Are These Condos Just Like All The Others?
I have just had the chance, within the past couple of days, to conduct my first quarterly inspection of a few properties in the Montebello development in Alexandria, Virginia. I have driven by the complex countless times on the way to the laundromat, restaurants and other various shops out on Route 1., but this was a chance to see it for what it truly is. Seeing this from the roadway, it looked the same as any other in the area and I expected nothing different.
The first thing that I realized is that this a gated community. This, to me, is a huge plus. There are other gated communities in the area, but this was turning out to be a bit different. When I got through the gate, after talking with the security guard, I took a right and headed for what I was told was building number 1. The address is 5901 on the first building and there is a tranquil little jaunt up toward the building through lush trees and over a creek. I only mention this, because it's nice to see the Virginia come out in this place. Personality is how I like to describe this and this made me like it right away.
After arriving at the correct building I saw initially that parking was ample and depending on what floor you would be living on, you would probably be able to see your vehicle from the window of your condo. That to me is another good thing.
I liked the look of the lobby, the elevator and the decor all together in the hallways. It looked as if it was cared for very well. The presentation before getting into the condo is important to me. When I finally got into the first condo I saw the second very good thing about this complex. The rooms are very spacious. The condo I inspected that day was a 1 bedroom, two bath and it was very spaciously comfortable inside. I could easily see all of my possessions fitting well inside this place.
As I worked my way around in inspection mode, I realized the third great feature about this Montebello complex - the views from the balcony. Now, it's not the DC view, but what it is - is a breath of fresh air. It truly is a relief to me to get just a bit off the busy streets and come up there to see a view of lush greenery. This day I happen to be on the tenth floor. Trees and grass are the view from up there (a nice change from the mundane concrete) and it is going to be so beautiful shortly, when the turning of the leaves begins. I smiled and got back to work. I completed the inspection, complimented the condo and left, knowing that for the price paid - this was definitely worth it. I've seen many different properties during this current inspection process, but this complex is turning out to be one of my favorites. Is it time for you to move to Montebello?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that since so many details, especially financial ones, are involved in buying and selling a home, using a real estate agent is a good idea because that professional can be a guide throughout the process, making the entire process and experience so much easier.
The key to a successful and positive experience with a real estate transaction in {Location_Name} is finding the right professional to assist you. While a real estate agent can meet your needs, the services of a Realtor® in {Location_Name} will suite your needs even better.
What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?
Of the more than two million people who have earned real estate licenses, only a small percentage of them are Realtors. Realtors, who are members in good standing of the National Association of Realtors, their state association of Realtors, and a local real estate board, are held to high standards of ethical behavior and undergo continuing education annually to remain accredited.
All agents of Nesbitt Realty are Realtors!
What Does a Realtor Do?
Law requires Realtors to:
perform necessary and customary acts, in good faith and with reasonable care, to assist in the purchase or sale of real estate.
properly account for money or other property placed in his or her care.
disclose “adverse material facts” which are, or should be, within the agent’s knowledge.
Realtors can assist buyers in many ways. One such way is keeping buyers informed on all the latest listings, to which Realtors gain access as soon as they are listed on the market. Realtors will also be familiar with all the information you may want regarding the area of your potential home, which may include school quality, community safety, traffic volume and commute time, accessibility to shops and public transportation, and proximity of local parks and recreation. When a buyer is ready to purchase a home, Realtors can help you pre-qualify for a mortgage, weigh the pros and cons of the varying types of mortgages, and walk you through the complicated paperwork involved in real estate transactions.
Realtors can also assist sellers with listing and preparing to sell a home, screening potential buyers, and showing investors properties that suit their investing profiles.
Through efficient organization and coordination of meetings with potential buyers and sellers, Nesbitt Realty can quickly locate the perfect home for you or sell your home in the shortest time possible.
Bucknell Manor: A neighborhood surrounds this accessible portion of Fairfax County land that features a basketball court, a baseball field, and a tot lot.
Jones Point: Two gigantic bridges create shade below where there are basketball courts, paved trails, Potomac River land locked fishing spots, and connectivity into Old Town, Alexandria via the Mount Vernon trail.
Duke Street skate park: Ramps, rails, ledges, terrain, in a enclosed amateur friendly deep concrete park, in West End. Extreme sports include BMX, skateboarding, scootering, and roller blading.
Westgrove dog park: Benches, social dog activity, hidden from plain view.
Alexandria Avenue bridges the Mount Vernon Trail
Courtesy: Stay out of the way of others, including pedestrians and motor vehicles. When coming to a passage way with a vehicle stopped or about to stop and you are approaching, if you not going to stop, go to the left of the vehicle and pass behind it so that you do not interfere with their momentum, otherwise stop and wait for them to pass.
Round-trip: Consider where you begin, in regards to where your terminal point is. For example, a trip from Old Town by bike can lead to various routes, such as Eisenhower Valley, Del Ray, Crystal City, Fairfax County' Alexandria, Mount Vernon, etc.
