December, 2008:
Have your condo docs in order
I have a tip for condo sellers out there. As most of you may know, in the Commonwealth of Virginia (and in other states) the buyer must be allowed an opportunity to review the condo docs. From the time the condo docs are delivered, the buyer has 3 days to cancel the contract without cause, other than to say the condo docs contained information which caused the cancellation. The buyer doesn’t have to explain why or what the problem was.
Recently a client of mine was buying a condo and when he received the documents, the condo docs said that the unit did not pass architectural review. The problem was that the client had made changes to his unit without first seeking permission of the association and then never had the changes inspected.
The change that the seller made? According to documents, the seller had installed an overhead microwave and changed a cabinet without seeking any approval from the association. This was indeed a minor change. Furthermore, the seller claimed that he didn’t actually make the change. It was his claim that a previous owner made that change and that the seller had NEVER read his condo docs.
My client, the buyer, was a very above-board and by-the-book type of character. It was his position that if this guy “hid this fact” who knows how much else he withheld? Even if he believed the seller’s story (he did not) then it would show that this is a very inattentive owner. My client canceled the contract based on condo docs.
At another location and with another buyer and seller, the property went under contract and the seller did not deliver the condo docs, because the seller didn’t have condo docs. The seller didn’t have the condo docs because the seller didn’t order his condo docs. The selling agent explains that the law allows for 14 days for the delivery of condo docs. I replied, “That’s why you order docs when you list.” Because if you allow 14 days for preparation and 2 days for delivery and then 3 days for review, then the buyer can cancel the sale 22 days after the contract is signed.
Here are the lessons for sellers:
- Order you condo docs when you list your condo for sale.
- Review your condo docs to make sure that your condo doesn’t have any defects according to the association.
- Have your agent deliver your condo docs PROMPTLY once your contract is ratified.
Have your condo docs in order.
I have a tip for condo sellers out there. As most of you may know, in the Commonwealth of Virginia
(and in other states) the buyer must be allowed an opportunity to
review the condo docs. From the time the condo docs are delivered, the
buyer has 3 days to cancel the contract without cause, other than to
say the condo docs contained information which caused the cancellation.
The buyer doesn’t have to explain why or what the problem was.
Recently a client of mine was buying a condo and when he received
the documents, the condo docs said that the unit did not pass
architectural review. The problem was that the client has made changes
to his unit without first seeking permission of the association and
then never had the changes inspected.
The change that the seller made? According to documents, the seller
had installed an overhead microwave and changed a cabinet without
seeking any approval from the association. This was indeed a minor
change. Furthermore, the seller claimed that he didn’t actually make
the change. It was his claim that a previous owner made that change and
that the seller had NEVER read his condo docs.
My client, the buyer, was a very above-board and by-the-book type of
character. It was his position that if this guy “hid this fact” who
knows how much else he withheld? Even if he believed the seller’s
story (he did not) then it would show that this is a very inattentive
owner. My client canceled the contract based on condo docs.
At another location and with another buyer and seller, the property
went under contract and the seller did not deliver the condo docs,
because the seller didn’t have condo docs. The seller didn’t have the
condo docs because the seller didn’t order his condo docs. The selling
agent explains that the law allows for 14 days for the delivery of
condo docs. I replied, “That’s why you order docs when you list.”
Because if you allow 14 days for preparation and 2 days for delivery
and then 3 days for review, then the buyer can cancel the sale 22 days
after the contract is signed.
Here are the lessons for sellers:
- Order you condo docs when you list your condo for sale.
- Review your condo docs to make sure that your condo doesn’t have any defects according to the association.
- Have your agent deliver your condo docs PROMPTLY once your contract is ratified.
River Towers is a great place to live
I have two great rental listings ready and waiting at River Towers! What is River Towers?
3 BEDROOMS — ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED FOR ONLY $1700 monthly.
I have a 3 bedroom condo available for rent at River Towers for just
$1700 monthly! 2 Full baths. Fresh paint and carpet. Nice kitchen.
