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12 Ways a Realtor from Condo Alexandria Can Help You

Will Nesbitt
Will Nesbitt at Watergate at Landmark
1. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a Nesbitt Realty Realtor® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices. 2. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties. 3. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are Nesbitt Realty Realtors® have access to a variety of informational resources. Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can provide local community information on utilities,
Julie Nesbitt
your Realtor Julie Nesbitt
zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? 4. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required. 5. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements
Stuart Nesbitt
Stuart Nesbitt
(access rights) for utilities. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date. 6. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders. 7. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. 8. When selling your home, your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
Realtor Ron Ginyard
Ron Ginyard has the experience you need to successfully realize your real estate goals.
9. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The Realtor® Code of Ethics requires Nesbitt Realty Realtor® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients. 10. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your Nesbitt Realty Realtor®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. 11. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position.
Dillon Lee
Dillon Lee
This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process. 12. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement). For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

5 Important Tips for Condo Buyers

Condos at 1200 Nash St N #535 Arlington VA 22209
Prospect House is in Arlington 22209
If you are looking or even just thinking about buying a condominium home in or around Northern Virginia, 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 condo buyer would do well to consider throughout the process of finding a new condominium home. Happy hunting! 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
Condos at 501 Slaters Ln Ne #220 Alexandria VA 22314
Marina Towers is in Alexandria 22314
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. 3) Never Ignore the Documents that Accompany the Condo Purchase Always review the condominium documents very carefully before you buy. In layman'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
Condo in Eton Square
Eton Square in Alexandria
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 Julie at (703)765-0300.

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5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

A Single family house at 5428 Grist Mill Woods Way Alexandria VA 22309
Grist Mill Woods is in Alexandria 22309
1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list. 3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety. 4. Start saving.Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don't forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs --- including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees --- average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price. 5. Get your credit in order.Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments. 6. Determine your mortgage qualifications.How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options --- such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs --- and decide what's best for you.
Condos at 2001 15th St N #615 Arlington VA 22201
Odyssey is in Arlington 22201
7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements. 8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you've saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal. 9. Calculate the costs of home ownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable. 10. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process. For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

Advantages versus Disadvantages of Condominiums

Advantages

  1. Condos on average are more affordable then other types of housing.
    Condos
    Condo Alexandria is Northern VA's condo expert
  2. Maintenance of the exterior of the building will be taken care of.
  3. The peace of mind living next to neighbors if help is needed.
  4. Condos can be located in major cities surrounded by restaurants, night clubs, and local bars.
  5. Many condos offer a pool, gym, and basketball/tennis court for those who are active.
*Bonus* Condos are often located in high rise building making for spectacular views.

Disadvantages

  1. There are condo rules by the condo corporation that would have to be followed.
  2. Condos can have additional fees such as corporation fees.
  3. Only your interior walls inward are own by you (depending on which type of condo you own.)
  4. You will have to share the pool, gym, and basketball/tennis courts will your other neighbors.
 
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.


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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.


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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.


[read more about high-rise condos]

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Condos real estate agents
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Condos
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.