Staging your home
Getting Your Security Deposit Back
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Dealing with Neighbors in a Condominium
Paper-Thin Walls
Although most modern condominium buildings are built with a fair amount of insulation, there is still the real possibility of neighbors in a condo hearing music, television, conversation or other noises emanating from a neighbor’s condo on a regular basis. This is due to the close proximity of the condos to each other as well as the common practice of having at least one shared wall among neighbors in an apartment complex. Condos should be aware of this and make an effort to avoid noises which will likely be heard through the walls during nights or early in the morning when others are likely to be sleeping.Being Considerate of Others
Consideration for others is one of the key elements which can make condo living more bearable and less prone to conflict. For example, while condos residents are free to listen to music in their own condo, they should limit listening to music at a loud decibel to daylight hours when it is not likely that other residents are trying to sleep. Residents in a condo complex should also be conscientious when throwing parties. (Many condos actually have a "party room" as an amenity.) This is important because the condo is responsible for the actions of his guests. Therefore the condo resident should ensure his guests are not causing discomfort for residents of the condominium complex.When Your Schedule is Unusual
Finally condo owners and renters who have an unusual schedule may have a great deal of difficulty functioning in a condo complex. This includes, but is not limited to, residents who work a night shift and sleep during the day. The unusual schedule kept by these residents makes them more prone to being disturbed by other residents who assume everyone residing in the complex sleeps at roughly the same time. Unfortunately residents in this situation may have to make an effort to make their living situation bearable. While discussing the situation with the neighbors is certainly worthwhile, it is unrealistic to expect the neighbors to remain exceedingly quite during the daytime hours. Many residents do chores such as vacuuming during this time which can resonate in a neighboring condo. However, asking the neighbor to do these types of activities in the evening is not feasible because the neighbor would likely be disturbing a number of other neighbors by doing so. This is why the condo resident with the unusual schedule is often required to make changes to make the living situation workable. This may include purchasing and using earplugs while sleeping or investing in a white noise machine which can help to drown out ambient noise and make the environment more conducive to sleeping. Additionally, the condo resident with the unusual schedule should make an effort to be quite during hours in which they are awake but the majority of neighbors are likely sleeping.Properties in Focus
Welcome to this charming property with a cozy fireplace, perfect for cold winter nights. The home also features additional rooms for flexible living space, ideal for a home office or workout area. The primary bathroom boasts a separate tub and shower, great for relaxing after a long day. Plus, the primary bathroom has good under sink storage for all your essentials. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this property your own! [6924 Fairfax Dr #306, Arlington, VA]
Discover luxury living in this spectacular 2-bedroom, 2-bath penthouse condo with breathtaking views of the Potomac River, ideally situated in the prestigious Crystal Park, at the heart of Crystal City/National Landing. Enjoy unparalleled vistas of the DC skyline, our Nation’s Capital, Reagan National Airport, and the Potomac River from your own home. This residence features an open floor plan flooded with natural sunlight, thanks to its abundant windows. Step onto your spacious private balcony off the main living area to soak in the scenic beauty. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, and the condo includes a coveted storage unit (#8) and a designated parking space (G2-73). The master bedroom is a serene retreat with a walk-in closet, an ensuite bath, and an additional custom closet. A full-size washer and dryer are conveniently located just off the kitchen. Crystal Park offers an array of top-tier amenities, including 24/7 front desk service, a large outdoor swimming pool currently being renovated, a fitness center, a relaxing sauna, BBQ areas, a library and billiard room, and a stylish community party room that can accommodate 100 guests. Additional perks include a private, secure climate-controlled storage room, and ample guest parking. Positioned near National Landing, home to Amazon HQ2, this condo is just blocks away from a variety of restaurants, shops, the Crystal City Metro, bus stops, bike paths, Virginia Tech campuses, Whole Foods Market, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, and Long Bridge Park. Enjoy easy access to I-395, Hwy 1, and Reagan National Airport, making this location as convenient as it is luxurious. Make this exceptional penthouse condo your new home and experience the best of urban living with stunning views and unmatched amenities. [1805 Crystal Dr #1107s, Arlington, VA]
Discover a truly remarkable home nestled on the coveted north end of Old Town. This elegant abode spans three levels above ground, boasting 2 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths, and nearly 2000 square feet of luxurious living space. With a classic all-brick colonial exterior and a uniquely functional interior designed for today's lifestyle, this home exudes charm and sophistication. Step inside to find a gourmet kitchen that will inspire your culinary creations, complete with a cozy family room adjacent for effortless entertaining. The second floor hosts a spacious bedroom and a full bath along with a large and elegant living room, while the third floor offers another bedroom and bath, providing endless possibilities for your living arrangements. With the convenience of two underground parking spaces, you'll never have to worry about finding parking again. Plus, the prime location allows you to walk to restaurants and shopping, while also being just minutes away from the vibrant Old Town and the bustling new Amazon headquarters and Washington DC. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the epitome of modern living in one of the most desirable neighborhoods. Welcome home to luxury, convenience, and timeless elegance. [1034 N Royal St N #1034, Alexandria, VA]
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What Amenities Do You Really Need as a Renter?