Resources: Think of what you will bring with you on the way and what you might pick up while on the go. For example, a bike rack can be a luxury; storing photography accessories, snacks, water, maps, handheld electronics, etc. It can be economical to ride to a local business and back to acquire much needed resources such as home goods, hobby essentials, repair equipment, missing errand inventory.
Soak it up: While out it is amazing to witness the weather upon the land, the change and consistency in history of a region, to feel the wind, to see people in action, to fly down a hill, and so on.
Wing it: Weather nice? Mount the bike and head in a direction you've been before, or possibly travel to a region you have thought about before. Have some money on you and go to a business you like, pick up some fresh groceries, visit a friends dwelling, make it to a monument, etc.
Plan: Come up with an idea for a round-trip bicycle adventure. A plan to go visit the nightlife spot you enjoy, during the day, can be refreshing. Ride to the end of the 5 mile point on the map, and back.
Arlington County is organized into unincorporated "urban villages". Our website highlights several of these villages and other areas in Arlington County.
Do I need to Change the Furnace Filter?
Is it getting less desirable to take a deep breath in your condo or apartment, because it 'tastes' different? Or, is that musty smell in a unit that you want to rent, the only thing keeping you from signing that lease? It may simply be time to replace that old, nasty furnace filter.
If this is a new place you've just moved into, there is no way for you to know if the previous tenant kept up with the changing of the filter, as they should. Over time, when a filter gets clogged and full of debris that it has trapped, it will begin releasing the abundance of trapped particles right into your air for you to enjoy.
The following steps will assist you in changing out this filter, so you can breathe easier. Do not attempt to proceed with the following steps without first turning the unit off.
The only thing you may need is a pair of gloves, to make things easier to grip during this process.
With the power off, locate the front panel of the unit.
Reach under the front of this panel with both hands and pull upward on the left and right side of panel until it lifts up and off. Lay this panel off to the side so it is not in the way.
Locate the filter at the bottom of the unit. It will be laying down parallel to the floor. Gently slide it out of its track. You may need to wiggle it back and forth to complete this step. Visually inspect the filter and do not be surprised to see a layer of filth that pre-dates the Carter administration, resulting in simply not being changed in an appropriate amount of time. Dispose of the old filter.
Install the new filter on the track, replace the front panel and turn unit on to enjoy clean air once again.
Repeat this process of changing out the filter every one to three months, depending on the quality of filter you install. Many Condominiums in the Alexandria area have these wall units. Please refer to the above instructions for safe and quick installation of your new filter. For information on ordering filters that you can't find in your local store, call 3M (1-888-445-9476). They will help you get the new filters sent out to you quickly and painlessly. Now, you don't have an excuse to avoid changing out that disgusting filter, do you?
Why buy a home in {Location_Name}?
As found in a Realtor.com® survey of more than 1,000 home shoppers, many young adults are being pushed towards owning a home due to the increasing rentals costs, with 23 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 citing rising rents as a trigger for purchasing a home. Realter.com®'s chief economist Danielle Hale explains that even in the current unique housing market with low inventory and high prices, most shoppers still want some classic features. Older home-buyers desire privacy and the ability to age comfortable while millennials emphasize family needs, stability, and personal expression.
Why Did I End Up Here?
I am from a place that is a bit more rough than it is out here in Virginia. I am truly used to things being out in the open and borderline scary when it comes to thinking of my next membership in a gym. In choosing a place to workout here in my new world of Alexandria, Virginia, I had many choices.
Now, I am not a huge guy looking to shed a couple of ounces and get back into posing shape for the next mag shoot, but I do have some desires when it comes to choosing where is choose to sweat.
I took some time deciding which gym to settle down on and I am happy to report that after a couple of weeks, I am satisfied with my choice. After walking into a very subtle looking Gold's Gym on Route 1 in Alexandria, I noticed initially that it was very clean. Good point number one to put into my mental bank.
I sat down with a member of the staff, who explained everything that I could possibly want to know about the facility and then we took a tour. Good point number two was the way I was treated by the staff. They were professional and made me feel comfortable. I signed up for a membership and have been going there everyday since.
The third thing or things about the place that jumped out to me when I think of positives to take away are as follows: the friendliness of the staff, the spacing in between the pieces of equipment, how helpful the staff is if I need anything at all or if I just have question and the good thing to me is that the staff is made up of real people. No, I don't mean that they may be robots, like Sheldon from TBBT would love to be, but that they just aren't all huge bodybuilders that may keep some people from feeling welcome.
Other positives about this facility include a four lap pool (salt water), a sauna in the locker rooms, a spa (to take away any stress not fully pushed aside by a morning of pumping iron), tanning beds and massage table.
Aerobics and Spinning classes, just to name a couple are among many classes offered by the staff, which are included in the price of membership. I also noticed that the price of membership was very reasonable, for what is all included and I plan on being a member of this facility for a long time to come.
The only real draw back to the gym is that the hours are not what I would like. It is not open 24 hours and the closing time is a bit early for my taste. Other than those two small issues, I am very pleased with my experience here at the Gold's Gym Alexandria. Is the world of fitness calling your name?
