Finding the right condo

Snow at Belle View
snow at Belle View condos
I met a potential client who told me that she had been looking for two years for a condo.  She called me because she wanted to see a particular property in Belle View. After establishing that she didn't have an agent, I showed her Belle View I practically had to drag here to see a property I thought she would like based upon her input. That property was Montebello, and she absolutely loved it and was amazed because she wouldn't have had a clue that Montebello existed if it wasn't for me. A few days later, she wanted me to tag along to another property that she had found at my property search site.  That prompted me to "set the record straight" with some frank talk. Obviously, I would love the opportunity to be of service to her. I appreciate and value each client and always need one more client. But there are limits to what I can and will do and this is for the protection of both the client and myself.
Montebello condos
Living room at Montebello
When I take on a client it is because I know I can add value to my client's end of the transaction.  I add value by finding right property at the right price. As I have demonstrated to her and others, I know the condos of Northern Virginia very well. Additionally, I can be a pretty tough negotiator when the time calls. Thus, if a client allows me to represent him or her, I think it's important that I go with the client whenever the client views properties (with the possible exception of open houses).  So, to answer her first question, of course I want to go with a client when a client has interest in a property.  But, when I see someone who has been looking for two years, three years, and has probably burned through a couple of agents who threw their hands up in frustration, I think it is important establish a few facts. There are two primary reasons why a buyer takes a long time to select a property:
  1. The buyer either has unrealistic expectations; or
  2. The buyer does not have clearly defined goals.
When expectations are unrealistic the best thing that I can do as an agent is to apprise the buyer of reality and wish them well in their search. This is not because I'm a tough guy, but rather because it would ruin me a professional to chase the impossible.  To use a metaphor, maybe bigfoot exists.  I've heard that people saw him.  But if I made my living as a game hunter, I'm not going to spend my time (the only thing I really have) trying to catch bigfoot.  I'll wish you well if you are looking for bigfoot, but I'll stick to game that I pull from the forest every single day. In this case, the buyer had a reasonable assessment of reality but she didn't really know what she was looking for. In other words, she didn't have clearly defined goals. The client's method for finding a condo was simple: she randomly searched the Internet and other media to identify prospects. She then visited the potential location and then moved on to something else. That method will use up a lot of time and energy.  I'm not saying the random selection method NEVER works, but in this case the client had already spent two years and hadn't found the right property. Obviously, a buyer needs to see some properties to get an idea of what is available.  But what doesn't make sense is to randomly shop units to find what you want.  Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County) is a huge metropolitan market. There are so many condominiums in Northern Virginia that a person won't be able to see them all. (Unless like me, the only thing you do is look at condos all day.) I told this client gently but firmly, what I thought made the most sense. I told her the truth.  That is, instead of the client leading me around and letting me open doors so she could find a condo, I would play the part of the expert. As an expert, I would asked pointed questions and listen carefully to her replies. In this way, we can define exactly what it is that the buyer is looking for.  Then, after we have established the goals, then it makes sense to begin touring the selections that I recommend. With each condominium we visit, I'll learn more about her needs and we'll get closer to the property that this client will eventually buy.
  1. Define goals.
  2. Refine goals.
  3. Buy.
Simple, effective and good for the client and the agent.  

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.

Are First-Time Buyers Being Shut Out?

Across the country, first-time home buyers have been putting in offers on homes, but many of them keep losing out.
first time home buyer
First-time home buyers contact Nesbitt Realty!
One working mother says she’s put in 30 offers on homes in the $100,000 range in the Atlanta area, bidding $2,500 to $3,000 above the asking price, but each time she’s been outbid. “We have to be on top of the game and be able to drop everything and check out a house or it will be gone,” says another couple in Alexandria, Va. Tight housing inventories are playing a role. For example, in Boston home listings are down 57 percent and in Atlanta area home listings have dropped nearly 40 percent in the past year. Also, “investors have been pushing home prices higher faster than expected,” Diana Olick reports for NBC. “But the higher prices get, the more investors may get out, because they won’t be able to find such great bargains any more. That in turn will let regular buyers back in, even if they do have to pay a little more to own.”
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    Julie Nesbitt
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Home Size Preferences Differ With Age, Culture

Lola, Urban and Will
I couldn't help but wonder . . . what about when she is Nigerian and he is Norwegian?
The median home size most highly desired among home shoppers is 2,226 square feet, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ “What Home Buyers Really Want” survey. But looked at more closely, the size of home most desired can vary greatly depending on the buyers’ age, race, and ethnicity, the study found. As buyers’ ages increase, they tend to want less space, the study finds. Buyers younger than 35 said they most desire a home size of 2,494 square feet. For buyers 65 and older, they want a home that is 2,065 square feet. The size of home preferred also showed big differences among races and ethnicities. For example, minority buyers tended to desire more space than white, non-Hispanic buyers, the study found. White, non-Hispanic buyers said they wanted, on average, 2,197 square feet; Asian buyers wanted 2,280 square feet; Hispanic buyers say they prefer 2,347 square feet; and African American buyers say they prefer 2,664 square feet, according to the study. Source: National Association of Home Builders
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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.
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9 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
Midtown Alexandria Station
entrance to Midtown Alexandria Station condos
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property. 3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford. 4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own. 5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move. 6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you. 7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment. 9. Check out Nesbitt Realty. Our search tools and tips are among the best you'll find in Northern Virginia.

