Halstead at the Metro sits just across the street from the Dunn-Loring Metro stop on the Orange Line and adjacent to the Mosaic District. The Halstead was originally built in 2005 and consists of 2 buildings with 438 units, which includes a few commercial spaces. Halstead floor plans include all variations from Studios up to two-bedroom, two-bath units ranging from 559 to 1,264 square feet. The building has assigned parking spaces in the above-ground parking garage which is attached to the buildings. Continue reading
Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center is located in the Courthouse on the first floor in Suite 1600. They have records dating from the formation of Fairfax County in 1742 through the early 1900s. They are open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.) Monday through Friday. Every Friday, guided tours of the Historic Fairfax Courthouse and Historic Records Center are offered. These tours are free and open to the public. Continue reading
Montebello is a high-rise residential condominium community hidden just outside Old Town Alexandria Virginia in Fairfax County, just a few miles from our nation's Capitol in Washington DC. Montebello is a resort-style condo with a full bank of amenities. This building is set on a 35-acre gated community and features tennis courts, fitness center, cafe, convenience store, bowling alley, indoor and outdoor pools, and lush landscaping. Continue reading
Porto Vecchio Condominiums are located on the Southern tip of Old Town at the edge of the George Washington Parkway. The balconies at these units offer views of the water. Outside the building there are paved roads sitting right next to the Potomac River. Also there are wooden docks situated on the water. Amenities at Porto Vecchio include: a swimming pool overlooking the Potomac, a gorgeous veranda, a dock, tennis courts, an exercise room, sauna, bright and open party rooms, easy access to the Mount Vernon trail, 24-hour desk, security, limousine service, and extra storage rooms.
Porto Vecchio has brick exterior
The Potomac River and National Harbor as seen from Porto Vecchio
The Porto Vecchio common areas are richly appointed
Around the bend and towards the Potomac River
Porto Vecchio has multiple levels
Outside of Porto Vecchio shows the lower level balconies
A limousine is parked outside of the entrance
A gentleman converses with the receptionist
These balconies offer good views of the surrounding area
Welcome to Porto Vecchio
A tree rests in front of the Porto Vecchio building
Porto Vecchio is a mid-rise condo with 2 towers.
The lobby is elegantly furnished
The parking lot at Porto Vecchio is full with residents and guests
Byron condominium is located in Falls Church VA
If you're approaching retirement, or just had it with the big-house lifestyle, it might be time to down-size. Here are some thoughts to consider when downsizing:
Consider a short-distance move for familiarity. Plus, a shorter move can be cheaper.
If you're moving out to a new county or state, check the property taxes. This is especially important if you're on a fixed income.
Look for handicap features that you might not need now but which may you if your health or physical abilities decline.
Think about sharing space with a younger (or older) family member.
Insist on good security in the new property.
Look for a home that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
Ask about energy efficiency. Utility bills will go up but a fixed income does not.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
living room
Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in many markets, and they’re ideal for those who appreciate a maintenance-free lifestyle. But before you buy, make sure you do your legwork. These are some of the important elements to consider:
Storage
Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongings.
Outdoor space
Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you dread yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.
Amenities
Wooster Mercer Lofts
Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
Maintenance
Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home — good news if you like to travel.
Security
Keyed entries and even doormen are common in many condos. You’re also closer to other people in case of an emergency.
Reserve funds and association fees
Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees decided by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity.
Resale
Carlyle Towers in Alexandria
The ease of selling your unit may be dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar.
Condo rules
Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets, or don’t allow owners to rent out their units. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
Neighbors
You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors.
These neighborhoods have that special mixture of luxurious homes with a desirable location. Many of these neighborhoods are served by the area's best public schools.
Arcturus -- Along the Potomac River near George Washington Parkway
Recent studies suggest that single women currently make up approximately 47 percent of the condominium buying market in the United States. The reason is pretty obvious, if you think about it. Condominiums are an increasingly popularly housing choice for single women because of the various benefits that condos offer including convenience, security, and often virtually maintenance-free living.
For starters, security matters. For single women living alone in large, urban areas, one of the many benefits of living in a condominium are 24-hour concierge and security desks, video and security cameras in hallways and stairwells, and gated or enclosed parking areas. So if you're thinking about buying a condo, carefully consider first the kinds of security features and amenities that are available in the unit; very often peace of mind is worth its weight in condo fees. Additionally, it's important to know your potential new neighborhood. Condominiums tend to be located in urban areas where there are other young, working professionals as well as families. Make sure you know your neighborhood inside and out before you make an offer on a condominium and check the local county website for crime rates, local community news, and other annual statistics and reports.
Next, convenience is the key. Another factor that is crucially important when considering buying a condo if you are living as a single professional woman. In many condominium communities and developments there are office personnel to receive packages as well as other day-to-day business services such as dry cleaning, tailoring, and spa and fitness facilities. Some of the larger condominium developments also feature even more advanced amenities such as a grocers, bank branches and ATM's, and many other services that make a single working woman's life just a little easier.
Finally, consider maintenance in relation to time and money. Many single family homes require lengthy, time consuming and ongoing maintenance such as painting every three to five years, worrying about pipes freezing during the winter or getting the rain gutters cleaned. While it's true that you as a condo owner must be financially responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your condo's common area, typically condo associations oversee the day-to-day management of the property itself. What does this mean for the busy single woman? Well, if the doors stick and the roof springs a leak, you can bet that your sassy self won't be called upon to find someone to fix it. But be sure to check your condo buildings' rules and regulations first. Most condo associations have a list of rules and regulations that you will have to agree to before you purchase a unit in the building. These rules may limit the number and weight of pets; how many visitors you can have at a time including how often and for how long; if you can rent out your unit; and when you can have work done in your unit. Ask the listing broker for the complete set of building rules and regulations.
