February, 2009:
Ethics in Real Estate
“To the General Public:
“For some businesses, simply doing what is legal may be good enough; but I have bound myself to a higher standard because my vocation is central to the interests of the nation and its citizens. The practice of real estate helps provide housing, places of commerce, industries and farms while preserving a healthful environment. For this reason, the practice of real estate imposes a grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty upon myself and others who practice real estate agency and brokerage. With them, I share a common responsibility of integrity and honor.
“As your realtor I have dedicated myself to the high ideals of a code of ethics which compels my best adherance to competency, fairness, and high integrity. No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure from that dedication. The National Association of REALTORS has described that code of ethics at Realtor.org.
“Documents therein and elsewhere specify duties and best practices of real estate brokerage and agency. These rules describe the requirements of disclosure of agency, financial arrangements, following the law of the land, marketing practices, negotiation methods, how clients are charged for services, how offers are presented, confidentiality, and more.
“You could read that entire document, but the spirit of those ideals can be summed up fairly easily.
- The Golden Rule: ‘Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them.‘
- Primum non nocere — A latin phrase meaning ‘first do no harm’.
- Strive for excellence — By meeting on-going educational requirements, I continually hone my competency.”
Sincerely,
Will Nesbitt
Fort Hunt Overview
The Neighborhoods of Fort Hunt Road
The nieghborhoods surrounding Fort Hunt Road are generally low-crime, high-income and well-maintained. Despite these commonalities, there are many differences between these neighborhoods depending upon the geology, location and builders in that neighborhood. This information is provided to give one an idea of the many choices offered along Fort Hunt Road, as well as give you an idea of what sort of activities are available here.
Neighborhoods
- Belle Haven — Belle Haven is one of the Northern Virginia’s most prestigious neighborhoods because of it’s proximity to services, high quality of construction and commanding position near Fort Willard.
- New Alexandria — Between the Belle Haven Country Club, Belle Haven Marina and Mount Vernon Rec Center, you’ll find New Alexandria. This one little neighborhood includes garden apartments, cottages, houses, townhouses and luxury homes.
- River Towers — River Towers is a one of a kind place near the marina, the Metro and shopping, but surrounded by 26 acres of park lands.
- Bucknell — “Bucknell” includes both Bucknell Manor and Bucknell Heights, and is a neighborhood of Cape Cods, duplex townhouses situated on the uplands behind Fort Hunt Rd. Some of the most affordable homes along Fort Hunt Road are found in Bucknell.
- Villamay — Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Forest are situated half-way down Fort Hunt Road along the Potomac. The homes here are general upscale, but lacking pretension.
- Mason Hill — Mason Hill was one of the last subdivisions to be developed along Fort Hunt Road and as such its homes are generally newer than most neighborhoods in the area.
- Hollin Hills — Hollin Hills is yesterday’s vision of tomorrow. This is one of Northern Virginia’s most remarkable neighborhoods because of its unique setting and architecture.
- Hollindale — Sometimes called Hollin Hall because if its proximity to the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Hollindale is mostly traditional single family homes on rolling wooded lots.
- Waynewood — Americana at its best. Tree-lined streets, churches and schools frame a community where families are welcome.
- Arcturus — Estate homes, manors and luxury houses are most common along the Potomac in Collingwood and around Arcturus. There are a few more modest homes as well in Wellington and Collingwood.
- Stratford — The last stop on Fort Hunt Road neighbors Mount Vernon. Large river homes with excellent views are found here.
- Area Shopping — The area is well served by a wide range of shops and services.
Contingencies in Real Estate Sales Contracts
Real estate contracts often have contingencies. A contingency is a clause in a contract that gives either the buyer or seller a way to get out of the contract if certain conditions or timelines aren’t met. A contract could be contingent on anything a buyer and seller agree to, but there are a few very common contingencies. Typical contingencies are:
- financing
- sale of home
- home inspection
- appraisal
Generally, a contingency only last for a period of time and the contingency expires. After a contingency expires, either the contract expires or the contingency expires depending upon the terms of the sales agreement.
For example, Mary needs to needs to sell her present home before being able to get financing on a new condo she wants to buy. So Mary makes her offer contingent upon the sale of her existing home. If Mary is able to sell her home sold within that time period specified by the contingency, she can go forward with her purchase of the new condo. But if she fails to sell within the specified time period, the condo seller has the option of getting out of the deal.
Whenever possible, seller’s prefer offers that don’t have contingencies. This is becuase sellers usually believe that they can find another buyer capable making a purchase without contingencies. However, in today’s market, sellers are more willing to accept contingencies than they have been in years. So contingencies, like appraisal and home inspection, are quite common and meet with little resistance from sellers.
The exact terms of a contingency, like everything else in a real estate contract, are negotiable. As your agent I can help guide you to make sure your contract has the right contingencies.
