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10 Cities With the Worst Traffic Congestion

The average American spent a total of 28 hours sitting in traffic last year, according to INRIX, a traffic information group. But residents in some of the nation’s most congested cities spent nearly double that—an average of 42 hours a year—sitting in traffic. In its 2012 Traffic Scorecard, INRIX compared the average of the drivers’ actual speed on the road during peak hours with the average speed of drivers when there was no congestion. Here are the 10 cities with the worst traffic, according to the study: 1. Los Angeles Congestion score: 28.8 Average commute time: 28.6 minutes (15th highest) 2. Honolulu Congestion score: 26 Average commute time: 27 minutes (the 27th highest) 3. San Francisco Congestion score: 23.5 Average commute time: 29.2 minutes (tied for 10th highest) 4. Austin Congestion score: 20.7 Average commute time: 25.8 minutes (45th highest) 5. New York Congestion score: 19.9 Average commute time: 34.9 minutes (the highest) 6. Bridgeport, Conn. Congestion score: 19.1 Average commute time: 28.3 minutes (18th highest) 7. San Jose, Calif. Congestion score: 17.6 Average commute time: 24.8 minutes (65th highest) 8. Seattle Congestion score: 17.6 Average commute time: 27.6 minutes (22nd highest) 9. Washington, D.C. Congestion score: 16.4 Average commute time: 34.5 minutes (2nd highest) 10. Boston Congestion score: 14.7 Average commute time: 29.2 minutes (tied for 10th highest) Source: “10 Cities With the Worst Traffic,” USA Today (May 4, 2013)

WMATAWe specialize in finding homes with easy access to the Orange, Yellow and Blue Lines in Virginia. Our specialized searches feature homes that are very close to metro stations. Our site also allows users to search by Walk Score. Walk Score rates a property's "walkability". [More about Walk Score]

Are Underpriced Homes Fueling Bidding Wars?

The number of homes for sale is at the lowest point in more than 10 years, but with buyer demand still high, many markets are seeing bidding wars. A TIME magazine article recently asked: “Are buyers being manipulated into overbidding for the relatively few attractive homes on the market?” Some real estate professionals say that homes are being underpriced in order to ignite a bidding war. “Most people are not pricing at market value,” a real estate professional told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Even in this market, you don’t want to overprice.” For example, the San Francisco-based agent said a two-bedroom townhouse in the area was priced at $659,000  recently, even after a similar townhome had sold a year ago for $675,000. “We priced it intentionally to get multiple offers and sell quickly,” the agent says. The townhouse attracted nine offers and sold for 15 percent above the asking price — $755,000. Bidding wars have become commonplace in markets like Denver, where half of the new homes on the market are selling in less than 30 days. In Northern and Southern California nine in 10 homes are attracting bidding wars, as well as two-thirds of the homes for sale in Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., the TIME magazine article notes. “The only question is not whether a new listing will get multiple bids but how many it will get,” says a Sacramento, Calif.-based real estate professional. Source: “Forget Lowballing: Bidding Wars Return in Hot Housing Markets,” TIME (April 30, 2013)

  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

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  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

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  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

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  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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More Americans Optimistic About Housing Recovery

More than half of Americans — 51 percent — now say they expect home prices to increase within the next year, according to a survey by mortgage giant Fannie Mae of about 1,000 Americans’ attitudes toward housing. “For the first time in the survey’s three-year history, the majority of Americans surveyed now expect home prices to increase,” says Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae. “Crossing the 50 percent threshold marks a significant milestone as most Americans believe a housing recovery is truly occurring throughout the country.” Last year at this time, only 32 percent said they expected home prices to increase. More Americans in April also said now is a good time to sell, climbing four percentage points to 30 percent last month compared to 15 percent one year ago. The number of respondents who expect mortgage rates to rise dropped 3 percentage points to 43 percent in April, while 7 percent said they expect rates to drop fell slightly to 7 percent, according to the survey. Source: “Survey: Over 50% of Americans Expect Home Prices to Rise,” The Wall Street Journal (May 7, 2013)

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  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

    Read More

  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

    Read More

  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

    Read More

  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

    Read More

Buying your first condo?