1 BEDROOM WITH BALCONY — ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED FOR ONLY $1300 monthly.
Stunning views toward the Dyke Marsh and Potomac. Don’t miss this one.
All about River Towers
River Towers is a beautiful condominium community located just blocks from the GW Parkway. River Towers is a the end of Wakefield Drive—a horseshoe-drive that loops through the Belle View Condos.
This green and serene oasis is unique in Northern Virginia because of its proximity to city while retaining a bucolic atmosphere. The buildings are situated on 27 acres of woods and wetlands which are then surrounded by parks on three sides.
The rear of the property abuts the Dyke Marsh, a national wildlife preserve, the southern end of the property is adjacent to Mt. Vernon District park.
All these parks mean that once you are on River Towers property, everything is quiet and peaceful.
Peaceful & serene but easy access to the City!
The heart of the Old Town shopping district is just 3 minutes away. Three minutes in the opposite direction is suburbia:
Lowes, Target, Marshall’s, Chili’s, T.G.I. Fridays. Traffic in the area is relatively free from congestion. This is truly unique in Northern Virginia.
- Excellent views of either the Potomac or Alexandria and Washington
- Many with updated kitchen & cabinetry
- All utilities are included (except phone & cable)
- Association offers an in-house repair program – very convenient and only $15 per hour.
- Handicapped accessible.
- Small pets (under 35 pounds) welcome.
- Located on 27 acres, some of which include a federally protected wildlife preserve.
- Grounds are landscaped and well-maintained.
- Large pool, 2 tennis courts, a basketball court, and a very large picnic area with grills and a playground.
- Boat storage and a kayak rack on site.
- Parking is free and plentiful.
Nearby
- Quiet & serene – 2 miles south of Old Town Alexandria just off the George Washington Parkway.
- 2 miles to Huntington Metro Station (Yellow Line). Metro bus stops on condo grounds every 10 minutes during rush hour.
- Walking distance to the following:
- Potomac River & GW Parkway bike trail – 5 blocks
- Belle Haven Marina with boat rentals (sailboats, kayaks, etc.) – ½ mile
- Library & county recreation center with an ice rink – 2 blocks away
- Belle View Shopping center (Safeway, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, movie rentals, restaurants & many other shops) – 2 blocks away
Types of Condos
Many people picture a high-rise building filled with apartments when they think of a condominium. But, not all condos are high-rises. In fact, not all condos are buildings, much less hi-rises! For example, a bare land condo is a condominium in which the owner owns land only.
Even horses are getting into the act! Some stables have gone condo. In a stable condo, the owner purchases a single stall for his horse in a stable, but shares the stable and grounds with other horses and owners. At a marina, it is possible to condo a single slip from a dock. In both cases, the owners pay a fee to the association for maintenance, but in both cases, the owner is solely responsible for his interest in the condo.
A more common type of condominium is the garden-style condo. Garden-style condos are one to five floors of condominiums and usually don’t have an elevator. From the exterior, townhouse condos look exactly like regular condominiums.
It is even possible to have a single family residence titled as a condo. This can happen in a vaction community where the association maintains the exterior and grounds of the house, while the owners have possession of the interior of the house.
This article was reprinted by permission from CondoBenefits.com. If you are a condo expert or if you would like a link from CondoBenefits.com just drop me a line. I’m building a directory of condo experts from around the country at that site and would love your input!
Types of Condos
skyline of the Carlyle District
Many people picture a high-rise building filled with apartments when they think of a condominium. But, not all condos are high-rises. In fact, not all condos are buildings, much less hi-rises! For example, a bare land condo is a condominium in which the owner owns land only.
Even horses are getting into the act! Some stables have gone condo. In a stable condo, the owner purchases a single stall for his horse in a stable, but shares the stable and grounds with other horses and owners. At a marina, it is possible to condo a single slip from a dock. In both cases, the owners pay a fee to the association for maintenance, but in both cases, the owner is solely responsible for his interest in the condo.