The Listing Agreement
The first step to selling your home or condo
The listing agreement is an agreement or “contract” between a property owner and a licensed real estate professional. The listing agreement authorizes an agent to act on the behalf of the property owner for the purpose of selling the subject property. In other words, the listing agreement describes the powers and limits of your real estate agent when your sell your home. Listing agreements can be negotiated to include any number of terms specific to your relationship and property, but all valid listing agreements will always include the following elements:
Writing
In the Commonwealth of Virginia verbal real estate contracts are valid but not enforceable. What does that mean? Well in short-hand it means that all real estate contracts must be in writing.
Employment
The listing agreement is actually an employment contract for personal services offered by the broker to a property seller. This contract describes the terms and conditions of employing the broker. Often the broker will assign an agent to a specific property, but the listing contract is not between the agent and the seller. The listing agreement is an agreement with the broker employing the agent and the property owner. The listing agreement grants the broker and his agent the power to represent you in marketing and selling your home.
Entry
Compensation
For any contract to be valid, there has to be compensation. A listing agreement is no different. The listing agreement specifies the amount paid to the broker and establishes the timing of the payment to the broker. Most listing agreements charge a percentage of the sales price and this amount is paid at closing when the home sells.
In addition, the listing agreement will also describe instances where the seller might have to pay the broker even though the property has not sold. A rare example of this can happen when a broker finds a qualified buyer who is ready and willing to pay the asking price with the terms the seller wants, but the seller refuses to go through with the sale.
Title
The listing agreement requires the seller to make representations with regard to who owns title to the property. Obviously, only the owner of a property can sell a property, but the portion of the agreement also ensures against the possibility that there are additional owners of the property. All owners of the property must agree to the listing agreement.
Term
The seller authorizes the broker to act on his behalf for only for a specified period of time, or “term”. The term is often 180 days and is only rarely less than 60 days. A listing agreement is a legally binding contract, so the property owner should never agree to a listing that doesn’t specify a termination date. In the event that the listing terminates before the property sells, it is a simple matter to sign a new listing agreement with a new termination date.
Colecroft is at the Braddock Rd. Metro Station
Fine Print
There are of course other components to the listing agreement. Most of these are time-tested boiler-plate phrasings that are designed to reduce or eliminate the chance for confusion and prevent litigation. But the listing agreement is a legal document, so property sellers should read and understand the terms before signing. Your agent or broker can help explain the agreement to you, but if you require legal counsel consult an attorney. Lawyers, not real estate professionals, provide legal assistance.
.JPG "Will Nesbitt at the canal")
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC.
Five Steps to Buying a Condo
Step 1: Defining What You Want 
Start by creating a prioritized list of features you want in your home and the reasons why. Use it as your search guide, but remember that depending on your budget and funding, you will probably need to make some compromises.
Your Condo Alexandria real estate professional can you information about communities which fit your criteria. Of course, location is a huge part of any move. If you’re new to the area, keep in mind the distance travelled during your commute is not so important as the time travelled. Traffic patterns favor some neighborhoods while some areas regularly suffer with gridlock. You Condo Alexandria real estate professional can tell you about area amenities, culture and shopping.
Step 2: Figuring Out What You Can Afford
Now that you have an idea what you’d like, it’s time to see how that marries up to what you can afford. Most people do this with the assistance of a mortgage professional. If you are considering a condo, make sure that you deal with an experienced lender such as Condominium Mortgage who understands the unique challenges of lending in condominium communities. Often the preapproval process takes less than an hour, and can be handled over the phone.
Your mortgage professional can tell you how much condo you can afford and what your monthly payments would be. Additionally, a pre-approval letter demonstrates to the seller that you can afford to buy their home. When the seller knows you can move quickly, this often gives you more negotiating power. By definition, a pre-approved buyer has an approved mortgage subject to an appraisal of the property.
Condominiums mean condo associations and condo fees. When figuring your monthly budget you Condominium Mortgage professional can take into account any condo fees you might be expect to pay. Often the cost of condo fees are a bargain compared to the cost of utilities, time and maintaince expense that other home owners pay. It’s important to put this fee into perspective when considering a condominium or PUD purchase.
To receive free loan pre-approval from Condominium Mortgage call toll free 1-703 765 0300 seven days a week.
Step 3: Shopping For Homes
Once you know what community you’d like to live in and have an idea of how much condominium you can afford, it’s time to start checking out some actual communities. You can beginning this search online and save time since it can help you target homes that meet your search criteria. You can view virtually every property listed by all real estate companies in the area on this web site. It’s one way Condo Alexandria makes home shopping easier for you. We will even notify you by email when properties come on the market that meet your search criteria.
