What is the Potomac Saying to You?

Time to Get Active? What I have noticed, which I admit didn't take a lot of thought to realize, about the Potomac River is that it is appreciated.  This appreciation doesn't just come from my seeing it and saying, "Wow, that's beautiful."  It comes from much more and here in the Alexandria are many reasons why. The closer you get to the water of the Potomac River, the more beautiful things get.  The closer you get to the water, the more expensive the homes and condos are as well, for the most part.  It is easy to see when driving along the George Washington Parkway, which opened in 1932, to understand why this is true.  The drive alone is  a serene route along lush green trees situated just in front of the blue expanse of the Potomac.Path by Potomac I don't know what it is saying to you, but when I drive along this roadway on a Saturday morning, it screams - get active.  So many things in this 2015 world bed of us to be more and more lazy.  That's just not the case with nature.  On a daily basis you can ride along the Parkway and see many people getting out doors and walking or jogging along the paths that stretch the length of the Parkway. Just as many bikers take advantage of the paths to attain their higher goals in fitness.  Seeing these people out there is a motivating thing indeed and truly makes me feel good inside.  It tells me that the country is still wanting to better themselves.  They just need a bit of help to get there and that's where the beauty of nature comes in.  I believe there is a lot to be said for jogging or riding a bike next to a beautiful river alongside lush greenery. The alternatives are boring and non imaginative, not to mention a bit dangerous.   Trying to get this workout alongside the roads surrounded by concrete and hundreds of cars on their way back from picking up the kids from the ball game and dance studio with the kids screaming in their ear only inches from your intended pathway is not what I call fun. That's what makes the path by the Potomac and it's beckoning beauty the way to go.  Take a walk or jog along the river, admire the beauty of nature and the beauty of the homes situated close by.  Doesn't this look like a wonderful place to live? “Using a real estate agent is a very good idea,” says the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). "All the details involved in home buying [and selling], particularly the financial ones, can be mind-boggling. A good professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier." Selecting the right professional is the key to a successful real estate transaction. Better than working with a simple real estate agent, you’ll want the services of a Realtor®.

What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?

More than two million people have earned real estate licenses but only a small percentage of these are Realtors. Realtors are members in good standing of the National Association of Realtors, their state association of Realtors and a local real estate board. Realtors are held to high standards of ethical behavior and must undergo continuing education annually to remain accredited. All agents of Nesbitt Realty are Realtors!

What Does a Realtor Do?

Realtors in {Location_Name} are required by law to:
  • perform necessary and customary acts to assist in the purchase or sale of real estate.
  • perform these acts in good faith and with reasonable care.
  • 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 help buyers pre-qualify for mortgages and keep abreast of the latest home listings. They can assist sellers in preparing their homes and screening potential buyers. They can show investors the properties that fit their risk profiles and long-term investment strategies. Nesbitt Realty in {Location_Name} can quickly locate the perfect home for you, or sell your home in the shortest possible time frame. Our agents can efficiently organize and coordinate meetings with potential buyers and sellers. A Nesbitt Realty Realtor will be well acquainted with the important things you'll want to know about the neighborhood you may be considering:
  • the quality of schools,
  • the safety of the community,
  • traffic volume,
  • price,
  • Metro accessibility
  • nearby parks and attractions
Our agents have immediate access to homes as soon as they are put on the market, saving you hours of wasted drive-around time. When you’re ready to make an offer on a house, our Realtor will help structure the deal to save you money. He or she will explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mortgages and guide you through the mounds of paperwork. When it comes to selling your home, a Realtor will save you time and aggravation. Their commission will vary depending on your location. Realtors pay for all advertising, schedule all open houses and make sure potential buyers are qualified. The money they can save you is often more than the cost of their commissions.

Why Belle View?

Learning From the Locals

This past week I had the opportunity to conduct quarterly inspections on several units that we manage in the Northern Virginia area.  Being new to the region, I was excited to see some of these properties for the first time.  This was not only going to give me valuable insight to the area, but it also would give me the chance to compare this area and the properties with what I already knew from the mid-west.

One thing that drew my attention right away was the amount of cars parked up and down the street on the way to my first inspection.  Parking spaces are precious in this area and after talking with the tenant in the first condominium I was to inspect, I realized why this was the case.