Porch on a Belle View condo
A more common type of condominium is the garden-style condo. Garden-style condos are one to five floors of condominiums and usually don’t have an elevator. From the exterior, townhouse condos look exactly like regular condominiums.
It is even possible to have a single family residence titled as a condo. This can happen in a vacation community where the association maintains the exterior and grounds of the house, while the owners have possession of the interior of the house.
This article was reprinted by permission from CondoBenefits.com. If you are a condo expert or if you would like a link from CondoBenefits.com just drop me a line. I’m building a directory of condo experts from around the country at that site and would love your input!
Port Royal — affordable condos in Old Town Alexandria
Residents and visitors know that Old Town Alexandria is a special place. Old Town Alexandria is at once colonial and 
historic, a seaport and city, urban and chic. Old Town is home to many shops, restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops. Much of Old Town is filled with elegant brick townhouses and rowhouse houses. Some of these (Abingdon Row for example) are new. But many are historic.
Another thread in the tapestry of Old Town are the high-rises near the waterfront at the north end of Old Town. Among these are the condominiums on N. Pitt Street known as Port Royal. From the 16 floors of Port Royal one will find some of the best views in Old Town. The rear of the building overlooks the Potomac and the flight approach to Reagan National Airport. The lobbies and common areas of the building are well-maintained and pleasant.
Port Royal has a variety of models from studios and up. The units vary in condition, but most are very nice and have been recently renovated. Contact Condo Alexandria Alexandria to arrange a tour of available condos at Port Royal. To view the interiors of units and to browse properties online, please check the following links:
- For sale — Live data on all condos for sale in Port Royal’s zip code (22314).
- For rent — Live data on rentals in 22314 zip code.Rental info at Port Royal.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22314 zip code.
Confederate Statue in Old Town
One of the busiest intersections in Old Town Alexandria occurs where Prince St. crosses Washington St. This intersection is dominated by a memorial of the U.S. Civil War. Over the years, and on several occasions, drivers have crashed their vehicles into the statue. As a result some folks filed petitions to have the memorial moved. But the statue has not moved and remains a fixture in Alexandria.
I doubt the statue ever will be moved because of the historical significance of the statue’s location. In 1861, at the place where the statue now stands, the sons and fathers, brothers and men of Alexandria gathered to pick up arms against the Union. After the Civil War, the surviving veterans formed a chapter of the United Confederate Veterans. Together members of the organization commissioned a memorial for their fallen comrades. The statue’s design depicts an unarmed Confederate soldier at Appomattox. The soldier’s head is bowed as he observes the Confederate surrender. The statue was dedicated on May 24th, 1889.
The George Washington Parkway is one in the same with Washington St. as the Parkway passes through Old Town, and thus the Parkway, and some of Old Town’s heaviest traffic, passes the statue. As originally planned, the Confederate Statue was surrounded by a fence and ornamental gas lamps, but by 1923, motor vehicles and electric lights caused a change in design. The traffic continue to increase on South Washington Street and 1932 when construction of the Parkway was completed, the grounds surrounding the statue were paved over. The pictures below depict the statue as it looked prior to the completion of the GW Parkway at a time when motor vehicles were still relatively uncommon.
Showing properties
1 - 10 of 234.
See more 22314 zip code real estate.
(all data current as of
5/17/2012)
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$227,000 : 1808 Abingdon Dr W #202, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
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$420,000 : 309 Holland Ln #232, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$579,000 : 400 Second St, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$635,000 : 410 Royal St N, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$1,145,000 : 114 Cameron Mews, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths
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$347,500 : 505 Braddock Rd E #502, Alexandria2 beds, 1 full bath
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$365,000 : 501 Slaters Ln #324, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$525,000 : 1275 Quaker Hill Dr, Alexandria4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$525,000 : 520 John Carlyle St #104, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$314,999 : 1109 Pitt St N #1b, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
A Condo 1 Alexandria Christmas
Great times at the Condo Alexandria Christmas Party!