Next, begin visiting homes in person. Ask your Condo Alexandria real estate professional to arrange home showings that are in your target area and price range. If you are not currently working with one of our agents contact Condo Alexandria Customer Service at 1 703 765 0300 . We will arrange to have a knowledgeable agent assist you.
Step 4: Making An Offer
Once you find the home you want, you need to complete a purchase agreement for the condominium. Typically this is a very difficult and trying time since both buyers and sellers have totally different goals. In most cases it is better to have a third party, such as a Condo Alexandria real estate professional, negotiate the offer.
If you have any personal interaction with the homeowner, don’t give out any information about your move, your current housing status, financial status or your feelings about their property – positive or negative. This could hurt you in future negotiations.
Step 5: Closing
In most cases you will also have the option of a “walk through” within 3 days of the closing. This is your chance to make sure that all of the items that you and the seller have agreed upon meet your satisfaction.
Before you arrive at the closing, make sure all the necessary paper work and deposits have been completed. If the mortgage, title work, homeowners insurance and other items necessary are not completed and brought to the closing table, the closing may not happen on time. Once you close, it’s official – you own the condo.
Mah Jongg Madness with the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group
This group’s goal is to have fun and make friends through gaming get-togethers, social activities and local excursions.
We like games because they are great way to make friends and
have fun. We play a wide variety of games including social games,
RPG’s, strategy games, euro-games, card games or anything else our
members enjoy.
Here’s your opportunity to learn or play Mah Jongg!
Mah Jongg Madness
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 6:30PM
Mah Jongg (or “Maajh”, as it is usually called) is a fascinating
rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards. The game originated in China, dating back to the time of Confucius. It was originally played solely by the ruling classes; the Mandarins refused
to permit other inhabitants of the country to enjoy the pleasure of
this aristocratic pastime. The introduction of Ma Cheuck, the game of
the Sparrows, to all classes was met with instant popularity. To this day, Mah Jongg remains the most popular game in the Orient. Interestingly, the rules in North China differ from those in South China. There are several versions of Maajh, but each fall under two broad categories: American Mah Jongg and Chinese Mah Jongg.
American Maajh differs from International Maajh in several ways. See the full event details, including location, at http://www.meetup.com/Alexandrians/calendar/9820681/.
Check out what members are saying about Alexandria Fun with Friends – games, excursions & activities:
“We have a friendly group that welcomes newcomers. We have excellent games.” – Anonymous Member
“This is a great group of people if you want to have fun and laugh.” – Anonymous Member
“They mix up the events and the venues. You’re bound to find something somewhere that tickles your fancy!” – Anonymous Member
“No prior gaming knowledge needed. Very good game master. Fun and interesting group. Suggest people get there on time.” – Anonymous Member
“If you want to spend some hours away from worries…join the group! You’ll have fun and meet nice people.” – Anonymous Member
The Lyceum
Lyceum museum and arts center
The city of Alexandria in Virginia has a rich history that spans over a century and is home to The Lyceum. The Lyceum was built in 1839 and was founded by a group of gentlemen who formed with the Alexandria Library Company. Over the years the Lyceum has served many purposes.
Before the Civil War, the Lyceum was a cultural center in Alexandria but this was ended when the war came to the city. During the Civil War, the Lyceum was a hospital by the Union Army. It has been an office building, a private home, and was the nation’s first Bicentennial Center. In 1985 The Lyceum became Alexandria’s Historical Museum.
Now The Lyceum can be rented for many purposes such as concerts, lectures, school programs, volunteer functions that the whole community can participate in, and also weddings.
The outside of the building is in the Greek style form of architecture which gives The Lyceum a distinct look. For tourists who plan to visit The Lyceum there are many historical memorabilia items which include the Civil War, documents, antique silver, photographs, furniture, and 19th century stoneware. The Lyceum was intended to be the cultural center of Alexandria and now it has returned to its former prominence.
The Lyceum is a very charming place and anyone who would like to visit will not be disappointed. The Lyceum is at the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is a charming and wonderful place to live.
George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria
Many think the George Washington Masonic Memorial is one of the most important memorials we have in the United States of America. Locals call the monument the Masonic Temple or more rarely the Alexandria Lighthouse. The building is located near the King St. Metro.
George Washington was more then just the first president of the United States, he was a man who promoted righteous virtues, a willing nature to fight for his beliefs. As one of our founding fathers, George Washington built this country with his vision of what America should
strive to be.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a tribute to George Washington the man and the Mason. Thus, the building reflects the democratic principles of George Washington by referencing the architectural style of ancient Rome and Greece. The edifice appears as a lighthouse, mimicking the architecture of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. And high atop Shooter’s Hill it dominates the Alexandria Skyline. But inside the building are many interesting rooms and site.
George Washington National Masonic Memorial
There are nine different floors in the edifice, each offering something different to the public. The first floor is the Grand Masonic Hall which can be used for lectures and meetings. The entire tower is supported by 8 granite Doric columns.
