Are you dreaming about a Traditional rental in Alexandria, Virginia for around $2,350.
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Are you looking for a $2,600 2-bedroom 2-baths rental in Arlington, Virginia?
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Decorating a Rental House
Those who opt to rent a house as opposed to an apartment may still be held to certain restrictions regarding the type of decorating which can be done on the property. These restrictions may be stricter or more lenient than those typically enforced when a renter is renting an apartment property. This will largely depend on the preferences of the homeowners. Homeowners who do not want to see major modifications done to the property may place strict restrictions while those who want to see the property improved may allow the renter a great deal of freedom in their decorating options.Continue reading
Renting with Dogs
Renters who have a dog or more than one dog may face additional challenges when renting an apartment or a house. One of the primary challenges the renters may face is finding a living situation which is acceptable to them and also willing to accept their pets. This can be difficult as many rental properties do not allow dogs at all. Those who do allow animals on the property may place certain restrictions on they size and breed of dog which may reside on the property.Continue reading
What Does the Rent Include?
There is no simple answer to the question of what is included in the rent. This is because the answer will likely vary from one apartment complex to the next. Some apartment complexes may include a variety of items within their rent while others may charge renters additional fees as needed and still others may require the renters to register directly with individual public utilities and handle these expenses on their own.
Likewise some apartment complexes may include additional features with the price of the rent while others may charge additional fees for these features. A pool, exercise room, meeting room or theater are just a few examples which may be offered by an apartment complex. In most cases the use of these amenities are included in the price of the rent but there are exceptions where the renter is charged an additional fee for the privilege of using these amenities.
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Getting Your Security Deposit Back
For many renters in Northern Virginia the subject of the security deposit is somewhat of a touchy subject. Many renters assume they should receive their security deposit back in its entirety as long as there is no significant damage done to the rental property. However, this is rarely true as there are number of factors which contribute to whether or not the security deposit or a portion of the deposit will be returned to the renter when they vacate the premises.
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Breaking a Lease on a Rental Agreement
Most rental agreements in the Commonwealth of Virginia have a section regarding the renter breaking the lease agreement. While there is also likely a section or several sections regarding when the leasing agent can evict the renter, the section on breaking the lease should be of particular interest to those who might be in a position to have to break the lease some day. Renters should understand these contract terms so they can make an informed decision. Additionally the renter should consider all costs associated with breaking the lease. This includes both financial costs as well as emotional costs.
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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A little feedback from an appreciative client
Wow! I just got this from Jeremy W. This really makes me proud to work with Nesbitt Realty.
Howdy Mr. Nesbitt-- I wanted to take a moment to highlight the exceptional service I received from one of your agents, Ben Fornshell. Within a few hours of emailing Ben, we made an appointment to meet the following day in order to tour Belle Haven. After meeting up at your office, we walked along the well-kept streets while Ben shared some of his experiences with the community; calmly strolling through a neighborhood on a sunny day while viewing properties is not a typical experience when searching for a new home. After touring several, I stepped into one particular unit and realized I was home. Ben walked me through the particulars before we parted. Later that day, he met with me a second time, well after working hours, to show the unit to my skeptical wife. She eagerly concurred and five days later, we signed the lease--beating out several other applicants largely because of how well-prepared our package was. Ben's relaxed and informative approach was a sea-change to the aggressive apartment-pushers usually lurking in real estate and is a great credit to your business and profession. Further, his stance made it more than clear that he wasn't merely looking to push someone into a vacant unit: he was assisting a new neighbor. Please convey my very great appreciation for his hard work and dedication. If you'd like to post this message anywhere online, please feel free; I only ask that you omit my last name for privacy.
Sincerely, --JeremyFor more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
What do real estate agents do?
Real estate agents act as go-betweens for buyers and sellers of real estate property. With certain exceptions, anyone who assists with the sale of real estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required to be licensed by the state. Each and every real estate agents must be affiliated with a real estate broker. A broker is a real estate profession who has higher educational requirements and who has a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a real estate agent. A realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. As a realtor, agents and brokers agree to ascribe to a high standard of ethics and participate in continuing education programs.
In most cases, a real estate agent works for one party, either the buyer or seller, renter or landlord. The agent uses his or her specialized training to best represent the clients' best interests. In some cases, the agent will work in a dual capacity representing both sides of the transaction. In all cases, the agent's first duty is to truth and honesty. But when you choose a real estate agent, don't be afraid to ask about what obligations state law imposes.
Some agencies have up-front fees or retainers. It's okay to shop around and to interview several agents and agencies to find the one that you feel most
comfortable working with, but it's only fair to the agent and to yourself to settle on one agent to sell or buy a home. Although it is your right and duty as a consumer to shop around, it is unethical and unfair to work with more than one agent at a time. An experienced agent will always ask if you already have representation. This way the agent won't waste his time or accidentally interfere with the relationship you already have.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.