December 2nd, 2009:
The Young Professionals Survival Guide to Condo Ownership and Growing-Up
Although there are numerous benefits to owning a condo which include the lifestyle that such ownership entails; individuals living as single, young professionals who are just starting out, are arguably the most notable beneficiaries. The economic benefits that condo ownership provides for this particular demographic are two-fold. First, owning a condo is certainly less expensive than owning residential property insofar as the material upkeep and residual costs that homeownership necessitates. Second, most contemporary condo buildings offer a host of wide-ranging amenities that would command a considerable cost to an individual homeowner but which can be enjoyed instead at a significantly reduced rate to condo-owners who share jointly in the overall expense. These otherwise high-priced features and amenities usually include guarded and/or private, enclosed parking; 24-hour security and front desk staff; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; clubhouses; gated recreational facilities; etc., etc. (the list goes on and on!!). To that extent, condo ownership is therefore an ideal middle ground for the single, young professional who may very well aspire towards homeownership someday but who still remains a far cry away from white picket fences, two-car garages and 2.5 children.
In addition to the economically sound benefits that condo ownership provides, there are other elemental and lifestyle benefits that are associated with condominium ownership as well. Today, there are as many types of condominiums out there as there are types of people. Plainly put, the condominium marketplace has progressed with such rapidity that the variety and availability of choice in condo options is as original and unique as individual homes. Thusly, each type can satisfy the different needs of different individuals and therefore enhance and accommodate every kind of lifestyle. For example, there are distinctions between what are popularly thought of as ‘condominium apartments’ versus those that are known as ‘condominium townhouses’, which might have small differences from one another save for their structure regulations. There are also condominiums known as freeholds whereby a condo owner owns the plot of land as well as any structure on the land such as a house or townhouse.
Finally, for single or young professionals who are still growing into their grownup-ness, condo ownership signifies an increase in responsibility and a commitment to ownership. To be clear, condo living isn’t like renting a single dwelling home or apartment and this is due to the dual nature that comes with owning any condo unit. Condominium owners hold ownership over their respective units but, additionally, each owner is also responsible for the operating costs and maintenance of the all of the shared elements on the property such as lobbies, passageways, and elevators. Here, owning a condo is effectively choosing to live within a community of other condo unit owners and thus, your neighbors. Each condominium complex is a unique community and each owner accepts the rules and regulations that are equally unique to condo living.
In a condominium complex, you also become part of a distinctive community where you as an individual become an integral part in the community as a whole; and this includes being an essential part of the decision making process. However, the advantages that come with shared communal facilities like the pool, clubhouse, and state-of-the-art gym are collectively a strong incentive to watch your neighbors’ back.
In summation, owning a condo can provide both economically sensible and personally enjoyable benefits to any owner looking to buy but especially for individuals who are single, working and fairly young professionals who are new to the game but ready for more. In addition, because of the multiplicity and vast assortment of condominium units and styles that are available, condo ownership includes something for everyone. Lastly, although buying a condo certainly signifies a new level of maturation and grownup responsibility; the advantages to living in a shared community and to be able to engage as an honest and responsible neighbor will hopefully serve you both by keeping your pocketbook and your sense of self a little more full.
Idylwood Towers Condos in Falls Church, Virginia
The Idylwood Towers Condominiums include two high-rise buildings with a sum total of 484 residential condo units and include 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom floor plans. The Idylwood Towers are located at 2300 and 2311 Pimmit Drive in Falls Church, Virginia, and are accessible by Metro via the Orange Line to the East Falls Church Metro Station.
The twenty-two acre complex includes ample parking as well as the buildings’ unusually large natural grounds with extensive lawns, mature trees and landscaping. The Idylwood Towers also hosts an attractive set of amenities which serve to highlight the natural landscape and acreage. Such features include a large swimming pool, fitness centers in each building with professional quality equipment for aerobic and strength exercises, tennis courts, a basketball court, cookout areas, a children’s playground, pool rooms, and rooms for community activities or private parties.
Although the Towers were completed in 1974, the exterior of the building has undergone at least one facial renovation since that time. In fact, what is actually particularly appealing about the Idylwood Towers is the buildings’ age insofar as solidity and structure. The units and building itself are concrete and brick structures that provide excellent sound insulation and fire resistance, both of which honestly pay homage to today’s all too common commiserate story “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to”. Here, the facade and age of the buildings are endearing and the community is certainly whole. No flashy stuff, just a great place to call home.
Colecroft Station Market Update
If you’d like to learn more about Colecroft Station click here?
Check what’s available now.