Also located on the first floor is the Shrine Exhibit. The Shriners of North America is an international fraternity which supports the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Shriners core beliefs are brotherly love, truth, relief, and fun. With over 375,000 members world wide, the Shriners have made a tremendous positive impact in children’s lives for many years. The Shrine exhibit dates back to 1876 and depicts
Presidents of the Shrine fraternity, 191 Shrine Temples, and one wall in the room symbolizes the pilgrimage to Mecca and the Shriners striving for perfection.
The “Shriners Hospital for Children” Room commemorates the work of Shriners every where in support of the Shriner Hospital for Children. In this room, there is a large white statue of a Shriner holding a little girl in the left arm and holding her crutches in the right hand. This room also houses an animated model of the Shriner parade.
The Independent Square Room, also on the first floor, contains a replica of Independence Square which is located at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital.
The building’s first floor is home to the George Washington Memorial Theater. This grand theater provides a wonderful setting for cultural events and still includes and original painting of George Washington painted by Hattie Elizabeth Burdette over looking the center of the stage.
Among other things, the second floor is home to the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 and home of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120. (I’ve actually visited both of these lodges as I am a member of the nearby Pride of Fairfax No. 298.) The Replica Lodge Room is a replica in every detail from 1802, paintings, furniture, and so on. There is also Washington’s bedchamber
clock which is set at the time 10:20pm, Dec. 14th, 1799, the precise time of his death.
On the second floor, the Memorial Hall features a large bronze statue of Washington, a mural on the north wall shows George Washington and his troops at Christ Church in Philadelphia. On the south wall is another mural dating to September 18th 1793, laying the cornerstone of
the United States Capitol.
The third floor has the Grotto Exhibit—a social organization of Master Masons. The initials M.O.V.P.E.R. (The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm) are displayed over a single chair.
The fourth floor has the George Washington Museum which displays, paintings, relics, prints, and historical documents. Another impressive statue of Washington towers in the museum.
The fifth floor takes us to the Royal Arch Exhibit which includes a painting by Allyn Cox of ruins of Kings Solomon’s Temple. Also, a reproduction of the Ark of the Covenant.
The higher the floor, the smaller the floor, so the higher floors
contain less attractions. This is very noticeable on the highest
floors. On the sixth floor is the Memorial Library, available only by appointment. It contains over 20,000 volumes Masonic works.
The seventh floor which contains several murals depicting Masonic lessons based on the Old Testament. (A detail from one of these murals is shown here.) The eigth floor is home to the Knights Templar Chapel which allows people to reflect and pray.
The ninth floor has the Tall Cedars Exhibit. This includes a model of King Solomon’s throne and temple. This level overlooks the city of Old Town Alexandria in a spectacular fashion. The observation deck provides a 360 degree view of Alexandria.
View of Del Ray
The George Washington Masonic Memorial provides the public with a rich history of George Washington, and gives a window to view his life through. Anyone who ever plans to visit Alexandria must see this interesting memorial.
The Carlyle District and homes in Old Town enjoy spectacular views of the Memorial as do some of the residences at Jefferson Manor, the Midtowns, Hunting Creek Club, the Huntington Club and Montebello. For help finding a home in this area at any price, contact Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria.
Homes for Sale in Alexandria VA
Showing properties
1 - 5 of 500+.
See more Alexandria .
(all data current as of
5/27/2012)
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$229,900 : 3307 Wyndham Cl #4166, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
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$445,000 : 4906 John Ticer Dr, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$774,900 : 1409 Russell Rd, Alexandria4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$469,888 : 4324 Jackson Pl, Alexandria5 beds, 3 full baths
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$399,900 : 413 Cameron Station Blvd #53, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
James M. Duncan Library
James M. Duncan (1897-1967), was born in Alexandria. He was a long term serving Alexandria City Councilman and member of the Library Board. After his death in 1967 it was proposed that the Del Ray branch be
named in Duncan’s honor. The James M. Duncan Library continues to serve the Del Ray community of Alexandria. Newly renovations have expanded the library to 5,000 square feet, naturally adult reading area, and new childrens’ reading section.
The James M. Duncan Library was the first building in Alexandria with a “green”, or ecologically friendly, roof. It acts as an insulator by reducing the indoor temperature during the summer season. Also by using vegetation and soil it reduces rain water to sewer run off and naturally filters the water.
Every summer James M. Duncan branch offers children fun, exciting, and educational programs with a variety of functions. The SummerQuest programs is for ages 6-12. SummerQuest Junior is for ages infants to
five years old.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Closed Sundays
James M. Duncan Branch Library
2501 Commonwealth Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 838-4566
Del Ray and Rosemont are a wonderful communities and there are many choices here. Please contact Will Nesbitt at 703 765 0300 if you are