What Amenities Do You Really Want?
In addition to the amenities a renter feels he needs, there are some amenities which may be desired as opposed to necessary. A movie theater may be an example of this type of amenity. Renters may not decide against a rental property which does not have this feature but may be more inclined to select a property that has this feature as opposed to one that does not as long as the price is comparable. A meeting space may be another example of an amenity which may not be required but that many renters are willing to pay extra to have. Renters who entertain frequently may enjoy this type of amenity because it affords them extra space for entertaining. They may be able to easily invite eight or more people over for a dinner party if there is meeting space available but this might not be possible if the renter were confined to their apartment. Montebello and Watergate of Landmark are examples of properties that are loaded with amenities. Abingdon Row and Prince Street Club on the other hand offer very few amenities.Are You Paying Too Much for Amenities?
While some amenities may be viewed as necessary and others may merely be viewed as worthwhile and still others may be viewed as superfluous, the most important decision renters will have to make is how much they are willing to pay for these amenities. Comparison shopping may be the best way to determine whether or not certain amenities are financially worthwhile. Renters who are considering apartments of similar size in the same geographic region should consider the amenities offered as well as the price of the apartment. Apartments of similar size in the same area should be fairly close in price. However, an apartment which offers more advanced amenities might be significantly higher in price. Renters should list the available amenities and use this information in making cost comparisons. This information can be used to determine whether or not the renter is willing to pay a higher price for such amenities. Renters who conclude the additional cost is not warranted have determined that the prices of the amenities are not worthwhile to them and they are likely to choose the more affordable apartment which features fewer amenities.Buying Pre Foreclosures
Breaking a Lease on a Rental Agreement
Understand the Contract Terms
Renters should review their rental agreement carefully before signing the lease. Your lease is a legally binding contract which should be given proper consideration before entering into the agreement. This is important because understanding these terms will be essential if the need to break the lease becomes a reality. Rental agreements typically do allow the renter to break the lease but not without some form of penalty. This penalty usually comes in the form of requiring the renter to give a specified amount of notice before the contract is up and also requires the renter to pay a sum of money to break the rental agreement. A notice of 30 days and a lease break amount equal to one month’s rent are common penalties associated with breaking a lease, however, individual leasing agents may impose penalties which are either harsher or less severe.Consider the Costs of Breaking the Lease
As previously mentioned there is typically a fee associated with breaking a lease. This fee is often set equal to one month’s rent. While paying this fee may seem excessive there are some instances in which it is an economically good decision to break the contract even though there is a financial penalty imposed. Consider the example of a homeowner who is the process or relocating due to a job change. The homeowner may opt to rent an apartment in the new state while the house is put up for sale in the previous state. If the renter enters into a 12 month contract under the supposition that it will take this long to sell the old house and purchase a new house, he may be surprised if his other house sells quickly and he finds a home in his new state rather quickly. This may all occur within a matter of 2-3 months. The renter has the option to stay in the apartment until the rental agreement nears expiration and then start looking for a home. However, this option runs the risk that the home he previously found will not likely be available. The renters other option is to place a bid on the new house and plan on breaking the lease if he is able to close on the new house. In this case, the renter would be saddled with both a rent and a mortgage for 9-10 months. This will likely be significantly more expensive than the price the renter would pay to break the lease.Breaking the Lease is Not Always a Financial Decision
The decision to break a lease is not always completely a financial decision. There are sometimes emotional components which factor into the equation. For example a renter may have only 1-2 months remaining on his rental agreement when he is offered a dream job which will require him to relocate immediately. Although breaking the lease that late in the agreement is usually not financially wise, the renter may make this decision to avoid missing out on a dream job.Rentals in Focus
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5 Home-buying steps
- Review уоur сrеdіt - If уоu need tо аррlу for a mоrtgаgе tо purchase a hоuѕе, thеn make ѕurе to rеvіеw уоur credit аnd сhесk іf your сrеdіt ѕсоrе is gооd еnоugh tо get уоu аррrоvеd fоr the lоаn. Sometimes, уоu mау get thе mortgage еvеn wіth a bаd credit ѕсоrе but nоt аt suitable tеrmѕ. Fоr instance, уоu mау bе rеԛuіrеd tо рау hіghеr іntеrеѕt rate fоr the lоаn that уоu gеt аррrоvеd for. So, іf rеԛuіrеd іt іѕ аdvіѕаblе tо rаіѕе уоur сrеdіt ѕсоrе before jumріng іntо the рrосеѕѕ оf hоmе buying.