The Martha Washington library in Belle View has books, audio books, dvds, and more
The Martha Washington library in Belle View has books, audio books, dvds, and more

She explained to me that she loved living in her Belle View condo because of how beautiful the area is and how wonderful her condo is.  She also told me that she likes being in an area where so many people are physically active.

A point well taken, as I see many people daily walking, running, riding bicycles or just relaxing by the Potomac River from early in the morning to late in the evening.  This brings me to her last point about the area.  This area is inviting people to be active because it is so safe.

I learned much about the condominiums in this area inside and out.  I learned a lot about the area adjacent to these condos as well.  But, more importantly, I learned that some of the people in this area are not only intriguing, but also kind and vivacious.  Is this the neighborhood you're ready to call home?

Potomac Riverboat Company

cherry blossom
Cherry Blossom sternwheeler
The Potomac Riverboat Company operates several authentic split sternwheelers (also known as riverboats) on the Potomac River near Alexandria VA. They also operate a pair of watertaxis which ferry passengers from the Gaylord/National Harbor to Old Town Alexandria. Unlike most cruise companies in America, the Potomac Riverboat Company does not operate "restaurant boats". Rather, they use their boats as touring and private party and or charter boats. When a vessel is chartered, whether you have a party of 2 or 200, the boat belongs exclusively to you. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 40-minute narrated Seaport Cruise which plies the waters between two magnificent historic sites -- Alexandria (in Virginia) and Georgetown (on the Washington, D.C. side of the river). Passengers are treated to riverborne views of America's greatest monuments. They also offer a narrated cruise downriver to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens.

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Jones Point Park provides open space on the Potomac Waterfront in Alexandria VA

Jones Point Park transitions into Old Town
Jones Point Park transitions into Old Town
As a 52 plus acres of haven for wildlife, Jones Point Park is also the ideal place to take a stroll or have a picnic by the Potomac River, go bird watching and let your dog have fun. It is found near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, southeast of Alexandria on the Potomac River. 80 Foot trees can be found at Jones Point Park where fall and spring birds nest during the migration season. A walk down the trail to the Potomac offers sights of water birds, bald eagles and waterfowl. Jones Point Park offers:
  • Picnic sites with picnic tables
  • 2 Soccer fields
  • Trails for walking and biking
  • 2 Fishing piers structured over 2 ship ramps
  • Ship dock north of the bridge by the river
  • Garden plots for rent
    Stuart and Aubrey Nesbitt take a break on the path home
    Jones Point Park at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Aubrey Nesbitt takes a break from riding his bicycle below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Aubrey Nesbitt takes a break from riding his bicycle below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Jones Point Park is owned by the National Park Service and managed by the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks ad Cultural Activities that preserves the 9000 years of human history. Important Facts about Jones Point Park:
  • Remains of the Jones Point Lighthouse from the 19th century and artifacts from the Native Americans and colonist from the early European settlers have been discovered here.
  • Jones Point Park was an important shipbuilding site where remains of the shipbuilding site had been unearthed for visitors.
  • Survey stones mark the original boundaries of District of Columbia as overseen by George Washington after 1790.
Jones Point Park is situated near Old Town Alexandria, Ford’s Landing, Bearings South and Porto Vecchio.
lighthouse
Jones Point is on the Potomac River.

Live near Fort Hunt Park

Fort Hunt Park consists of 105 acres located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, approximately 6 miles south of Old Town Alexandria. The Park is a part of the over 7,000 acres that make up the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The lands of Fort Hunt Park were originally a part of George Washington's personal farm then became a military outpost and now serve as a picnic area and nature park.
Fort Hunt real estate agents.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Fort Hunt.
So that all may better understand the history of Fort Hunt, the Park Service has begun research to uncover the names of the many veterans who served at Fort Hunt when it was a military outpost. Fort Hunt Park was converted into a fortification during the Spanish - American War. In 1897 the fort was modernized for military operations. During War World II the fort was used as a top secret military intelligence outpost. After both World War I and World War II, Fort Hunt was virtually abandoned due to military cutbacks. The National Park Service now administers Fort Hunt Park as a recreational park for public use. Fort Hunt has been a focal point of personal dramas of all kind throughout its history, but now it's dedicated to public recreation. Hours are 7am until sunset year round for general use. From April - October reservations are needed to use some areas of the park. For information about homes and neighborhoods near and around Fort Hunt Road check out Fort Hunt Info. For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.  