Buying a condo is a great way to start your independence in the world. Buying a condo is a great option for empty-nesters looking to downsize and enjoy life. Buying a condo is a great way to live in an unbeatable location. No matter what your age is, do you really want the hassles of yard work and gutter cleaning? A condo provides the freedom of maintaining the lawn and house so the focus is on your life--- in and outside your home and not on working on your home. All the information provided will aid and guide your search through tips and steps to follow making sure your new condo life will start out in the best way possible. Any major purpose such as a new home can be a difficult one to say the least, but it doesn't have to be. In Northern Virginia, you can rely on experts such as Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria and Julie Nesbitt of Condominium Mortgage. Check our links for experts from across the country! Reblogged with permission from CondoBenefits.com

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

George Washington’s Grist Mill

A gristmill is a mill for the grinding of grain, specifically a customer's own grain. Grist mills were a common site in colonial America, but there are few such mills still in operation today. Pierce Mill a Rock Creek Park in DC is open to the public but is non-operational. The mill needs repairs. But George Washington's Gristmill in Mount Vernon Virginia is fully operational and is a sight to see! The mill operates every day from April until the end of October. The gristmill is three miles south of Mount Vernon on the site of Washington's original mill and distillery. Combination tickets which include a visit to the Gristmill are sold at Mount Vernon's Main Gate. George Washington inherited Mount Vernon in 1754 and the mill was part of the estate. At that time, the gristmill was a "custom mill", meaning that grain was ground here for private usage. Grain was not ground for sale. Rather, neighbors and residents of Mount Vernon used the mill almost exclusively. Washington decided to convert the custom mill into a "merchant mill". A merchant mill ground flour and cornmeal as a service for profit. In 1771, Washington added a second pair of grinding stones. Washington's Gristmill served Mount Vernon but it also ground grain for sale up and down the East Coast of America and as far away as Portugal and the West Indies. The current reconstruction depicts the operation of the mill during this period. As in Washington's day, the mill was powered by a stream of water from Dogue Run. In those days, a wharf at the point where Dogue Run enters the Potomac served to bring grain to and from the mill. Mount Vernon is a wonderful community about 5 miles from Washington DC. From Fort Hunt to Fort Belvoir there are manor homes, houses, townhouses and condos to fit any budget or style.  Check out Fort Hunt Info for a little more information about this area. Contact Will Nesbitt for a local expert who cares about your goals and real estate needs.
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront

waterfront in Old Town
Old Town waterfront
                Alexandria's history as a colonial seaport is well-known in the area, and is one of the reasons that this city to calls to visitors from around the country and around the world. Alexandria's seaport was once a bustling place of industry and commerce, but the cargo ships and packets from foreign seas are long gone now. Today, Alexandria's waterfront is geared more toward the pleasant than the practical.

Where the Water Meets the the Road

At the end of King St. where the road meets the water, there are brick walkways and wooden decks. Plenty of benches and gazebos are there and in the evenings this is a place to find street musicians and other performers practicing their craft before wandering walkers . In the left side of this picture is the Torpedo Factory, an Alexandria landmark. The Torpedo Factory was what the name implies: an edifice dedicated to the construction of naval weapons of war. But as the industry's needs grew beyond the space here on the Alexandria waterfront, the building was repurposed as an art and crafts center. The building now houses a good many artists is is a wonderful place for tourists and residents alike to visit.

The Torpedo Factory

The Torpedo Factory and the waterfront are very close to the Torpedo Factory condos---high end condos in Old Town. For a list of prices and to check the availability of condos click the Torpedo Factory Condos. If you're interested in searching condos, townhouses and houses around Old Town you might find this post useful.
trolley at King Street
King Street Trolley

Metro Access

Among other things, the waterfront at Alexandria is nice because it's metro accessible. Simply take the Metro to King St. Station and then ride the free trolley to the Waterfront. The trolley is a service of the City of Alexandria for visitors and residents. It's a fun and easy way to make your way across Old Town.