Here’s a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.
| Unit Type | For Sale | Rental |
| One Bedroom | 255,000 | No Information |
| Two Bedroom | 320,000-340,000 | 1525-2700 |
Built in 1987 Colecroft Station is located at 505 Braddock Rd. E in Alexandria, VA near I-495/I-95, Route 1, GW Parkway, and 1 block from the Braddock Metro Station. Colecroft Station is a 15 minute commute to D.C.
Amenities include:
- Party Room
- Gym
- Controlled Access
- Garage Parking
- Storage Unit
- Balconies
- In Unit Washer/Dryer
- Electric Heat
- Central A/C
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About the Author — Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo Alexandria. To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.
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The Odyssey Condominiums of Arlington
Yet another one of Arlington‘s premier and ultra-luxurious condo properties featuring generous amenities and the epitome in location, the Odyssey Condominium is located at 2001 North 15th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Developed by Monument Realty and Lehman Brothers, the Odyssey Condominium features units ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans. The condominium is set in the heart of Arlington, within two blocks of the Courthouse Metro Station, as well as an outstanding proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and theaters. The architecture is stark but striking, with a high-end and polished look, and includes on-site amenities and services both. The prime location to both entertainment and the Courthouse Metro community combine to make the Odyssey one of the most attractive condo developments in Northern Virginia.
Condos of the Odyssey
The Odyssey is a 274-unit property which also features a limited series of Platinum Penthouse Suites that offer expansive floor plans, premium finishes and appliances, and exceptional views of the Potomac River. Building amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, resident club room, landscaped plaza, underground parking, and 6,586 square feet of street-level retail.
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The Jolly Green Condo?
We can all agree that there are two things we all want: a little more money and a little better environment. With that in mind many communities, especially condominium complexes, are working harder than ever to— literally— make money grow on trees.
Better than a hybrid …
A mass study of recent recycling and enviro-friendly residential communities found that people who move into compact areas have a lower carbon footprint than folks living in outlying areas. The study refers to metropolitan residents as “green living” because folks who walk to the metro, to shops and to work have a much reduced impact on the environment. Common sense tells us that condo residents in compact areas will use less fossil fuels than outliers who buy even the most efficient hybrid vehicles.
Market research and personal experience indicates that the majority of future housing demand will be found in houses, townhouses and condos where jobs and activities are close by. People need and want homes where public transportation is easily accessible. Simply by living in highly compact neighborhoods such as Rosslyn, Courthouse, and Clarendon residents contribute greatly to the cause of protecting our natural environment through reduced fossil fuel emissions. That’s right, even in extremely urban areas such as metropolitan Northern Virginia, you can do your part to keep our environment clean and green.
Recycle!
In Arlington, Virginia local ordinances require condominium properties and business to recycle. The goals of the Arlington County are basic but important and their aim is to:
- Make it easy in Arlington to recycle at home, work and play.
- Reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Exceed Virginia’s mandatory recycling rate.
Outside of Arlington, it’s rare to find condominium communities in Northern Virginia that don’t offer recycle bins. The economic benefits of recycling programs within a condominium community can really help our environment and our bottom line. Recycling:
- Keeps condo fees down;
- Reduces trash disposal;
- Rebates some trash fees to those who haul the recycled material;
- Reduces manufacturing costs;
- Fuels the U.S. economy — both jobs and sales are created by recycling.
Want to help our environment? Get involved.
So for all you concerned condo owners who would like to get involved and make a difference in your community, here some basic information for residents of condos regarding what you can do right now:
- Get involved and begin by telling others who live in your condo or any multi-family property how easy it is to set up recycling systems for newspapers, glass bottles and jars, and metal food and beverage containers. Knowledge is power!
- When preparing materials for recycling, residents should follow property manager instructions or use a guide such as the one available on the Arlington county website.
- Establish and maintain a recycling program for residents to recycle and reuse all required recyclable materials. Here, the recycling collection system must be separate from trash/ refuse collection. Properties are encouraged to include additional recyclable materials such as plastic bottles and jugs, magazines, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard.
By demonstrating environmental leadership you can publicly show your commitment to the environment by raising the recycling bar to your condo communities’ recyclable goods facility by adding mixed paper, cardboard, and yard waste to your recycling program. Your personal conviction to save to environment will increase community interest in recycling participation and because going green is the new black, you don’t even have to be a tree-hugging hippie to make both your social status and the planet a little cleaner.
If you’re looking for a green condo in Northern Virginia, some new developments like 900 N. Washington have a environmental conscience. Contact me for details.
