Will Nesbitt in the consultation room
I'm going to buy a home, what's the process?
Go to your bank or lending institution to obtain pre-approval. As part of this you will discover what amount it is willing to lend. This is important both to know your budget and to ensure that your offers are accepted. Failure to pre-approve can ruin your chances for success later.
Sit down with a Realtor to see what's available, what meets your needs, and to discover the hidden dangers in home buying.
Once you have found a property you wish to buy you can proceed with an offer. Your Realtor will provide invaluable assistance by performing a competitive market analysis, a snapshot of recent home sales and their amounts, to determine what will make an offer that gets you the best possible price, without having the seller walk away.
The seller reviews the offer; if it is rejected, the seller may make a counteroffer. This process can continue back and forth until both parties ratify and accept the offer making the offer a ratified contract.
A ratified contract then puts into motion a host of background tasks that proceed invisibly to ensure your new home is in good order:
Home inspected for condition, damage and hidden surprises
Appraisal to ensure the banks investment is covered by the value of the home
Loan approval to secure funds for the purchase of your home
Title Search to ensure the seller really has full right to sell your home
Walk-through inspection to ensure nothing changes at the last minute with the property
At settlement the lender's money and the title transfer come together to deliver you ownership of your new home.
Now it's time to move in!
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
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.
The best deals on homes are often on properties that aren’t perfect, but how do you spot a home with potential? These are the 5 factors we've found:
Home shoppers looking for a great deal should keep these factors in mind when they are looking for a place with potential:
Location, location, location. You can fix a home's condition, but you can never change it's location..
Less than 50 years old. Properties older than a half century are likely to have more fundamental problems — like aging wiring, inadequate plumbing and sagging foundations. But when examining a home take care to note the difference between a home's actual age and it's age since it was refurbished or renewed. You may find that a home in Old Town Alexandria which was built in the 19th Century is "newer" than a home built in 1990 in Kingstowne.
Livable floor plan. Paint and carpet are relatively cheap, but moving walls can quickly get expensive.
Light. Houses with the most potential have plenty of natural light.
Good storage. Adding storage isn’t cheap, so it’s smart to choose a property that already has it.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
Pentagon City as seen from Arlington Ridge in Arlington VA
When you're shopping for a home, how do you price a view? The view above is from a balcony at the Representative overlooking Pentagon City in Arlington County. Does this view make this condominium home more valuable? If so, how much more valuable?
Many condos at Montebello have excellent views.
Like the Representative, Montebello sits atop the ridge overlooking the Potomac. Much of the best property in Northern VA is found on this ridge, because the elevation provides excellent vistas of the Potomac and the city.
View of Masonic Temple and the shady streets of Old Town
The Alexandria House is not on the ridge, but down by the Potomac and surrounded by the smaller structures of Old Town Alexandria. Its balconies provide great views of the city and the river.
The Potomac River as seen from Port Royal in Old Town
Who's to say what a great view is anyway? Some people like the city view. Some folks prefer a nature view. Some folks like the monuments. And others couldn't care less about the view.
For myself, I never judge a view by standing at a window. Because when you live in a home, you don't stand at the window. You pass through rooms and halls on the way to do life's errands. I judge a view from the center of the room, or when seated at the couch. But in the end, it's all subjective. A view costs more, on that we all agree. But the value of a view is only known when the price a buyer will pay intersects with the amount a seller will accept.
About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.
The blizzard snow lasted about a week. It hit its climax on about day 3. Many roads built up with caked snow. In Bucknell Manor, nearby stores remained open during the inclement weather. Interested in buying, selling, renting, or property management of Real Estate in Northern Virginia? Call Nesbitt Realty today at (703) 765 0300.