Nearby Parks and Trails

 
Waterfront Park in Old Town
Waterfront Park on the Potomac in Old Town
Parks and paths line the waterfront these days. It's the perfect place for a walk on a Spring day.
park on Potomac River
Park along the Potomac in Alexandria VA
Benches are found at just the right places. These photos were taking on a weekday morning, but in the afternoons and evenings the waterfront wakes up. Tourists, joggers and walkers share this open public space.
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association — Old Town’s Atheanaeum

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA). Constructed between 1851-52, the Athenaeum is a Greek revival building with a rich history. The building is named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena. Over the years The Athenaeum has taken many names and was used for many functions. Together with the Lyceum, the Athenaeum is a foundation of Alexandria's Greek neo-classic buildings. The building has a long history of use in Alexandria. Before the Civil War, Robert E. Lee banked here, when the building was known as the Bank of the Old Dominion. During the Civil War it was occupied by Federals and home to the Union Army Commissary Headquarters. In 1905, the bank was converted from commercial to industrial purposes. The building was used by the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop as a place to grind talcum into powder. In 1925, the talcum factory became the Free Methodist Church. NVFAA purchased the Athenaeum in 1964. Since then, restorations have taken place using the funds from the members of the NVFAA and the National Park Service Save America's Treasure Grant. Recent art exhibits include Song For Europe by Mark Cameron Boyd is participatory installation using his signature "text bisection" process on a series of chalkboards to address four different languages from European origin such as Greek, Latin, French, and English. This exhibit is on display from August 16th - September 21st. Music is another art form featured at The Athenaeum. Yoga classes are available at The Athenaeum. Instructor Betsy Huffman welcomes drop-ins. Class fees are only $18 per class. Classes are Mondays 11:30am The Athenaeum is available for rentals for weddings, receptions, parties, business meetings and seminars.

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday, & Sunday: Noon-4pm Saturday 1pm-4pm

The Athenaeum 201 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-0035

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

Beauregard Heights Condominium Association information

For information on condo documents, maintenance or insurance call:

Beauregard Heights Condominiums

4600 Duke St., No. 331 c/o C.S.I. Management Alexandria, VA, 22304 703-370-1600
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

Potomac Riverboat Company has Cruises, Water Taxis, and Private Charters

Potomac Riverboat Company was established in 1974. Potomac Riverboat Company is located at 5 Cameron St Alexandria, VA 22314. The phone number for Potomac Riverboat Company is (703) 836-2558. Potomac Riverboat Company offers the following: Washington Monuments Cruise, Alexandria Georgetown Water Taxi, Mount Vernon Cruise, Alexandria Seaport Cruise, Pirate Cruise, Baseball Water Taxi, Alexandria National Harbor Water Taxi, and private charters.  
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Aubrey NesbittAbout the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.
     

Prompt Return of Earnest Money

What follows is an email I recently received and my response.
Good evening Mr. Nesbitt, I placed an offer on a condo in December 30, 2008. I signed the contract on that day and gave a cashier's check to the seller's real estate agent in the amount of $750. I waited for the signed contract from the seller to come back to me, but a lot of time lapsed and a signed contract from the seller never came. I decided to pull out. On January 23, my agent sent in a statement, letting the seller know that I was pulling out and that I wanted my earnest money back. Several weeks later, the real estate agent said I had to sign a termination form to receive my earnest money. That was sent in on February 10, 2009. I still have not received my earnest money back. The seller's agent said they are waiting on the assets manager to release the funds. I have decided to take the agency to small claims court. I do not feel that best interest is being considered. Please give me some advice. Thanks.
Firstly and mostly, let me start off by saying that real estate agents and brokers are not attorneys. I do not practice law and it is not my business to give you legal advice of any kind. However, I do have some experience in these type of matters and will comment as best as I can. Based upon your letter, I am assuming that you made an offer on a piece of property and you paid $750 in earnest money to the selling agent. The offer was not accepted but the selling agent has not promptly released your funds. I would recommend that you call the selling broker---not the selling agent. Brokers and the Commonwealth of Virginia take very serious the trust given us as escrow agents. The broker (not the agent) must release the money. Try to speak directly with the broker and explain what you have gone through. I am certain that the selling broker will act swiftly to return you money. If the broker does not respond with in a short but reasonable amount of time, the next level to contact would be the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. If that doesn't give satisfaction, the Commonwealth of Virginia's DPOR should be your next contact. If you are owed money, things will proceed quickly at this point. But you probably want to consult an attorney to verify that my advice will suit your specific case. Will Nesbitt  

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