| Real Estate & Property Management Services

These narrow, rectangular one and one-half story houses originated in California during the 1880s as a reaction to the elaborate decoration of Victorian homes. The style then moved eastward to the Midwest in the early 20th century, where it remained popular until the Great Depression. Bungalows have low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs and small covered porches at the entry. The style became so popular that you could order a bungalow kit from Sears and Roebuck catalog. The name "bungalow" had its origins in India, where it indicated a small, thatched home. There are several neighborhoods in Northern Virginia were bungalows are not uncommon. Burgundy Village is near the Huntington Metro and many homes there were originally bungalows. There are quite a few bungalows in Del Ray in Alexandria Virginia.

Properties in

See Homes in Alexandria

Explore homes in Alexandria

See Homes in Arlington

Explore homes in Arlington

See Homes in Fairfax County

Explore homes in Fairfax County

Geese and ducks at River Towers in Winter

December 10, 2013January 5, 2016Stuart Nesbitt

geese at River Towers — Canadian Geese at River Towers

Winter in Northern Virginia can be a little bleak at times. The foliage is gone from the trees, and the grass is a little beat. But River Towers is teaming with life. A flock of Canadian geese winters here at the creek which surrounds River Towers. One of the pleasures of living at River Towers is the sound of the geese when they take off together or come in for a landing. From the higher floors of the high-rise residents can watch the geese fly by at eye level and almost within arm's reach--a beautiful sight. Winter berries add some color to the scenery. Ducks are here year-round, as they like the gentle waters of the canal. It's not a great time for a picnic, but it's always pleasant to walk through the natural areas surrounding River Towers. River Towers backs up against the Dyke Marsh, a national wildlife preserve that is home to a good many waterfowl and at least one pair of beavers that I've seen. Normally the geese stay close to the marsh and don't approach the buildings at River Towers, but I suppose this year, they've had enough of the snow.

If you're seeking a home that is close to Old Town, close to the Potomac and you don't want to break the bank, River Towers is a great place to investigate any time of the year.

Properties in

See Homes in Alexandria

Explore homes in Alexandria

See Homes in Arlington

Explore homes in Arlington

See Homes in Fairfax County

Explore homes in Fairfax County

For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Five Home Renovations That Can Deter Potential Buyers

December 9, 2013April 20, 2015Aubrey Nesbitt

Luxury upgrades: Avoid trendy and frivolous renovation expenditures. Simple and relevant renovations are more likely to pay off in the long haul.
Amin & Will in Lowes
Garage conversion: Converting a garage to a family room can turn off potential home buyers. Some people want a garage and not a family room. Consider if you plan on selling in the future before you make the change.
Adding a swimming pool: Unless you live in a place that is warm year round, a pool might not the the best idea. Pool maintenance can prove to be very costly. Some home buyers will factor in this cost and decide to pass on your home. Also a pool runs the risk of being a liability for small children.
Bedroom conversion: Converting an office or master closet can deter a home-buyer. Some people prefer the home as it was built, without changes to the layout. If you are considering putting you home on the market, you might want to consider undoing these changes.
Making it too personal: Personalized fixtures, colors, finishes, and paint jobs might not be what the person considering buying your home likes. Neutral finishes, colors, and fixtures are a safe bet. Potential buyers might think your home needs renovation if your personalization is not to their liking.

Taylor, Jim. "Five Home Renovations That Negative Affect Resale Value." Five Home Renovations That Negative Affect Resale Value. Version 1. Realty Times, 25 Nov. 2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2013. <http://jimtaylor.realtytimes.com/advicefromagents1/item/26717-five-home-renovations-that-negative-affect-resale-value>.

Properties in

See Homes in Alexandria

Explore homes in Alexandria

See Homes in Arlington

Explore homes in Arlington

See Homes in Fairfax County

Explore homes in Fairfax County

What is a “Cape Cod”?

December 6, 2013January 5, 2016Will Nesbitt

Some of the first houses built in the United States were Cape Cods. The original colonial Cape Cod homes were shingle-sided, one-story cottages with no dormers. During the mid-20th century, the small, uncomplicated Cape Cod shape became popular in suburban developments. A 20th-century Cape Cod is square or rectangular with one or one-and-a-half stories and steeply pitched, gabled roofs. It may have dormers and shutters. The siding is usually clapboard or brick.

stone Cape Cod — Here's a Cape Cod made of stone.

There are many neighborhoods filled with Cape Cods in Northern Virginia. Often these homes were built just after WW2 for soldiers returning from the war, but many were built as late as 1960 and some continue to be built today. If you'd like to see a neighborhood of mature Cape Cods, many with additions, you might want to explore Bucknell Manor. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Nesbitt Realty Joins Our Kidz First Advisory Committe

December 6, 2013February 10, 2016Aubrey Nesbitt

Principal Broker Will Nesbitt and his wife Julie are joining local nonprofit Our Kidz First advisory committee. The head of the advisory committee is Dr. Camille McGann M.D. Our Kidz First is a a registered 501(C) 3 public charity that offers early career exposure to kids via a variety of events including: Annual Career Fair, Monthly Career Meeting and Mentoring Groups. Our Kids First mission is to expose, engage, and inspire youth to discover the career of their dreams. Our Kidz First's target audience is 7th and 8th grade students. Without guidance, studies have shown that this middle school age group is at the highest risk of becoming High School drop outs. Our Kidz First provides an outline for success in 16 different career clusters.