9 prime locations to get married at in Alexandria, Virginia

Are you thinking of getting married in Alexandria VA this Spring?
  1. Athenaeum: A pink Greek revival 1800s landmark to Virginia can be a good choice to host a marriage. Inside there is an art gallery interior with broad windows which cast natural light. Outside is an attached courtyard with photo friendly moss covered brick walls.
  2. George Washington Masonic Temple: Marble floors and granite columns house this historic secret society. The observation deck can be reserved. The GW Masonic Temple is just steps from the King St. Metro.
  3. Caryle Club: This art-deco club features a dance floor and inclusive dine in catering reservation capabilities. Entertain guests with live music cover bands.
  4. Hotel Monaco: Classy building with plush furnishings at a center of the world location on King St. minutes from the many restaurants, nightlife, and venues. Features a courtyard and ball room and Jackson 20 catering.
  5. Carlyle House: History of love, this building was built in 1753 by John Carlyle for his bride Sarah Fairfax. Join this esteem and enjoy this Georgian Palladin Manor, that is tucked away off a side street in the heart of Old Town. Also has a noteworthy gazebo.
  6. Torpedo Factory: Spacious and industrial and right on the water. Torpedo Factory is on Union St. and features many renowned professional contracted artist studios, of the Art League nonprofit.
  7. Waterfront Park: Scenic views with across the Potomac River backdrops. Close proximity to Old Town and City of Alexandria amenities, such as aforementioned dining, nightlife, history, and entertainment.
  8. Cherry Blossom: On the water with a Victorian-style paddle wheeler. Departs from Alexandria Marina. Marinate on the open air third deck or if the weather beckons, try the interior mahogany woodworked salons. This party boat travels inside the 400 miles of Potomac River.
  9. Mount Vernon: The first president's colonial home, where an inn has seasonal fireplaces, of the era themed dress servers. Candle-lit cuisine, free parking, and an American tradition of democracy that all started with George Washington.
Source: “Top Places to Get Married in Alexandria,” Extra Alex (February 19, 2015)

Properties in

Will you buy your dream home or your best possible compromise?

Nesbitt Realty office
The Consultation Room at Nesbitt Realty
When searching for a home, most buyers want to find one they love and can see themselves living in happily for years to come. When beginning that search, which most buyers do online through avenues such as Nesbitt Realty, they typically know what they are looking for and the price range they can afford. Oftentimes, however, those two things come into conflict as buyers get closer to finding their dream home. Inevitably, many of them will have to ask the question, “Where will I have to compromise?” Will you have to let go of the pool to fit into your price range? Will you land in a home that’s a bit smaller to be in a better school district? Can you pay a bit more to be closer to recreational activities? The National Association of Realtors® posed these questions to homebuyers to find out where they typically made compromises on home purchases. The results, which can be found in NAR’s 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, showed that while 33 percent of buyers said they did not compromise at all, most let go of something they wanted. The most common compromise was on the price of the home (23 percent). Close behind was the size of the home, for which 20 percent of buyers reported compromising. Other factors at odds with what buyers included lot size, the condition of the home, a home’s distance from one’s job and friends or family, quality of the neighborhood, and school district reputation. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Costs of condominium ownership

Besides total cost of the property, you should also inquire as to the annual homeowners association costs. These fees are usually charged in order to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the common areas. Owning a condominium can be one of the largest investments you make, so make sure that the one you choose can accommodate your specific needs. Purchasing a condominium can be a great way to buy a property in the location you really want with all the amenities you seek.
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.


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

What is a Queen Anne Style Home?

Victorian Home
typical Queen Anne
A sub-style of the late Victorian era, Queen Anne is a collection of coquettish detailing and eclectic materials. Steep cross-gabled roofs, towers, and vertical windows are all typical of a Queen Anne home. Inventive, multistory floor plans often include projecting wings, several porches and balconies, and multiple chimneys with decorative chimney pots.
Queen Anne style home
drawing of a Queen Anne
Wooden "gingerbread" trim in scrolled and rounded "fish-scale" patterns frequently graces gables and porches. Massive cut stone foundations are typical of period houses. Created by English architect Richard Norman Shaw, the style was popularized after the Civil War by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and spread rapidly, especially in the South and West.
  • 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211, McLean Real Estate Dispatch

