Julie Nesbitt
January and New Year's Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller, you can save on your purchase expenses.
1. Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the cold weather makes home buyers prefer to stay home; they wait for warm weather to buy real estate. Get the edge with little competition from other buyers.
2. Home sellers who didn't sell during the recent buying frenzy are worried that their home will not sell. Any seller offering their home for sale during the holiday season is motivated.
3. Real estate agents need to keep their momentum going and can't afford to take too much time off. When the agents aren't as busy, you get better service. Plus, they're more likely to take low offers seriously. Agents love investors ready to buy real estate during January.
4. Interest rates continue to creep up. <i>Who knows what the rates will rise to next year?</i>
5. Lenders threaten to tighten up qualifications next year. Last summer, loan officers were able to get through almost any loan. Today is your best shot to buy real estate and get a great rate with the easiest qualifications.
6. Appraisers need work. Too many individuals became real estate appraisers when there was too much work. It used to take a week or more to schedule an appraisal. We just ordered an appraisal and the appraiser wanted to come out the same afternoon! Also, appraisal fees cost less today than last month.
Clear some time from your busy holiday schedule and go find a bargain house. Make many offers. You won't get this break for another year.
Properties in Alexandria
Charming Tudor with partial river views in the always desirable Belle Haven! Terrific location in this iconic neighborhood with a deep, private lot. This classic and elegant home features a large separate dining room and equally spacious living room opening to a beautiful stone study. The kitchen is conveniently located in the rear of the home and a half bath is perfectly situated for guests. The second floor has three generously proportioned bedrooms and one full bath. A set of permanent stairs from one of the bedrooms leads to a third-floor attic with loads of future possibilities. The view of the river from the front of the home only increases as you go up! This Belle Haven home has tons of possibilities but it stands as a charming home with large room sizes and beautiful hardwood floors throughout. A full basement allows for tons of extra storage and laundry while the back yard is spacious enough for an addition and/or a garage. An excellent location in Belle Haven that is close to Old Town Alexandria and the popular GW Memorial bike trail. Easy drive to Reagan National airport, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. [Belle Haven - $949,000]
Gorgeous new construction home sits on a half-acre lot and is nestled among mature trees in the beloved NOVA Fort Hunt community in the sought after Waynewood Elementary School District. With over 5,000 square feet of above-grade living space, this one-of-a-kind home offers classic architectural features, lots of upgrades and a fantastic layout. Entering the home through the welcoming covered front porch you will immediately appreciate the beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors, 9 ft ceilings, oversized windows, and open airy feeling. On the right is an office (can easily convert to a formal dining room). On the left is a main floor bedroom with a full ensuite to keep your guests happy in their own private area. As you pass the beautiful staircase, you enter a light-filled expansive kitchen/dining/family room area with a large gas burning fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves. The oversized sliding glass doors of the family room provide lovely views of the tree-lined backyard. The kitchen features white shaker painted maple cabinets, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, large farmhouse sink, large island with seating for 4 and plenty of storage. Immediately off the kitchen, you will find a powder room and butler’s pantry with beverage fridge and storage. Adjoining the pantry is a large mudroom with custom built-in cubbies for coats, shoes &. backpacks with access to the garage as well as the front and back yards. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms plus a huge recreation room (or 5th bedroom with double closets and full ensuite). The owner’s suite, with views of the backyard, has 2 walk-in closets, a gorgeous bathroom with soaking tub, large glass-enclosed shower, and double sinks. Bedroom #1 has a private ensuite; bedrooms #2 & #3 share a Jack n Jill bathroom with a double sink vanity. Other second floor features include a laundry room with custom cabinetry, walk-in storage closet and even space for a future elevator! You'll never have to leave this beautiful home. But wait, there's another level! You have the option of customizing the 3rd floor. You can add another bathroom, maybe even a sauna-make it whatever your heart desires! Finally, let's face it, one of the most important spaces in anyone's dream home is a good-sized attached garage. This finished garage easily fits 2 cars and is wired to charge your electric car! This home features many upgrades such as 2 separate Carrier Heating/Air Conditioning zoned systems, tankless water heater with infinite hot water, CAT-6 wiring with multimedia outlets, Hardie-plank siding, lifetime architectural shingled roof with metal roof accents, and a dedicated natural gas hookup for grilling. WFB Companies Inc. and Crafted Architecture have designed a home you will not want to leave. But should you have to, you are a block away from the wonderful shops and restaurants of Hollin Hall Village, including the famous Variety Store and Village Hardware! The home is in the Tauxemont Village Community which is a Cooperative not an HOA. The Cooperative manages the well water system, 3 parks, nature trail and tennis court. Homeowners can also access the Tauxemont school playground. Cost is $700 annually which includes water. You can access Tauxement Park by a path just one house over. There is a path up between the hosues so no need to go on busy roads! Beyond that you will also find lots of parks, pools, and pickle ball courts nearby, including the wonderful Mount Vernon Park with pool, pond, tennis courts and pavilion. Bring your fishing rod. Even though you will feel far away from urban mayhem, you are minutes from the George Washington Parkway with its beautiful views of the Potomac River, biking and walking path, easy access to Old Town, Hwy 495, Reagan International Airport. Don't miss out on this truly special new home. [Tauxemont - $1,795,000]
Charming Victorian Row Home in Old Town North! Step into this lovingly maintained home with original pine floors that add warmth and character. The updated kitchen dazzles with high-end appliances and beautiful finishes. Enjoy cozy evenings by the remote controlled gas fireplace in the inviting sitting room and take advantage of the custom features such as the recessed bookshelves and smart home lighting system. Both bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms with modern updates, while the secondary bedroom includes a delightful loft or storage space. Unwind in the primary bedroom with access to a private deck overlooking the backyard, perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The backyard is a peaceful urban retreat with patio and privacy fencing, providing a quiet oasis and beautiful entertaining space. A bonus hobby/office shed with bar seating adds to the delightful outdoor retreat. A convenient parking space in the rear (full size trucks fit!) adds to the appeal of this charming home. Plenty of guest parking to the front. Just Moments away from King Street's vibrant dining, shopping, Five blocks to Braddock Road Metro. Second street shopping and dining to the north and Del Rey all just blocks away. All the best Old Town has to offer just outside your door. [ - $849,900]
Julie Nesbitt is an ABR who has served buyers in some of Alexandria’s most exclusive neighborhoods. She is a top producing agent who has listed and sold property in Northern Virginia. In addition to helping folks buy, sell and rent property in Northern Virginia, Julie is the primary administrator of the property management services performed by Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. Call Julie at (703)765-0300.