What do the townhomes of Hillcrest in Rosslyn offer?

Townhouse in Hillcrest
Hillcrest in Arlington
Hillcrest Townhomes is located in Arlington, Virginia overlooking the Potomac River and Georgetown. This beautiful community is secluded in a wooded area yet convenient to shopping and dining. Built in 1995 in the Courthouse Neighborhood, most townhouses at Hillcrest offer the following amenities:
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2/3 baths
  • 4 levels
  • Fireplace
  • Carpet and hardwood flooring
  • Crown molding
  • Built-in bookcases
  • Alarm system
  • Gourmet kitchen with island
  • Basement
  • Brick
  • 2 car garage
  • Deck
  • Fully fenced
  • Pets allowed
Hillcrest in Arlington VA is great location, quiet area surrounded by trees but also at walking distance to metro. Schools serving the neighborhood are: Taylor Elementary School, Williamsburg Middle School and Yorktown High School.

Compare Hillcrest to

Farmers Market of Alexandria

Oranges And LemonsThe Nation’s oldest farmers market has been said to be the Farmer’s Market at 301 King Street, City Hall in Alexandria VA 22314. It was established in 1753. The Farmers Market feature local produce vendors, art, handicrafts, wearable art and fresh baked goods that are offered every Saturday from 5:30 am till 10:30 am all through the year. Other vendors sell homemade ice cream, freshly made orange juice, honey comb, beeswax hand cream, scones, aromatics, quilts, dairy products, edible nasturtium blossoms, figs and so much more. Vendors are accommodating as well and offer samples of their goods. Alexandria’s Farmers Market is situated 3 blocks away from the Potomac River.

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Why bicyclists love River Towers

River Towers location near the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River provides nearby residents with accessible bike trails, hiking trails and jogging and nearby paths closed to motor vehicles. The Mount Vernon Trail follows the river from Mount Vernon at 5 miles south of River Towers to National Airport at 5 miles north of River Tower and to Washington DC and beyond. Bikers can easily enjoy the trip to the Marina. Both serious and recreational bikers can enjoy the Parkway or the easy local bike trails. These trails are also used by residents who bike to work or to the Metro.

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

How much do homes in Mount Vernon VA cost?

Across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. lies the city of Alexandria in Northern Virginia. South of Alexandria is Mount Vernon, the location of Mount Vernon Estate, once owned by the famous George Washington himself. Located along the Potomac riverbanks, Mount Vernon is connected to Old Town Alexandria via the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Route 1.
Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate on the Potomac
You can take the scenic route by going through the Parkway, which has a generous sprinkling of parks and wonderful scenery, including bike trails and lovely waterfront homes, which have differing and unique qualities about them. Route 1, on the other hand, thrives with activity as a hub of industry and commerce in Alexandria. Amidst all this buzz, are multiple condominium complexes from Route 1’s south end to its north end. In between these two main roads leading from Old Town to Mount Vernon, you can find a wide scope of differing and unique communities, distinctive to Northern Virginia.

Latest listings of home in Mount Vernon VA

   

Live near Oronoco Bay Park on Alexandria’s Waterfront

Alexandria City Park
Oronoco Bay Park is an Alexandria City 4.5 acre park found at 701 North Lee Street, on the Potomac River . Once known as Texaco Bay owned by John D. Rockfeller of the Standard Oil Company. In the 1980’s the property was acquired by the city and the name was changed. Indians had lived in the Alexandria area during the time Captain John Smith had sailed up the Potomac in the mid 17th century. Wooden sun decks out into the river with a wooden boardwalk path connecting the path to the point where the bay and river joins near the Rowing Facility building. Anyone can enjoy the scenery from the allotted sitting and picnic areas. They can jog, walk or bike along the river’s path as well.  The “Red Cross Waterfront Festival” is held in the park along with other festivals and events.  The Oronoco Bay Park also allows private events to held in the park as well.