Love at first sight happens every day in Arlington real estate. So, what is the best house color to make a potential buyer become a love struck buyer?
Best House Color to Sell in Arlington VA
Five Reasons to Hold an Open House
Not all real estate practitioners are enthusiastic about the effectiveness of open houses, but here are five good reasons to consider holding one:
- The odds are low but sometimes open houses lead to a sale.
- Home sellers like them. They like seeing their real estate professional working hard for them.
- Visitor feedback is good for sellers.
- Other real estate practitioners tour open houses and they sometimes produce sales.
- Open houses engage people, including friends and neighbors who might bring in a buyer.
Source: Inman News, Mary Umberger (02/17/2010)
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Inlet Cove is near Fort Belvoir and Potomac Mills
Inlet Cove is alongside Route 1 This neighborhood of townhouses is near grocers and eateries Inlet Cove is close to Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, and Potomac Mills shops, in the city of Woodbridge Interior to these properties are multilevel Inlet Cove is serene
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Pending Home Sales on an Upswing
Pending home sales increased again in March, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, rose 5.3 percent to 102.9 from 97.7 in February, and is 21.1…
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A Good Time to Buy a High-End Home
Some of the best housing deals are on high-end homes, many over $1 million. Some of them need TLC or they aren’t in the most-coveted locations. But there are plenty of desirable properties and lots of sellers who are getting impatient. Buyers with cash have the best opportunities. Buyers who need a mortgage should move…
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Who is today’s homebuyer and why are they buying?
The National Association of Realtors recently did a study about the characteristics of home buyers. Some of the findings might surprise you. Thirteen percent of buyers purchased a home with one or more parents and grandparents together with adult children. There were several reasons given for purchasing a multi-generational home. Cost savings; Children over the…
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Learn more about living in Alexandria VA.
If you are considering buying or selling property, planning to relocate, looking for Alexandria homes for sale, Alexandria condos for sale or looking for any other information about real estate in Alexandria, or the surrounding areas, you have come to the right place.This complete Alexandria real estate resource for offers everything you will need: access…
Properties in Shirlington
$470,000 at Concord Mews
$399,900 at Courtbridge I&ii
$433,900 at The Arlington
$699,000 at Douglas Park
$325,000 at West Village of Shirlington
$424,900 at West Village of Shirlington
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New Construction Buying Tip
If you’re thinking of buying a newly-built condo or new house, you probably already know that every new development will have its own sales staff. These people are often friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the new development. However, these folks work to sell this property only, because the sale staff works for the builder. The on-site staff of a new condominium knows the property as-well-as or better than anyone around and they are there to assist you but they work for the builder. The staff at a new home development probably knows the property very well, but they will tell you want the builder wants you to know.
When in the market for a new construction, it’s a good idea to work with a Realtor who is there to protect your interests. A Nesbitt Realty agent knows the entire area, not just one development. If you have your own Realtor you can trust that you’ll understand the pitfalls and benefits of buying new. Best of all it doesn’t cost you one dime more than if you use the onsite staff. You have a right to representation: exercise that right today!
Properties in Jamieson
[$415,000 - 2050 Jamieson Ave #1311, Alexandria, VA 22314] SOLD!
[$432,500 - 2050 Jamieson Ave #1207, Alexandria, VA 22314] SOLD!
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Budget
How much you can afford is very important to consider when buying a new home. As a rule of thumb, some experts suggest paying 25% of your salary towards your mortgage. Fortunately, for people living in Northern Virginia, there are several job centers like the Mark Center, Inova Hospitals, USPTO, NOVA Community College, Fort Belvoir and Reston Town Center in the area which offer high paying salaries.
Size
Would you like to have roommates? Do you have a wife and plan to start a family? These are questions to consider before taking the step towards home ownership. Depending on your circumstances you might prefer a 2 bedroom condo in Courthouse, instead of a 1,000,000 home in Mount Vernon.
Location and Atmosphere
Northern Virginia has a vast array of neighborhoods. For example, Arlington has a bustling metropolitan scene that is just a few metro stops away from DC. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is Woodbridge, which is a quieter small town type of area, which attracts commuters. Alexandria is a nice middle ground in between the two aforementioned neighborhoods. Alexandria has plenty of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping in a variety of neighborhoods like Old Town, West End, and Fairfax County.
Type
Condo? Townhome? Single family home? Each of these homes has their own advantages and disadvantages. Condos are nice because some include amenities, like a pool, fitness center, or dry cleaner, all conveniently located in the condo community. Some may prefer a home, because there aren’t any condominium fees.
Commitment
A mortgage is a long term commitment. It is important to factor in job security when preparing to purchase a home. For those who end up having to leave the area, whether it is temporary or permanent, there is the option of hiring a property manager so that you can rent out your home and collect rent on it while you’re gone.
Credit Score
To be considered a serious buyer, the first step to buying a home is to get pre approved. Getting pre approved can speed up the home buying process. One way to improve your credit score is to always pay your bills on time. Another way to build your credit is to open a credit card and use it monthly and pay it on time.
