Selling your condo? Don’t forget the basics.
Use a Realtor
When it comes to selling your condo, it is always a good idea to enlist in the help of a Realtor. With the help of a Realtor, you will be able to reach a broader number of potential buyers through the MLS. A good Realtor will help to make sure all of the paperwork is in proper order for the sale to be complete. A Condo Alexandria Realtor specializes in condos and understands the benefits of condo living.Make a list, sell it twice.
Make a list of the benefits of your condo. What makes your condo special? Why did you buy this condo? Where is the Metro? What's so great about your location? What are your favorite nearby restaurants and attractions? What do you love about your condo? What are the amenities at your condominium association? List all the benefits of your condo. Then, share that list with your realtor. Post it on your refrigerator. Make sure everyone who visits your home knows why it's a good buy.Market your condo!
If your condo is for sale by owner, you'll need to prepare a marketing campaign. Start with the list you created above. Put this on index cards that you can post in offices, grocery stores and anywhere that a buyer might see your ad. Bold lettering that says,Your Condo Alexandria Realtor will handle marketing the property. Although you can attempt to do this on your own, you could also cut your own hair, change your own oil and do your own dental work. Sometimes, it just makes sense to hand things over to a professional A Realtor usually has marketing experience and knows what works. So your realtor will be able to create more effective marketing methods and will be able to reach a larger number of potential buyers.Walk to Metro!
Close to museums?
Amenities galore!
Work your network.
Once you have decided to sell your condo, it's time to spread the word. The goal is to sell your condo in a short period of time at the price you are asking for. So, tell your neighbors, friends, and family that the condo is for sale. Let your Facebook buddies know. Don't keep your condo a secret, even if you have a Realtor helping you out. These days every little beit helps! Condos are special. When you sell a condo, you're not just selling a bedroom and kitchen, you're selling a lifestyle. The people who are attracted to your condo are people who don't want the benefits of home ownership without the aggravation of maintaining a yard or other problems that are commonly associated with home ownership.Properties in
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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Air Force Memorial
Crystal City meets Aurora Highlands
Across Eads St. relatively close to the Crystal City Metro is the neighborhood of Aurora Highlands.
Aurora Highlands is in Arlington County and dates back to the days when Arlington County was a sleepy rural suburb of Washington DC. One of the most interesting assets of Aurora Highlands is the row of shops and restaurants along 23rd St. in Crystal City.
On a lazy summer afternoon a sidewalk cafe in Aurora Highlands is a nice place to take a bite to eat and enjoy a cool drink.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
Sailing on the Potomac
One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town. I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington.
The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and old salts who've been sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization (a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment."
This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:
- four 19' Flying Scots;
- two 25' Catalinas
We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the dock and then we boarded.
National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for beginners.
There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom fishermen out as well.
After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats.
Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast.
Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port.
What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable, the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing.
We'll be back another day.
If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following communities:
- Potomac Greens
- Marina Towers
- Port Royal
- Alexandria House
- Harborside
- Harbor Terrace
- Potowmack Crossing
Properties in
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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Buying later? Check your credit now.
It's a good idea to checking your credit score before you actually decide to purchase a home, townhome or condo. Even if you think your credit scores are good, you will want to see what the bank will be considering and the scores they will be examining.
If you check your credit history now, you can find out about errors while there is still time to make a correction. You don't want to find out about credit reporting errors at the last minute. Equifax, Trans Union and Experian (the major credit reporting bureaus) are ponderous and slow to react to problems. It takes time to correct errors. The time to get the record clean is now.
On the other hand, if there are negative items on your credit report, you will want to know what will block you from home ownership and what are you options. A good loan officer can also give you an idea of how much home you can afford. If you would like a free pre-approval or would like to discuss your options call Julie at Condominium Mortgage at 703 765 0300.
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Alexandria’s buroughs — about the neighborhoods of Alexandria
New to the Area?
