get you and what are you prepared to sacrifice to stay within budget?
Remember when you assess your requirements to differentiate between wants and needs because unfortunately you will most likely have to compromise somewhere. Your needs are the things you cannot do without and your wants are those little extras that make your life more comfortable but are not essential. Take your list of requirements and mark your wants and needs in different colors and then rank them in order of importance. Remember your needs are always more important than your wants.
Use Our Tools
Once you know what you need and you have a good idea of the basic features you are looking for then it’s time to turn to our website. The website is designed to give you a good idea of the cost and type of properties available in {Location_Name} and help you identify potential rental properties. This should hopefully take the frustration out of the search by enabling you to eliminate properties that do not meet your needs or budget.
Get Our Recommendations
Rental agents cannot tell you what you need or which property 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. Be clear with the agent about what you want. Our agents know the area and the market and if they know what you want they can probably take you directly to a property that ticks 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.