Recent Listings
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.You’ve been prequalified … what now?
I met with a first-time buyer over the weekend. She was prequalified by her lender. Prequalifying helped frame her choices. It’s a waste of time and energy to look at homes that are outside of the budget, so prequalification is the first step for any home buyer. Here are the steps that we’ll be taking on the road to home ownership.
- Tour properties — We took a top level tour of some of the properties that are in her
budget. This gives the client something concrete and real to think about so that she can decide whether this home ownership thing is for her or not. In addition to the units we saw, I can think of a number of places that would also fall within this client’s budget and still offer a very reasonable commute to Ft. Belvoir. But I wanted to get her impressions of these places before going on a bit deeper. - Revisiting — We’ll revisit those communities that hold the greatest interest and look at everything available in those communities. (So far we just did a top level search.)
- A few more choices — If none of these really feel right, we’ll find a few more to consider and continue with the search.
- Make an offer — When we’ve found the property that stirs the soul, fits the budget and feels right, I’ll write up an offer. At that time I’ll collect “earnest money”.
- The earnest money is evidence that the seller is serious about the purchase and is held in escrow until the sale is completed. We’ll submit a preapproval letter, a copy of the earnest money deposit and the signed offer for the seller to consider.
- Negotiations — Sometimes there is a difference between the asking price and the selling price. The selling price is determined by negotiation. We’ll pass drafts of the contract back and forth until the buyer and seller have agreed on all terms.
- Loan processing — Julie at Condominium Mortgage will then collect documentation from the client. This documentation will serve the purpose of proving the representations made in the loan application process. The buyer will produce pay stubs, bank statements etc. Julie will also order an appraisal as required by all lenders.
- Settlement — Settlement is the word used to describe the actual transfer of ownership. We’ll settle on the property in a timely fashion on an agreed upon date. Settlement will occur at a title company’s office and a settlement agent will ensure that funds are present as is marketable title.
- Ownership — Here’s where the fun begins … as does the responsibility of home ownership.
Properties in Fort Hunt
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.
First impressions are huge! Staging Tips
Maximize your condo’s appeal by putting your home in order. Your property should be ready for the market before you begin showing it. If necessary and possible, put some of your items in storage.
It’s important to be flexible about showings. Home selling is often disruptive to daily life and it’s no different with a condominium. Of course, it’s a lot of work to have your house ready to show on the spur of the moment. But prospects that can’t see your house won’t buy your house. The more often your home is shown the greater your chances of selling the property.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.Properties in Fairfax
See more in Fairfax
Selling Your Condo: Helpful Tips
When you begin thinking about selling your condo, it is a good idea to begin by enlisting the help of a licensed Realtor. Unless you are otherwise experienced in the business of buying and selling condominiums, hiring the help of a qualified professional will enable you to reach a large market of potential buyers, and a good agent will work overtime to help you sell your home. In addition, hiring a Realtor will help ensure that all of the paperwork pertinent to the transaction is executed properly. Once you decide to sell your condo, begin by following the helpful tips listed below to prepare you for the process of selling your condo and enable your Realtor to do their job most effectively.
- Begin by making a list that summarizes all of the information regarding your specific condo unit as well as the building and area it is located in. This list should emphasize all of the features that your condo has to offer. What makes your condo unique compared to others in the nearby area? What elements of the condo have you found to be most convenient and important to you? What are the amenities that your condominium building offers to residents who live there? For example, location is a major selling factor. If the unit is located near mass transit or other commuter-friendly areas, you should use that as a selling feature. This list should include everything that the specific condo unit and the condominium building feature. Finally, be sure to include any other information that you believe is relevant or applicable to the property. Once your list is completed, give it to your Realtor. This list will aid both you and your Realtor in advertising, marketing, and ultimately selling the property.
For condo buying or condo selling in Northern VA call Nesbitt Realty
- Next, head out and go to see the competition firsthand or, at the very least, do some internet research to locate other condos for sale in your neighborhood. It is important to know the general price point that other people are asking. In today’s market, it is critical that you price your condo competitively if you want it to sell. Becoming knowledgeable about the market you are selling in is crucial. Ask your Realtor what they know about the area surrounding you condo and be sure to keep the lines of communication open if you discover any new or interesting information.
- Let your neighbors know you want to sell your condo. Many times, your neighbors may have friends, family or co-workers who could be potential buyers. You can then post flyers or create postcards to place in the lobby of your building to let neighbors and others in your community know that your condo is for sale. Never underestimate that word of mouth is often an incredibly effective marketing tool particularly because people often like to live in a building where they know someone.
Finally, remember that selling your condo is more than selling a piece of real estate. Selling your condo is about selling a place to live that supports a particular lifestyle. Therefore, you want to target those that would be most interested in owning property. Through the process of maintaining effective lists that highlight the features of the property, understanding the nearby and local market, and informing neighbors of your desire to sell, you and our Realtor can both knowledgeably and efficiently sell your condo even in a buyer friendly market.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.Properties in Rose Hill
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Selling Your Home or Condo in Northern Virgina using the Internet
According to National Association of Realtors’ 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, now over 80% of people use the Internet as a primary tool in their search for a new home. Sites like NesbittRealty.com are used by more and more people every day. Some claim that, “Internet condo buyers devote more time to research before working with a real estate agent. But after that, they move quickly, spending just two weeks looking for a new condo, new home, pre-construction condo, townhome, or loft with an agent.”