This is an update on an old article I put together for people who are brand new to Northern Virginia. Because of the many employment opportunities and because of the pleasant nature of the city of Alexandria, Alexandria often and consistently rates as one of the nation's best cities. If you're brand new to the area, it's hard to know where to start when looking for a home or residence. There are TOO MANY CHOICES. Before you can find your house you have to find your neighborhood. Before you find your neighborhood you have to find your way around the city. For this reason, a quick description of the components of Alexandria is helpful.Old Town
Old Town (sometimes called Olde Town, Old Towne or Olde Towne) is the heart of Alexandria. As the name implies, Old Town is the oldest part of the city. Alexandria was a port in colonial times owing to its location along the Potomac. These days Old Town is found just inside the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and then north toward Reagan National Airport. Old Town is served by the King St. Metro and the King St. trolley. With over 100 restaurants, shops, boutiques, coffee shops, ice cream houses and more, Old Town has both a small town, upscale and touristy feel. For most folks there is a bit of prestige attached to an Old Town address. There are two high rises near the waterfront at the Alexandria House and Port Royal. Old Town Alexandria has many townhouses, row houses and a smaller number single family homes. Click Old Town to search listings of properties in Old Town Alexandria.Del Ray
Although its history doesn't stretch to the colonial days, Del Ray is another relatively old neighborhood. Del Ray was founded in 1894 as a "streetcar suburb" to Washington, DC. Most of Del Ray was built from the 1890's to the 1950's and retains that small town charm despite being so close to the center of the universe. Quaint streets with brick or stone homes are found on streets that branch off from Del Ray's arteries. At the heart of Del Ray is the main street: Mount Vernon Avenue. This where you'll find a hometown mix of shops, restaurants and hardware stores. Braddock Road metro serves Del Ray and condos such as Colecroft Station are available here. Click Del Ray for a map of Del Ray and for listings of properties for sale in Del Ray. Or, click Del Ray for listings for sale in the Del Ray subdivision of Alexandria.Arlandria
As the name implies, Arlandria at the border of Alexandria City and Arlington County. Arlandia is just north of Del Ray at terminus of Mount Vernon Avenue. Some residents also call this neighborhood Chirilagua. Arlandia has many small shops and restaurants. Click Arlandria for a map of the general area and to search properties listed for sale in Arlandria.Eisenhower Valley
The Eisenhower Valley describes the area found along Eisenhower Avenue. At the western end of Eisenhower Avenue one will find warehouses and businesses such as FedEx and UPS who appreciate easy access to the Interstate. Click Eisenhower West to search property at the west end of Eisenhower, near the Van Dorn Metro station. On the east end, where Eisenhower Avenue approaches Old Town, you'll find the United States Patent & Trade Office and the high-end high-rise neighborhood of the Carlyle District. The USPTO is a complex of five buildings that accommodate more than 7,000 federal employees. Residents of the Carlyle District have easy access to the Hoffman Town Center at the Eisenhower Metro. The Carlyle District is an intriguing place to live because it's so close to the charm and amenities of Old Town, but is new and modern. Click Eisenhower East to find properties listed for sale here.West End
Like the Eisenhower Valley, the West End of Alexandria is a mixed bag. Condos and high rises abound in "Condo Canyon" near Landmark and Lincolnia. But development from the 1950's and 1960's is also found tucked on side streets and around unexpected corners. The homes around and near Seminary Road are regarded by many as stately and highly desirable. Another interesting neighborhood in the West End is Cameron Station. Cameron Station is a newer development of townhouses and condos, but the stylings and architecture imitate the best of Old Town. Cameron Station is relatively close to both Landmark Mall and Old Town. The West End is well connected to Washington DC via I-395. The West End is the newest and largest part of the city. The West End has a diverse selection of restaurants and shops as well as Landmark Mall and several fine hotels. Fort Ward Park and Museum is found in the West End of Alexandria. Click West End for a glance at what's for sale and to see a map of the West End.Properties in
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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Are disclosures required in emails?
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, emails sent for the purpose of advertising real estate services must contain specified disclosures at the beginning or end of the message. Does that mean disclosures are required in all emails?
Let's look at the case of Earl and Brian. Earl lists his home for sale with an agent named Brian. Earl is a busy guy and doesn't like phone calls. Earl prefers email and thus he and Brian communicate regularly by email. Late one night, Brian replies to one of Earl's emails but includes none of the required disclosures!
Has Larry violated the rules of the Commonwealth of Virginia?
The answer is no. Earl is already Brian's client and thus these emails are not solicitations. Disclosures are unnecessary when dealing with existing clients and in any correspondence required by the ordinary conduct of business.
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The difference between equitable title and legal title
Do you know the difference between equitable title and legal title? Equitable title is conveyed to the buyer when the seller signs the offer to purchase. A ratified sales contract creates equitable title. After closing and accepting the deed, the buyer receives legal title. Equitable title does not carry all the rights, privileges and duties…
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What is the Virginia Condominium Act?