Northern Virginia is a part of the National Capital Region it is home to some of the most educated, affluent and particular buyers in the nation. Everyday we help people relocate in and out of Northern Virginia as well as help locals advance their real estate goals. If you're shopping for a home in Northern Virginia, you will find our Buyer's Guide to Northern Virginia Real Estate is a great resource for understanding the area and for seeking out the perfect real estate match for your tastes and budget.
If you need any help with a specific search please don't hesitate to call us at (703)765-0300.
[Learn more about how we help buyers in Northern VA]
Through the years on my many strolls through Old Town, I have passed by the Old Dominion Boat Club. As a member of the of the Mount Vernon Yacht Club I knew of the 133 year old club and the longstanding pride this organisation holds. Founded in 1880 the Old Dominion Boat Club is the oldest boating club in Virginia. While originally created as a social club with a focus on a sports and physical fitness, the club is prides itself on the charity events and scholarships it provides to Alexandria high school students.
Knowing a location change is in the works for the ODBC, my husband and I stopped in to enjoy a light dinner and take in the panoramic views of the Potomac River.
The first thing that I realized is that this a gated community. This, to me, is a huge plus. There are other gated communities in the area, but this was turning out to be a bit different. When I got through the gate, after talking with the security guard, I took a right and headed for what I was told was building number 1. The address is 5901 on the first building and there is a tranquil little jaunt up toward the building through lush trees and over a creek. I only mention this, because it's nice to see the Virginia come out in this place. Personality is how I like to describe this and this made me like it right away.
After arriving at the correct building I saw initially that parking was ample and depending on what floor you would be living on, you would probably be able to see your vehicle from the window of your condo. That to me is another good thing.
I liked the look of the lobby, the elevator and the decor all together in the hallways. It looked as if it was cared for very well. The presentation before getting into the condo is important to me. When I finally got into the first condo I saw the second very good thing about this complex. The rooms are very spacious. The condo I inspected that day was a 1 bedroom, two bath and it was very spaciously comfortable inside. I could easily see all of my possessions fitting well inside this place.
As I worked my way around in inspection mode, I realized the third great feature about this Montebello complex - the views from the balcony. Now, it's not the DC view, but what it is - is a breath of fresh air. It truly is a relief to me to get just a bit off the busy streets and come up there to see a view of lush greenery. This day I happen to be on the tenth floor. Trees and grass are the view from up there (a nice change from the mundane concrete) and it is going to be so beautiful shortly, when the turning of the leaves begins. I smiled and got back to work. I completed the inspection, complimented the condo and left, knowing that for the price paid - this was definitely worth it. I've seen many different properties during this current inspection process, but this complex is turning out to be one of my favorites. Is it time for you to move to Montebello?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that since so many details, especially financial ones, are involved in buying and selling a home, using a real estate agent is a good idea because that professional can be a guide throughout the process, making the entire process and experience so much easier.
The key to a successful and positive experience with a real estate transaction in {Location_Name} is finding the right professional to assist you. While a real estate agent can meet your needs, the services of a Realtor® in {Location_Name} will suite your needs even better.
The first thing that I realized is that this a gated community. This, to me, is a huge plus. There are other gated communities in the area, but this was turning out to be a bit different. When I got through the gate, after talking with the security guard, I took a right and headed for what I was told was building number 1. The address is 5901 on the first building and there is a tranquil little jaunt up toward the building through lush trees and over a creek. I only mention this, because it's nice to see the Virginia come out in this place. Personality is how I like to describe this and this made me like it right away.
After arriving at the correct building I saw initially that parking was ample and depending on what floor you would be living on, you would probably be able to see your vehicle from the window of your condo. That to me is another good thing.
I liked the look of the lobby, the elevator and the decor all together in the hallways. It looked as if it was cared for very well. The presentation before getting into the condo is important to me. When I finally got into the first condo I saw the second very good thing about this complex. The rooms are very spacious. The condo I inspected that day was a 1 bedroom, two bath and it was very spaciously comfortable inside. I could easily see all of my possessions fitting well inside this place.
As I worked my way around in inspection mode, I realized the third great feature about this Montebello complex - the views from the balcony. Now, it's not the DC view, but what it is - is a breath of fresh air. It truly is a relief to me to get just a bit off the busy streets and come up there to see a view of lush greenery. This day I happen to be on the tenth floor. Trees and grass are the view from up there (a nice change from the mundane concrete) and it is going to be so beautiful shortly, when the turning of the leaves begins. I smiled and got back to work. I completed the inspection, complimented the condo and left, knowing that for the price paid - this was definitely worth it. I've seen many different properties during this current inspection process, but this complex is turning out to be one of my favorites. Is it time for you to move to Montebello?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that since so many details, especially financial ones, are involved in buying and selling a home, using a real estate agent is a good idea because that professional can be a guide throughout the process, making the entire process and experience so much easier.
The key to a successful and positive experience with a real estate transaction in {Location_Name} is finding the right professional to assist you. While a real estate agent can meet your needs, the services of a Realtor® in {Location_Name} will suite your needs even better.