Although some of our clients know exactly what they want and view only a few homes or condos, many of our clients relentlessly research and analyze neighborhoods and homes before taking time to tour properties listed for sale. We find that our site and our Guide have complemented–not diminished–the role played by our real estate agents and realtors. Most Internet condo, townhome, loft, or single family home buyers use an agent in the home buying process.
Our site provides a convenient method to do research about Northern Virginia home listings. NesbittRealty.com provides resources for home buyers and investors looking for new real estate opportunities. If you’re reading this now then you have a clue just how big our Internet presence is. Contact us to sell your home on Condos and Homes today!
Nesbitt Realty appreciates every client and we’d love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to get a free assessment of your property’s value. Nesbitt Realty has received numerous awards and recognitions for client satisfaction because we get results that make our clients happy.
We’d love the opportunity to show you about why our clients rave about our service.
3 Reasons to Sell Now
Selling a property in this tough market can seem like a challenge. Here are rhee factors that actually make this a good time to post a For-Sale sign.
- Sell low and buy low. Because all property values are down, the loss on the property a home owner sells is really only a paper loss because the next property he buys also will be a bargain. If he buys smartly, when prices come back up in a few years, he’ll be in better shape.
- Good help is available. Really talented real estate practitioners, contractors, and designers are available and eager for business.
- The best time to sell is when you need to sell. The worst time to sell is when you’re trying to guess a market.
Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell, or that you won’t get the price you want? Here are 4 tips to get you started:
1. De-clutter. This is one of the most important things you can do. It might be easier to think of de-cluttering like this – you’re moving anyway, so why not start packing now?
Pack up everything you don’t need and store the boxes out of sight in the garage (or consider temporarily renting a small storage locker).
2. Organize your closets – put similar colors together, pants together, skirts together, shirts together etc. Why? Because it will make the closets look bigger. (Really.) An organized closet appears bigger, and you want your closets to look as spacious as possible.
3. Make your home look like a model. You want to de-personalize as much as possible so potential buyers can imagine themselves and their own belongings occupying the space in your house. That means minimizing – putting away everything you don’t need or use. Clear off kitchen counters as much as possible – stash all those appliances you don’t use, and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes.
4. Call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300. We can give you objective tips on what you can do to move your property. We even have options for professionally staging your home if you’re interested. [learn more]
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
What is a real estate agent?
One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples’ lives is the purchase or sale of real estate, be it a house, condo, townhouse or some other investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate.
Nesbitt Realty brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in Northern Virginia communities. Our brokers and agents know which neighborhoods will best fit our clients’ needs and budgets. Nesbitt Realty real estate agents are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients.
- A license to practice real estate is required in every State and the District of Columbia.
- Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers face competition from well-established, more experienced agents and brokers.
- Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates; during periods of declining economic activity and rising interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers fall.
You don’t need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who understand real estate. Paraphrasing Henry Ford, when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. A real estate broker or agent acts as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of real estate (or real property as it is known elsewhere) and attempts to find sellers who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy real estate.
When buying real estate, you may have several choices as to how you want a real estate firm and its agents to work with you. For example, you may want them to represent only you (as a buyer’s agent). You may be willing for them to represent both you and the seller at the same time (as a dual agent). Or you may agree to let them represent only the seller (seller’s agent or subagent). Some agents will offer you a choice of these services. Others may not. 
If you are selling real estate, you may want to “list” your property for sale with a real estate firm. If so, you will sign a “listing agreement” authorizing the firm and its agents to represent you in your dealings with buyers as your seller’s agent. You may also be asked to allow agents from other firms to help find a buyer for your property.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.To Condo or Not to Condo?
Why choose to buy a condominium?
Condo life is a simplified way of living for those with active and busy lifestyles.
There are a lot of reasons that people prefer to live in condos than in houses. Some condos do cost less than a traditional single family house, while offering many of the amenities/facilities that a person may not be able to afford on his own. And there are single family houses that cost the same as a condo, but of course do not have the amenities that the same costing condo can offer.
A simple condo would offer its residents a pool, a gym and a party room, but a similar priced house would not have these benefits. Condo owners share the cost of maintenance. Exterior maintenance and even lawn care is handled by the condo association, while the expenses to provide that care is already a part every condo unit owner’s monthly fee. There are certain condos that include the utilities included in the condo fee and other condos that share the cost of water but pay their own utilities. Basically, a condo owner can just step out of his room and enjoy a dip in the pool or a good workout at the gym, while the latter would be on the roof cleaning out gutters or frowning down on his bills and writing checks for pay all his utilities.
Therefore the question still remains to be “To Condo or Not to Condo?”
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.
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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.
[read more about mid-rise condos]
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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.
[read more about high-rise condos]
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