Bucknell Manor blizzard in January on Cavalier Drive
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor on Cavalier Drive in winter after snow
Bucknell Manor in a blizzard in January
Belle View Exxon gas station during snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor in winter snow with a poodle named Grover
Belle View Boulevard snowed
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor blizzard in January on Cavalier Drive
Grover my poodle in Bucknell Manor near Belle Haven during snow in winter
Winter in Bucknell Manor on Cavalier Drive
Winter in Bucknell Manor on Cavalier Drive
Bucknell Manor in a blizzard
Bucknell Manor snow in winter
Belle View Boulevard snowed
winter in Bucknell Manor
Belle Haven in the distance of Bucknell Manor in a blizzard
Belle View Shopping Center during winter snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor during a blizzard in January
Bucknell Manor blizzard in January on Cavalier Drive
Belle View Shopping Center during winter snow
Bucknell Manor blizzard in January on Cavalier Drive
Bucknell Manor on Cavalier Drive in winter after snow
Belle View Boulevard in winter snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor snow in winter
Belle Haven in winter snow
Winter in Bucknell Manor on Cavalier Drive
Bucknell Manor in a blizzard
Bucknell Manor in winter snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor in winter with snow
Bucknell Manor in winter snow
Bucknell Manor blizzard in January on Cavalier Drive
The blizzard was in effect and my parents took me to Costco and Walmart for groceries and other products. It is so very nice having everything I needed provided for me. I remember purchasing a vast array of essentials. Will and Julie Nesbitt, get me to the stores and make it so easy, to sit at home and wait for the weather to pass and the work week to pick up again, which it already has and now the roads are back to the way they were, and the side walks still have some snow melting and snow shoveling to be done. The groceries in the nick of time, was awesome strolling through the entire whole sale store and including a quick dash to Walmart, calm and collecting many much needed items for my inventory.
Will and Julie Nesbitt walk through Wal-Mart during 2016 snow storm
butcher at work
Nesbitt Realty helps first-time home-buyers realize their home-buying dreams.
video games
bread, wine, cheese, desert, and more
inside Costco during a blizzard in 2016
jewelry
Costco grocery cart with food in it
Will Nesbitt and Julie Nesbitt check out with Aubrey Nesbitt at Wal-mart
flowers
Fairfax County
Will and Julie Nesbitt
frozen foods, tea, coffee, and more
beer
Will Nesbitt and Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt checks out at Costco
beer
Costco during the blizzard of 2016
Will Nesbitt and Julie Nesbitt entering Wal-Mart
Will Nesbitt guides Aubrey Nesbitt’s grocery cart loaded with food
Will Nesbitt and Julie Nesbitt going through Wal-Mart
Costco, the rear facing the entrance
Costco meats and premade meals
Julie Nesbitt and Will Nesbitt in Wal-Mart
Will and Julie Nesbitt look at tomato sauce for Aubrey Nesbitt
Stuart Nesbitt with Spring attire
According to National Association of Realtors' 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, now over 80% of people use the Internet as a primary tool in their search for a new home. Sites like NesbittRealty.com are used by more and more people every day. Some claim that, "Internet condo buyers devote more time to research before working with a real estate agent. But after that, they move quickly, spending just two weeks looking for a new condo, new home, pre-construction condo, townhome, or loft with an agent."
Although some of our clients know exactly what they want and view only a few homes or condos, many of our clients relentlessly research and analyze neighborhoods and homes before taking time to tour properties listed for sale. We find that our site and our Guide have complemented--not diminished--the role played by our real estate agents and realtors. Most Internet condo, townhome, loft, or single family home buyers use an agent in the home buying process.
Our site provides a convenient method to do research about Northern Virginia home listings. NesbittRealty.com provides resources for home buyers and investors looking for new real estate opportunities. If you're reading this now then you have a clue just how big our Internet presence is. Contact us to sell your home on Condos and Homes today!
https://youtu.be/TpBQ7b4Qibc
The National Association of Realtors writes, "Consumers want their real estate agent to be tech-savvy and offer lower fees than their competitors, finds a new survey by the real estate brokerage Redfin of nearly 1,000 recent home buyers and sellers." This is like a mission statement of Nesbitt Realty. Our agents are well-versed in the best real estate technology tools in the business and (unlike other brokers---including Redfin) Nesbitt Realty NEVER CHARGES ADMIN FEES!