This year’s Condo Alexandria Christmas Party was held at Yaku in Arlington.
Yaku is a unique mix of Peruvian and Asian food. The atmosphere is
upscale, chic and fun. Some of the top agents at Condo Alexandria and Condo Alexandria
affiliates were there along with some of our business associates and
friends.
My wife Julie and I had the chance to mingle with former Condo Alexandria
agent and property manager John “Mc Millions” McMillin. John is now a
broker of the newly formed Landsdowne Realty.
Julie got a big hug from “Diamond” Lynn, a top producing Condo Alexandria
agent. In the background, you can see Tom Meyer Condo Alexandria founder and
broker of Condo Alexandria in Arlington.
Tom Meyer looks happy to be seated between Antonella and Julie. Tom
headed off for the Carribbean the next day. He’ll be tan in January!
Our party was upstairs in a catwalk-style loft. If you’ve never been
to Yaku, I suggest you check it out. The artwork was simply amazing to
me. The food was unique and the atmosphere was great.
Martha Washington Library temporarily closes its doors …
We’ll miss her …
The Martha Washington Library is definitely one of the features and benefits of living in and around the 22307 area code. Martha Washington serves houses and townhouses of Bucknell Manor, the adorable garden-style condos of Belle View, the scenic condos at River Towers, the manors and homes of Belle Haven and homes and families of Fort Hunt with a broad selection of books and media. The staff is always helpful and pleasant. I and the Alexandria Gaming Group have made great use of the community room on numerous occasions. So December 20th will be a sad day for me.
That because Martha Washington Library, one of the oldest branches in the Fairfax County Library System, will close on December 20th at 5:00 p.m. for major renovations. By mid-February of 2009 and for the next 18 months, Martha Washington will temporarily be housed at 6328 Richmond Highway, Unit F, Alexandria, VA 22303. We’ll miss her while she’s gone.
The temporary location is nearby but not quite the same and is just that–a temporary location. I very much look forward to the larger newly renovated library at the same location as this beloved branch.
The Mount Vernon Rec Center neighbors Martha Washington Library.
Telephone: 703-768-6700
TTY: 703-324-8365
The library is on Fort Hunt Road and is adjacent to Mount Vernon District Park. It is surrounded by woods which connect to the neighborhood by paths and foot-bridges.
Introduction to the Carlyle District
The Carlyle District is a 76.5 acre development in Old Town Alexandria. The district includes a complex of offices, hotels and retail space anchored by the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as well as condo communities such as
Carlyle Towers.
Living and Working in the Carlyle District
The Carlyle District is named for John Carlyle, a Scottish merchant who was a founding trustee and the first overseer of Alexandria, Virginia. Ultimately, it will comprise more than 7 million square feet of office, hotel, residential, and retail space. The 76.5-acre tract is designed to be a vibrant, walkable area with an atmosphere that reflects adjacent Old Town but with a modern urban flair. It is designated a Coordinated Design/Development District (CDD), meaning
design and development standards are already in place for an allocated 7 million square feet of office, hotel, residential, and retail space, allowing for faster approval of final plans.
- For sale — Live data on all condos for sale in 22314 zip code.
- For rent — Live data on rentals in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22314 zip code.
Related Topics
- Old Town Alexandria — A beginner’s guide to life in 22314 zip code
- Eisenhower Metro Station — One of two metro stations that bracket the Carlyle District
- King St. Metro Station — King St. is one of the most touristy destinations in Alexandria
- George Washington Masonic Memorial — Also known as the Masonic Temple or Alexandria Lighthouse
- Alexandria Guide — General information about specific Alexandria landmarks and features
- Talk to a local expert
— Contact a local expert who can answer questions about housing and
the housing market in and near the Carlyle District and USPTO.
