Is it time to take the plunge into the home buyers' world?
If the idea of purchasing your first home or just buying the next home is on your mind, I have some thoughts to add to the collection you've already been making in your own mind. Sometimes moving seems like an exciting experience and other times just a nuisance. The act of actual moving is totally irrelevant, though when it comes to actually achieving movers happiness.
In order to gauge the level of success you've achieved from a move some factors must be taken into account. The first that I've noticed when trying to understand this is whether or not I find myself smiling on the way home or annoyed, dreading another night there. Where we lay our head at night is a big part of happiness. Finding a place that draws us to it is a key to achieving the level of happiness that we've dreamed about for probably all our lives. I know I have an ideal mind set and when heading home over the years, different houses and apartments that I've lived in have conjured up thoughts of peace as well as dread.
This is why I have a suggestion if you are moving into a new area. Do you know the neighborhood? Do you know the neighbors? Do you feel comfortable with your morning and evening commute?
If any of these make you a bit hesitant, please do some research before buying and dedicating yourself to an area. Maybe now is the time to rent a home to take a year and investigate the location a bit. This may give greater insight into the desired location you want to buy. Maybe something just isn't right. If so, the lease will end and you can pick up the iMac and the six iPads and just move the family.
When it finally feels right, it'll feel right and then you know without a doubt that you're ready to lay down roots in the area. If now is the time to test out new areas, check out the guide below and the listings that just may help you on your search for happiness.
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.
Midtown Alexandria currently has properties listed for under 300k. These condos are walking distance to Huntington Metro and have a a array of modern amenities. The ground level showcases a well kept cyber cafe offering free wi-fi and a quite space to work/study.
The fitness center has a number of treadmills, elliptical machines, and free weights. A gym membership is not needed if you live here! The outdoor pool is directly outside, perfect for the fitness enthusiast. The party room is spacious and can be rented for a small fee. Pool tables, a bar and big screen tv make this a great place to hang out with friends.
For under 300k, these condos are tough to beat.
Midtown AlexandriaMidtown Alexandria Cyber CafeMidtown Alexandria's Party RoomMidtown Alexandria's Fitness RoomMidtown Alexandria Pool
I recently started volunteering as a coach for Fort Hunt Youth Basketball and I believe volunteering has some great benefits.
Friendship- When people get together, relationships are formed. After coaching a few practices, it's not uncommon for volunteers to exchange phone numbers or social media information. By giving just a small amount of time, lifetime bonds may be established.
Community- Building with your community gives a sense of pride. Whether you are volunteering at your local recreation center or at your local food kitchen, this will save money. Saving money saves resources and funds can now go toward other local improvements.
Personal Growth- Experiencing new things and environments will lead to personal growth. Skills you may not have known you had will become more apparent.
Health- Volunteering will naturally make you a more active person. Research has found that volunteering has amazing health benefits. While thinking of others, one can battle depression and social confinement.
The Hot Stove is Heating up.
Here we are in the middle of Thanksgiving warm up time and the boys of summer are just beginning to make their splashes. The qualifying offers are being presented and things are ramping up.
Out in the midwest there is a big decision looming. A qualifying offer was presented and promptly refuses by two big pieces of the puzzle. The Cardinals are the team I reference here and I believe I know what they should do.
John Lackey and Jason Heyward are the two big pieces that I mentioned above. Both had acceptable seasons last year for the team with the best record in the regular season. For John Lackey, it was arguably his best. For Jason Heyward, not so much.
The thing that Heyward brought to the table this past season was clutch offense in the post season. His numbers in the regular season, however; were mediocre at best. What this team needs in this corner outfield position is a consistent .300 hitter who can smash the ball over the yellow line in the outfield. What Jason offers is less than this. I hope the Cards don't back up the Brinks truck for this player, who may or may not out perform any of our other options, the best of which is Piscotty.
As for Lackey, I have a sneaking suspicion that he is wanting the world after last season and he just may get it. The Cardinals have been very shy about giving a pitcher more than two years, especially one so close to the end. The money he will want, since he's declined the qualifying offer, will probably hamper the teams' ability to go out and replace Lance Lynn, who will miss the entire season recovering from surgery.
My advice for the Cardinals, keep doing what you've been doing to be successful and don't fall for these two for the wrong amount of money. Would they help, sure. Would the amount of money they want hurt us more - definitely. I'm not saying I don't like these two, I just like winning more.
Still looking for the perfect place to watch the game? Follow the guide below and check out the listings that I've attached.