    How Much Do Mid 20th-Century Others Cost At Regency in 22102 in Fairfax County? Will Nesbitt works real estate all over this area but has special expertise in 22102 and residences like 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211. Check out the prices and pictures of this home at 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211. Not to mention,…

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    Looking at Listings At Regency? Ponder This Condo. Should you make an offer buy 1800 Old Meadow Rd #405? Sometimes, the answer to a question is more questions. Are you seeking a 3-bedroom Traditional-style condo in 22102 in Fairfax County? Can you afford $660,000? Is it actually worth $675,000 or $625,000? Do you need 2…

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  • Architectual Style Check List

    What shape is the house, overall? Rectangular and symmetrical: National, Colonial, Neoclassical, Greek Revival, Italianate Square and box-like: American Foursquare L-shaped: Folk and National styles Complicated and asymmetrical: Queen Anne and other Victorian styles, Chateauesque Rounded corners: Pueblo, Art Moderne Single story or 1½ story: Cape Cod, Ranch, Craftsman, Cottage styles Does the roof have…

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Fairlington, in 1946

Most of Fairlington was built in the mid and late 1940's to support the explosion of activity around the Pentagon during World War 2.  But what did Fairlington look like back when it was brand new?  You might be surprised.
Fairlington
Fairlington back in 1946. The biggest change is that there were no trees!
Today one of the most remarkable features of Fairlington is the "urban forest" with so many large well-established trees and groves of trees. But that wasn't the case in 1946. In the photo above one can spot a few spindly saplings staked up so they don't fall.  Today those are mighty trees.  

Key Bridge under construction, in 1917

Arlington - Key Bridge
Construction started in 1917 and completed in 1923.
The Key Bridge crosses the Potomac River connecting Rosslyn in Arlington VA and Georgetown in Washington DC. Today the Key Bridges is one of the busiest bridges in the area. The George Washington Parkway passes beneath this bridge.

What is a split-level home?

split-levelA Modern style that architects created to sequester certain living activities--such as sleeping or socializing--split levels offered an multilevel alternative to the ubiquitous style in the 1950s. The nether parts of a typical design were devoted to a garage and TV room; the midlevel, which usually jutted out from the two-story section, offered "quieter" quarters, such as the living and dining rooms; and the area above the garage was designed for bedrooms. Found mostly in the East and Midwest, split-levels, like their Ranch counterparts, were constructed with various building materials.
  • 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211, McLean Real Estate Dispatch

    How Much Do Mid 20th-Century Others Cost At Regency in 22102 in Fairfax County? Will Nesbitt works real estate all over this area but has special expertise in 22102 and residences like 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211. Check out the prices and pictures of this home at 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211. Not to mention,…

    Read More

  • 1800 Old Meadow Rd #405, McLean Real Estate Update

    Looking at Listings At Regency? Ponder This Condo. Should you make an offer buy 1800 Old Meadow Rd #405? Sometimes, the answer to a question is more questions. Are you seeking a 3-bedroom Traditional-style condo in 22102 in Fairfax County? Can you afford $660,000? Is it actually worth $675,000 or $625,000? Do you need 2…

    Read More

  • Architectual Style Check List

    What shape is the house, overall? Rectangular and symmetrical: National, Colonial, Neoclassical, Greek Revival, Italianate Square and box-like: American Foursquare L-shaped: Folk and National styles Complicated and asymmetrical: Queen Anne and other Victorian styles, Chateauesque Rounded corners: Pueblo, Art Moderne Single story or 1½ story: Cape Cod, Ranch, Craftsman, Cottage styles Does the roof have…

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Are you buying a house or a home?

Oakton condos interior
Inside the Oakton condos in Fairfax County VA
When I'm talking to clients about real estate, I find that the biggest difference between a house and a home---or a condo and a home---is that a home is where you live or where you will live. A house (or condo) is where the other guy lives. When a potential client refers to a property as a home, there is a good chance that the client is considering buying the property. When a client refers to his own home as a home, he indicates an emotional attachment to the property that may make it hard to think rationally when considering all factors regarding the sale of this marketable commodity. If you think of your home as a house or just a condo, then you're already emotionally ready to move on to the next place. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.