1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
entrance to Midtown Alexandria Station condos
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
Julie Nesbitt
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
9. Check out Nesbitt Realty. Our search tools and tips are among the best you'll find in Northern Virginia.
As part of our service to you, Nesbitt Realty agents stay up-to-date on the latest market trends so that we can keep you well-informed.
City of Alexandria Courthouse
In 1669 John Alexander bought the land that became Old Town Alexandria from an English ship captain. John Alexander paid the tidy sum of 6,000 pounds of tobacco. Almost twenty years later, the town of Alexandria was formally established in 1749.
Today, visitors, tourists and travelers alike come to Alexandria VA to taste the quaint colonial and historical feel of this city not far from Washington DC. It's a place frequented by historical figures like George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Even for those like me, who were born in Fairfax and who have lived for many years in Alexandria, one never tires of the rich heritage of Alexandria.
Maybe that's because there's always something to do in Alexandria. A bike ride or a stroll along the Potomac Waterfront is pleasant, or perhaps a boat ride on the river. There are more than a hundred restaurants in Old Town alone. Standard favorites such as seafood, steak or Italian are here, as well as ethnic cuisine from around the world. For a taste of the colonial try Gadsby's Tavern, where George ate.
Alexandria is easily accessed by Metro and free trolley. The King St. trolley passes antiques shops, art galleries, boutiques and shops. Take a walking tour of Alexandria, or visit the Ramsay House to get a feel of Old Town.
Trolley at King Street
With the new US Patent & Trademark Office, Alexandria's proximity to the Pentagon and DC and it's easy access to Fort Belvoir and Bowling AFB, every day more people discover why this is such a great place to live and work. I work, play and live in and around Alexandria VA. I'd love to help you find a place but doubt I can top the deal that John Alexander got when he paid 6,000 pounds of tobacco for his homestead. Today, that much tobacco might set you back $9000!
The good news is that 6,000 pounds of tobacco will cover your closing costs for most condos in Alexandria!
United States Patent and Trademark Office as seen from Alexandria's Union Station
Traditional Townhouses of Carlyle City Residences
According to new U.S. Census Bureau data as interpreted by CNNMoney, the suburbs have the highest concentration of wealthy people, more so than cities.
The wealthy tend to stay near major population centers, according to the study. For example, the region with the highest concentration of wealthy households in the nation is Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn., which is just north of New York City. Nearly 18 percent of residents there make more than $191,469 per year. In the nation, only 5 percent make that income.
The following are the 10 metros with the highest concentration of high-income households, as well as the percentage in each area where households are among the top 5 percent of U.S. incomes. (The study did not take into account the cost of living in these areas.)
On the evening of December 1st 2012 Old Town Alexandria hosted the annual boat parade of lights. The event featured several pleasure boats decked out in festive lights making rounds in the Potomac. Just past the Torpedo Factory, Old Town features a strip right on the water similar to a board walk; this area attracts street performers, locals, tourists, amongst others. As seen in the photos below the strip provides a great view of the water, the distant Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and National Harbor.
Old Town Alexandria features a robust night life. Along King Street there are several restaurants which also serve as bars in the later hours. Union Street intersects King Street and serves as a pick up stop for the free trolley. Old Town Alexandria is serviced by the King Street metro station.
Mai Thai features waterfront views
Charter House in Old Town is located right on the water
Popular bars in Old Town Alexandria Virginia include Chadwicks, Union Street, Flying Fish, Light Horse, Fish Market, O’Connells, the Lizard Lounge and Murphy’s
Mai Thai is located right across from the Torpedo Factory
Old Town has distinct historic brick laid sidewalks
Kim's Barbershop is located in the Huntington Station shopping center at N. Kings Hwy Alexandria, VA 22303. The phone number for Kim's Barbershop is (703) 960-3325. Kim's Barbershop is right across from Huntington metro. Kim's Barbershop is a few shops away from Abi's II.
The Isabella at Monticello Mews is located at 6301 Edsall Road Alexandria, VA 22312. The Isabella is near I-395. The Isabella offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Amenities at the Isabella include: 25 meter pool, expansive sun deck, resident lounge, cabana, private ball park, private 1/4 mile fitness and walking path, on-site metro shuttle, community fitness room, outdoor sports court, controlled access gated community, front desk attendant with controlled lobby access, secure 2 level underground garage parking, community bike rack, and separate freight elevator.
The Isabella features 9′ ceilings
The Isabella sports granite counters
The Isabella has expansive balconies in all units
The Isabella features crown molding in living room, dining room, and kitchen
The Isabella is close to the Van Dorn Metro
The Isabella is a short drive from Old Town’s lively King St
Kingstowne’s Bone Fish restaurant is a short drive from Isabella
There are 9 different floor plans for the Isabella
Condos at the Isabella offer high-efficiency full size front loading washer and dryers
Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt is located at 3219 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Their phone number is (703) 751-3764. Sweet Frog is set up as a serve yourself frozen yogurt shop. Sweet Frog has a lot of flavor choices and topping choices.
Sweet Frog is close to Duke St. skatepark. Also nearby is Oriental Star restaurant and Lone Star steak house. Sweet Frog is a short drive from Landmark Mall. Nearby condo's include the Royalton, the Plaza, the Jamieson and the Henry.
Sweet Frog is close to Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory
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…
Das Best Oktoberfest 2012 took place at National Harbor in Maryland. The Oktoberfest featured all you can drink tickets as well as designated driver tickets. The event had several tents with a variety of business vendors. Das Best Oktoberfest featured live music at three different stages.
The event lasted two days. The event attracted a large crowd on both days. National Harbor is a popular venue throughout the year. National Harbor is close to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
A traditional themed German group
A cover band kicks off another crowd pleaser
Das Best Oktoberfest took place on September 22nd and 23rd
National Harbor features a trail that crosses the Woodrow Wilson bridge
Dancers moving to the live music
A vendor displays for sale furniture
The Oktoberfest was a few blocks away from the Gaylord which is also at National Harbor
People wait in line to be served alcohol
The National Harbor Oktoberfest was near Nando’s Perri Perri
Das Best Oktoberfest featured a variety of food vendors
Are you seeking a water-view or waterfront home? Try our map search below.