If you own a condo in Virginia, or if you're thinking of buying a condominium in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it might be a good idea to glance at the Virginia Condominium Act. This act describes the terms of ownership and limitations and requirements of condo associations. It also describes the unique attributes of condominium…
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Condos need maintenance …
Everything built by man requires some maintenance at some point. Even so-called maintenance-free homes require some attention. So when making the transition from renting to buying, one aspect of home ownership that must be considered carefully is maintenance. Renters enjoy few advantages over buyers, but one benefit of renting is that in most cases renters…
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Real Estate Contracts With Contingencies
Real estate contracts sometimes come with contingencies. This is a part of the contract that states certain conditions or timelines are met or the seller or buyer can void the contract. The conditions or timelines can be any that both parties agree on and are put within the contract. Contingencies usually last for a specified period.…
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Update: Lepelletier case against Judge Tran Dismissed
As you may already know, Robert Lepelletier, Jr. sued Nesbitt Realty and as a result he was ordered to pay sanctions to Nesbitt Realty by Fairfax County Judge John Tran. Lepelletier sued the Honorable Judge John Tran in Federal court. Lepelletier's case against Judge Tran was dismissed and his motions were denied. Despite being ordered…
Cameron Run Regional Park — Great Waves, Batting Cages, Golf and more!
Great Waves Waterpark
Great Waves Waterpark is the star attraction at Cameron Run Regional Park. The waterpark opens this year on May 23rd and closes operations down on September 7th. The ocean might be hours from Northern Virgina, but you can catch a wave right here in Alexandria. The wave pool generates gentle waves that splash into the shallower part of the pool. The park has several twisting and turning four-story water slides. The play pool has shallow waters perfect for relaxing or for the younger members of the family. There is even a "tad pool" for toddlers and tykes.
Batting Cages
The batting cages at Cameron Run serve up softballs for beginners to whiff and experts to slug. If you're ready for a challenge, they can crank the speed up and you can take on fast pitch softballs or hardballs that will challenge the best hitters. It's a fun way to work on your game, or to just spend time with the family. In early spring and late fall the batting cages are open in the afternoons from around 4 pm to around 9 or 10 pm. Through the summer months, the cages are generally open from about 10 am until 9 or 10 pm.The batting cages are closed in December, January and February.Fishing
Cameron Run Regional Park is located on Cameron Run, a tributary of the Potomac River. Here at the park, a dam has created Lake Cook. Lake Cook is a part of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Urban Fishing Program. The two acres of water in Lake Cook serve as a nice fishing hole for young anglers. The lake is stocked with trout, bluegill, bass and catfish. Fishing licenses are required for all fishers age 16 and older. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires an additional stamp for trout fishing and trout may only be fished in the winter. Boats are not allowed on Lake Cook.Miniature Golf
Events
Cameron Run's shelters and pavilions can be reserved and/or rented. Cameron Run also offers birthday packages for large parties. They now have catering available. For more information about pricing, reservations or hours, check the Regional Park Authority site.Directions and Map
Map of Cameron Run Regional Park with nearby home prices The park is located at: 4001 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304 For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.
Writing the Offer to Purchase
When you've picked out the house, townhouse or condo you want to make your own, it's time to write the offer. An offer is a written description of the terms under which you the buyer would purchase the subject property. If the seller accepts your terms the next step would be to proceed to closing and thus full ownership of the property. Although most Realtors in Northern Virginia use the standard Northern Virginia Association of Realtors contract there are many possible contingencies, addenda and options that will alter the offer to make it specific to your situation.
One of the most common contingencies added to the offer is the "financing contingency". This contingency specifies that if the buyer cannot get financing then the deal is off and the earnest money is returned to the buyer without penalty.
Another matter that must be addressed in the offer is the down payment. One way that the down payment differs from the earnest money in that the down payment is paid at closing rather than at the time of the offer. The seller wants to know the buyer's down payment amount because it provides further evidence of the buyer's qualifications to secure a mortgage.
The offer also describes the interest rate and some terms of the proposed loan. The rates and terms described in the offer are not an offer of credit from a lending institution and do not reflect the loan that the borrower will receive. Rather, the rates and terms are describe to provide a safeguard against any dramatic change in interest rates between when the offer is made and when the loan is closed. In other words if the rates double but the buyer is still approved for financing the buyer could cancel the offer because the terms exceed what he can tolerate financially.
Every purchase will have closing costs. Both buyers and sellers have expenses at closing. Buyers, especially first time buyers, are usually scraping for down payment and closing costs. The seller cannot help with down payment, but the seller can subsidize the buyer's closing costs. If so negotiated the seller can pay all or a portion of the buyer's taxes, origination fees or title insurance. This money comes directly from the seller's pocket so if buyers who need assistance can expect to pay a little higher price than those who do not need a subsidy.
Although the seller cannot help with down payment, the seller can offer some or all of the financing. The terms of the offer will describe the loan that the buyer expects to receive from the seller.
When we make the offer I can help advise you on what terms and conditions will best suit your unique circumstances and what terms are mostly likely to be acceptable to the seller.