Brothers working together at the office
NAR says, "About 62 percent of buyers and sellers said they are looking for lower fees in a real estate transaction. However, 22 percent of those surveyed said that low fees actually made them worry about the quality of the service." Admin fees are usually about $500 per transaction in Northern Virginia. These fees are often the life-blood of the large-chain brokerage. But what if you could get the same services as you would get from a national chain, but deal with a family-business? That's why our clients love Nesbitt Realty.
Buyers and sellers are also taking notice of what technology agents are using to help them on their house hunt or sale. Fifty-seven percent of buyers and sellers surveyed said the technology their real estate agent uses is important to them. On the other hand, 31 percent of consumers surveyed said “the only thing that matters is the quality of the agent.”
Nesbitt Realty uses the same Internet, the same MLS, the same advertising streams as the big brokerages. We use the same or better technology tools and we do it without charging our clients an admin fee.
It's also said that besides low fees and technology, the majority of buyers surveyed also indicated that they valued responsiveness in a real estate agent. In fact, it was the most sought-after trait for an agent among buyers. Forty-seven percent of buyers surveyed rated responsiveness as key — even over professionalism, local expertise, and experience.
Will Nesbitt
Our agents pick up the phone. We don't roll you over to voicemail. Not only can you talk to your Nesbitt Realty agent, you can always reach out the principal broker, father and founder of Nesbitt Realty, Will Nesbitt.
Sellers, on the other hand, rated responsiveness as the least important quality to them in a real estate agent. Instead, 44 percent of sellers said “experience selling homes like mine” was the most sought-after trait for them in a real estate agent. You might be surprised to learn that we agree with the respondents. That's why if Nesbitt Realty is not the best brokerage for your property, we'll be the first to tell you. We know what we are good at selling and we know when another agent would be a better fit.
We are a family-run business. You don't have to settle for a national chain.Source: “What Buyers, Sellers Want From Their Agent,” NAR Blog (March 23, 2015)
Byron condominium is located in Falls Church VA
If you're approaching retirement, or just had it with the big-house lifestyle, it might be time to down-size. Here are some thoughts to consider when downsizing:
Consider a short-distance move for familiarity. Plus, a shorter move can be cheaper.
If you're moving out to a new county or state, check the property taxes. This is especially important if you're on a fixed income.
Look for handicap features that you might not need now but which may you if your health or physical abilities decline.
Think about sharing space with a younger (or older) family member.
Insist on good security in the new property.
Look for a home that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
Ask about energy efficiency. Utility bills will go up but a fixed income does not.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
The Consultation Room at Nesbitt Realty
When searching for a home, most buyers want to find one they love and can see themselves living in happily for years to come. When beginning that search, which most buyers do online through avenues such as Nesbitt Realty, they typically know what they are looking for and the price range they can afford. Oftentimes, however, those two things come into conflict as buyers get closer to finding their dream home. Inevitably, many of them will have to ask the question, “Where will I have to compromise?” Will you have to let go of the pool to fit into your price range? Will you land in a home that’s a bit smaller to be in a better school district? Can you pay a bit more to be closer to recreational activities?
The National Association of Realtors® posed these questions to homebuyers to find out where they typically made compromises on home purchases. The results, which can be found in NAR’s 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, showed that while 33 percent of buyers said they did not compromise at all, most let go of something they wanted. The most common compromise was on the price of the home (23 percent). Close behind was the size of the home, for which 20 percent of buyers reported compromising. Other factors at odds with what buyers included lot size, the condition of the home, a home’s distance from one’s job and friends or family, quality of the neighborhood, and school district reputation.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
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.
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.