Before you make an offer on a condo you want to be sure to consider what matters to you most as a busy single woman and those major concerns include safety and security, convenience and location, and matters of maintenance compared to other home ownerships costs. Happy Hunting Miss Independent!
There are many types of condominiums. Some condos look like houses or townhouses; most look like high-rises or garden-style apartments. Even though a condo can look look like a townhouse or house, owning a condo differs from owing a fee simple property in many ways. There are aspects of condo living that some may view as advantages or disadvantages, and you should be aware of these before you buy.
Nothern Virginia Condo Experts
Here are a few basic benefits and considerations of condo living to help you make your decision.
The City
Busy folk who love being close to the action often choose a condominium because condo developments most often occur in the city. In the Carlyle District, in Arlington and places like Skyline Square, land is at a premium. But in all these examples, your condo is well served by public transportation. These condos are also close to the culture and opportunities of the city.
Of course the downside to being in town is that you're in the city---that means traffic, hustle and bustle and other disadvantages of living downtown. For example, the USPTO is crawling with people during rush hour. Crystal City
is a pass-thru for many many commuters. Most homes and townhomes have a lawn or yard of some kind, but few condo owners have a yard or personal green space.
Community Living
A condominium owner is part of a community. The community lifestyle has many advantages. For example, the owner of a condo can leave things on a whim. There is no yard to worry about, and the building is secure. Neighbors and condo staff will watch the property while you're on travel or vacation. Most condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Crystal City and Falls Church have security features such as buzzers, a concierge or a guard service. If you travel often for business or pleasure (or if this is a second home), there are no worries while you're out of pocket. Many condos have clubs, activities and the opportunity to socialize with neighbors.
But, shared walls and common areas mean that you are more likely to hear your neighbors. If you need your home to be a hideaway where you can escape from people, you have to deal with the fact that you might encounter neighbors in the hallway. Nosy neighbors are found everywhere, but it's a lot easier for them to keep tabs on you as you come and go in a condo. The community will set standards and make decisions about common areas. For example, many condo association have rules about pets so that the common areas are not over-run with pets and pet debris.
The Association
You can take part in the decision making (by voting or by being a board member), but you must abide by the rules of the community. As you may know, condos are governed by a set of rules called Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). This can include restrictions on noise levels, pet ownership, renovations, and even what kind of curtains you can put in your windows.
Every unit owner is a member of the condo association, which also has an elected board. The association serves to enforce bylaws, handles maintenance and repair issues, etc.Because the condo association is made up of homeowners rather than property-management professionals, the association may be weak and inefficient. Most associations oversee a paid management firm.
Also, if you want to make renovations to your unit or rent your unit out, you may have to get approval from the condo association.This purpose of this oversight is most usually designed to make sure that you don't remove any load bearing walls or short circuit community electricity.
Maintenance
Homeowners have a lot to worry about, but condo owners on the other hand ...
Think of Nesbitt Realty for condos and condominiums in Northern VA
Condo owners generally don't mow lawns. They don't clean gutters. They don't even have to hire or pay landscapers. In a condominium someone else takes care of the exterior, the common areas, the snow removal and more. For example, someone else makes sure there's money enough to pay for the new roof.
Of course, that service comes at a price: the monthly condo fees. The association collects these fees to pay for maintenance and repair of the common areas. All homeowners pay for maintenance, but the owner of a single family residence can save money by mowing his own lawn. The owner of a single family home can defer payment a little longer if money is tight. Of course, by aggregating the fees of maintenance, condominium owners often have enough money to pay for amenities that are not common in a single family residence. For example, a swimming pool is pretty standard in a condo.
Affordability
Some condos in Northern Virginia list are every bit as expensive as single family houses elsewhere. Condos in Crystal City, condos in Arlington and condos in Alexandria (especially in the Carlyle District) can be quite pricey. But some condos are surprisingly affordable. This makes a great option for first-time buyers and singles who may find single-family houses unaffordable. Condominiums are more sensitive to trends in the real estate market than single-family homes. Now that the prices have dropped there are some tremendous bargains for shoppers.
Amenities.
Most condominium developments offer a range of amenities in the common areas. It's pretty standard in Northern Virginia to have access to a swimming pool, gym or tennis courts in most condo complexes.
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.
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.
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.
Condo shoppers might want to check out these resources:
Recent studies suggest that single women currently make up approximately 47 percent of the condominium buying market in the United States. The reason is pretty obvious, if you think about it. Condominiums are an increasingly popularly housing choice for single women because of the various 
Next, convenience is the key. Another factor that is crucially important when considering buying a condo if you are living as a single professional woman. In many condominium communities and developments there are office personnel to receive packages as well as other day-to-day business services such as dry cleaning, tailoring, and spa and fitness facilities. Some of the larger condominium developments also feature even more advanced amenities such as a grocers, bank branches and ATM's, and many other services that make a single working woman's life just a little easier.
Finally, consider maintenance in relation to time and money. Many single family homes require lengthy, time consuming and ongoing maintenance such as painting every three to five years, worrying about pipes freezing during the winter or getting the rain gutters cleaned. While it's true that you as a condo owner must be financially responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your condo's common area, typically condo associations oversee the day-to-day 
if the doors stick and the roof springs a leak, you can bet that your sassy self won't be called upon to find someone to fix it. But be sure to check your condo buildings' rules and regulations first. Most condo associations have a list of rules and regulations that you will have to agree to before you purchase a unit in the building. These rules may limit the number and weight of pets; how many visitors you can have at a time including how often and for how long; if you can 