- Mаkе a сlеаr fіnаnсіаl рlаn - Obtаіnіng a lоаn іѕ a big fіnаnсіаl соmmіtmеnt. Thuѕ, рlаnnіng a budgеt іѕ a muѕt, to mаkе sure уоu can easily ѕаvе еnоugh mоnеу еvеrу month to pay the loan іnѕtаllmеntѕ. Prореr fіnаnсіаl рlаnnіng wоuld help уоu to mаkе аll thе mоnthlу lоаn рауmеntѕ оn the dot.
- Gеt рrе-аррrоvаl for the lоаn - Gеttіng рrе-аррrоvеd fоr thе lоаn саn save уоu from a lоt оf hаѕѕlе in lоng-tеrm. Thе process would nоt take a grеаt dеаl оf time. Thе lеndеrѕ wоuld access уоur іnсоmе, credit history еtс аnd ѕее hоw much mоnеу уоu саn actually bоrrоw.
- Stаrt huntіng for a hоuѕе - Onсе уоu know how muсh уоu саn аffоrd, your nеxt ѕtер ѕhоuld bе tо start huntіng fоr a ѕuіtаblе hоuѕе. Hоwеvеr, bеfоrе viewing a hоuѕе уоu should bе сlеаr аbоut уоur nееdѕ, wаntѕ and priorities. Whіlе ѕеаrсhіng fоr a good hоuѕе, рrіоrіtіzе whаt all уоu wіѕh to hаvе іn оr around уоur locality. Fоr іnѕtаnсе, you mіght want ѕоmе рорulаr аttrасtіоnѕ and multірlеxеѕ nearby оr your hоuѕе tо bе nеаr уоur office to mаkе sure уоu have tо travel as lіttlе аѕ possible to reach thе оffісе.
- Make an offer - You might have to put offers on several homes before you find a deal that meets your needs and your budget. Your Nesbitt Realty agent can also save you thousands on your purchase.
- Get thе hоmе inspected by a professional - Hоmе inspections are a muѕt for сhооѕіng a rіght house. A good hоmе іnѕресtоr саn fіgurе out mаnу dеfесtѕ іn a house, whісh оthеrwіѕе mау gо unnоtісеd. Moreover, thе еxаmіnеr wоuld provide уоu with a dеtаіlеd report, ѕtаtіng thе dеfесtѕ in thе hоuѕе. Thіѕ wау, you саn nоt only аѕk the ѕеllеr tо іmmеdіаtеlу get thе broken thіngѕ repaired but аlѕо negotiate thе ѕеllіng рrісе оf thе house.
- Go to closing - Settlement, also called closing, occurs on the day that home officially becomes your property. The settlement agent is responsible for moving money from bank to bank, filing necessary documents with the lenders and with the county. At closing you finally get the keys!
Finding your dream home
- Whаt іѕ your budgеt? It is іmроrtаnt that уоu knоw how muсh уоu саn аffоrd. Go tо уоur lеndеr first аnd check hоw muсh уоu will bе able tо bоrrоw. It is important thаt уоu knоw thе price range оf thе рrореrtу уоu can аffоrd as it can bе vеrу dіѕарроіntіng to fіnd уоur drеаm hоmе, only tо find оut thаt you саnnоt afford іt.
- Where dо уоu want to lіvе? Lосаtіоn іѕ vеrу important, whісh is why you hаvе tо decide where you wаnt tо lіvе first. If уоu wаnt tо stay in a сеrtаіn community, drive аrоund thе different nеіghbоrhооdѕ. Yоu саn аlѕо dо a rеѕеаrсh оnlіnе.
- Onсе уоu hаvе dесіdеd where уоu want tо lіvе, ѕtаrt looking fоr thе property that fіtѕ your criteria. There are several sites оnlіnе thаt уоu can visit. Yоu саn tуре іt іn ѕеаrсh еngіnеѕ. Include thе сіtу аnd ѕtаtе where уоu wаnt to live whеn ѕеаrсhіng tо hаvе more соmрrеhеnѕіvе rеѕultѕ.