Choose Wisely

For most people in Northern Virginia, the most important investment you will ever make is probably the purchase of a home. Knowing the basics about home-buying will give you a head start and save you time and money in your search.  Additionally Nesbitt Realty can rebate THOUSANDS of dollars to clients who want to use our Realtor services. Phone Nesbitt Realty to learn more about  your options in {Location_Name}. [Read more about buying a home]  

Essential Negotiating Skills

Will Nesbitt angry1. Be prepared. This works for negotiators just as it does for Boy Scouts. Be sure all facts are available and verified before you begin. Postponements for fact-finding can bog down the negotiation. 2. Present a united front. You might not agree with your clients’ position but don’t share that with the other side during the negotiation. Privately, you can try to get your clients to change their mind. 3. Leave your attitude at the door. Don’t let your personal opinions of the parties or the situation cloud your judgment; that could endanger the transaction. Treat everybody with respect; if you disagree, disagree with an idea, not with the person. 4. Hold something back. Plan beforehand what concessions your clients are willing to make and then use them when the bargaining gets under way. 5. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Never let a negotiation bog down over a minor point. If you can’t agree, put the point aside and come back to it later. Concentrate on getting agreement on major points like price and terms. 6. Get all the decision makers together. Nothing is more frustrating than to think you have an agreement, only to find that somebody else must sign off on it. 7. Avoid distractions. Choose a location that’s pleasant. Ask everybody to turn off phones and pagers, and don’t accept calls until the negotiation is complete. 8. Don’t share information unnecessarily. Knowledge is power in a negotiation, so giving the other side extra information may weaken your position. Conversely, learn as much about the other parties as you can. 9. Just keep quiet. Greeting an offer or concession with silence undermines the other side’s power and often prompts an immediate reaction.Will Nesbitt Happy 10. Leave something on the table. Remember that a successful negotiation is not the same as grinding the opponent into the ground. No one should leave a negotiation angry; you never know when you might have to negotiate with the same people again. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Home Preferences of Millennials

The Millennial generation is showing a preference for fixer-upper houses over the “cookie cutter” luxury homes their parents’ generation tended to desire, according to a national survey by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. man-shopping-historical-preservation-windows_f2ee406388c7e6f0019e8f48c69a98b3_3x2_jpg_300x200_q85 About one in three 18-to-35 year olds recently surveyed say they prefer a “fixer-upper” home with minimal repairs needed. Forty-seven percent say they would be more likely to handle home maintenance jobs themselves over calling in a professional for help. What’s more, 72 percent of Millennials consider themselves handy, earning the nickname the “Fix-It Generation,” according to the survey. They also aren’t looking for big, luxury homes like their parents but they don’t mind if a home is smaller, as long as it's unique, the survey showed. Forty-three percent say they want a home that is more customized and less “cookie cutter.” They expect each room in the house to fit their lifestyle. Also, 56 percent say that home technology capabilities are more important than a house with great curb appeal. Sixty-four percent of Millennials said they wouldn’t even consider living in a home that doesn't have the latest tech capabilities. Eighty-four percent say that technology is essential for their new home, with the most sought-after tech in the home being an energy-efficient washer and dryer, a security system, and a smart thermostat. “It’s critical that real estate professionals understand what embodies a quintessential home for the millennial generation, which vastly differs from the traditional norms of generations before them,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Understanding technologies to communicate with this generation is now only one piece of the puzzle for agents; ‘smart’ technological capabilities must now be ingrained into the home itself.” Source: Realogy
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5 Important Tips for Condo Buyers

If you are looking or even just thinking about buying a condominium home, it's perfectly natural to feel a little nervous. Buying a condo and owning your own home is a large, life changing purchase. Indeed, any individual thinking about buying a condo needs to know what to expect and how to prepare for those expectations. Below is a short list of 5 essential tips that any potential condo buyer would do well to consider throughout the process of finding a new condominium home. Happy hunting!
exterior detail
Royalton penthouse
1) Look at Everything in Person First, remember to look in person at any condo unit you are interested in. It is very important that you make sure to actually see the amenities, parking space, and condo facilities personally. This simple but critical task will avoid any confusion and disappointment later on and will ensure that you are satisfied with your condo purchase. If you absolutely cannot look at the condo in person than ask the seller if you can send a friend you trust to look at the unit instead. In addition, if you are located in a different city than where you are condo shopping, be sure to ask the condo seller or realtor to send you as many pictures as possible of the condo and the condo building before you make a decision. 2) Carefully review the Condo Association Fees First Make sure that you know what exactly is included in your condo purchase. What amenities are included in the condo fees to make the condo right for the price? Or, on the other hand, are you going to end up paying for benefits you don't need? In addition, ask if there is any insurance included. Different condo associations may charge the same amount per month, but one may include some incidental insurance while others may require hefty fees for amenities you may not really need or want. Finally, check the condo association meetings and/or any printed bulletins that result from them. Look for any past or developing issues that you need to take into account.
Wooster Mercer
Wooster Mercer Lofts
3) Never Ignore the Documents that Accompany the Condo Purchase Always review the condominium documents very carefully before you buy. In laymen's terms, don't ignore the fine print. Here, you should check the total price and property documents to make sure that they are reasonable for the area. Be especially cautious if the price is very low because this could mean you will need a special assessment of the unit, which could cost you a lot of money, later in the future. 4) Always Review Comparable Units for Sale in the Same Building While every condo building is unique and features different amenities, styles, policies, and location, it is important that you look into other condo units that are for sale or have sold in the same building. Here, do not simply rely on the recent sale price of another unit in the building. Consider what another units' floor plan was, what views it had, or if it had any special upgrades. Depending on the view and floor of the unit, the price of a one bedroom can vary within a condo building. 5) Work with a Specialist The condominium marketplace is often a very specialized type of real estate and as such, you should always consider working with a qualified realtor, and particularly one who specializes in condos. With the help of a realtor, you will have access to a greater condominium market which will enable you to find the best condo unit to fit your needs at a price that you can live with. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
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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.