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Do you need a brand new kitchen?

Montebello kitchen
original kitchen at Montebello
One of the biggest questions every condo buyer and home buyer has to ask is, "How much work am I willing to take on?" Some folks want a turnkey residence. Some folks want a residence that has brand new modern appliances and cabinets. Some people want appliances and cabinets that have never been used. Some people don't mind an older kitchen. Some people like the feel of a kitchen that was put in long ago. Others like an older kitchen because they like the idea of ripping out the old and putting in the new. It can be very gratify---not to mention financially rewarding---to completely remake a residence.  As a homeowner, or condo owner, you are the ultimate authority. It is your domain to decide what will stay and what must go.  This can be a lot of fun.
kitchen
Brand new kitchen at the Eclipse
But, remodeling can be a lot of work.  Living through the dust and the inconvenience can be a hassle. If you don't know where to turn to, it can also be very expensive.  But no matter how you personally resolve the issue, it's important to consider before you actually start shopping.

I’m buying a townhouse in Alexandria, do I get to keep the appliances?

Alexandria Appliance question: A resident of Beauregard Station called to Washer & Dryerask me about what happens with the appliances that are not removable; that is, they are part of the plumbing, ventilation, or structure of the home transfer with the sale of your condo.  This would include central air, water heaters, dishwashers, and similar appliances.  Appliances that are removable, however,  such as refrigerators, window A/C units, microwaves, etc, belong to the seller, unless stipulated otherwise in your purchase agreement. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Can I have a washer and dryer in my condo unit?

Rules and regulations vary depending on whether you are in Belle View, Montebello, the Royalton, etc. Washer & Dryer These days, if the unit does not already have a washer and dryer, then these appliances are most likely in the building. If you choose to install a washer and dryer then you will be facing additional insurance requirements at the least. Often, condo covenants do not allow owners to install a washer/dryer if the community has one or more laundry rooms.  If you're buying, it's important to check your condo documents to make sure that this will be allowed. Always keep in mind that living in a condo is a balance.  Conveniences such as pools, gyms, in building stores and other amenities will balance with a need to protect your neighbors from, in this case, water damage. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Washer and Dryer in the Unit?

This week I was in a condo selling for over a million dollars.  It was a beautiful condominium home with excellent views, a state of the art kitchen and all the upgrades one might expect ... except the unit didn't have a washer and dryer. the Representative Because my office is in River Towers, and we also serve Belle View, I often confront the question of a washer and dryer in the unit. (Neither River Towers nor Belle View has laundry in the unit.) I've talked to the older residents of River Towers about this and surprisingly many of them resist the idea of putting laundry in the unit. They like their laundry-rooms right where they are---thank you very much. This might seem baffling to some of the younger generation, but laundry rooms have a number of distinct advantages:
  • community --- You get to know your neighbors in the laundry room. This creates a sense of community and you know who belongs in the secured areas and who is a stranger.
  • maintenance --- You don't have to worry about buying a new washer when the old one breaks down. More importantly you don't have to worry about your personal laundry flooding a neighbor's condo.
  • square footage --- Laundry takes up space. You have more space in your unit if you have a community laundry room
  • more washers --- Many folks like to wait and do an entire week of laundry at one time. If you have a laundry room you're not limited to one small washer. You have many washers available.
In a luxury community, most people don't do their own laundry anyway, so they don't care if the laundry is outside the unit. My tip to folks who are shopping for homes in Northern Virginia: don't box yourself in. If you won't consider a unit with a laundry room, you're walking past some of the best neighborhoods in Northern VA.