Adm. & Mrs. R~,

This is an update on your condo for sale at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria VA. I'm giving you this status report publicly. Don't worry, I'll never share privileged information in a public forum such as this---that's why I'm withholding your name above. But, my experience has shown that this publicly reporting this sort of information will increase your condo's Internet profile and will raise awareness among potential buyers.

Let me start by saying Richard Blaine completed the updates in the kitchen and bathrooms. I went by to inspect as soon as he was completed. The new appliances are installed. The new floor in the kitchen looks especially good. He also completed all the painting. After my inspection, I found some spots in the master bedroom that needed a second coat, and Richard had no problem with heading back for a correction.

He claimed it was a little dark for him to see in that bedroom (more on that later) and I told him to buy some shop lamps. He purchased the lighting he needed so that won't happen to him again and then finished up the work. If you'd like to take a look at the place, you can find a virtual tour online here.

After Richard was done, he cleaned the place, but it wasn't quite to a military standard---if you know what I mean. So, I contacted Nidea Cortez, a cleaning lady who has and continues to do excellent work for us. I put her crew to work in the place removing dust, washing baseboards, cleaning and shining. They charged me a couple hundred bucks and I'm glad to pay it. The condo now sparkles. I took most of the pictures you see in the virtual tour and a few more pictures for good measure.

Then, as fortune would have it, I had a family member pass away and on the way to the funeral I caught a mild case of food poisoning. (Never again McDonald's, no matter how much of a hurry I'm in.) It was a rough couple of days, but during that time, I put the listing in the MRIS. I contacted the Realtor who had heard rumors of our pending sale, and almost immediately her client and others started a flow of traffic. I feel that our marketing campaign and our price must be pretty close to right, because potential buyers are coming through the place.

But I received some feedback that the place "seemed dark". (Maybe this was why Richard missed a few spots in the master bedroom.)

As you know, I like this unit at the Torpedo Factory because it's so close to the Carlyle House and so close to King St. I like this condo because the patio will get a nice patch of shade in the oppressive summer months which will make that patio usable in Virginia's summer heat.

This condominium had never seemed dark to me, but I went by to re-inspect just as sunset was approaching. While I was there I realized that the condo has almost no overhead lighting. Most of it is designed to work from switched-plugs and lamps. I knew that someone was coming by to see the place the next morning, so I ran out an purchased a couple of standing lamps to place in the unit.

It took me a bit to assemble the lamps last night but I'm happy I did it then. While I was putting the second lamp together, a Realtor and client entered the property. I got the second lamp up and hustled out. I must mention that I really think the design of the lamps suits the condo.

BTW, while I was there I snapped the picture below to show others just how pretty the courtyard is at the Torpedo Factory after dark.

As you know, one my specialized areas of expertise is marketing real estate on the Internet. This post is one more drop in our tidal wave of Torpedo Factory information resources. Torpedo Factory dot com and Torpedo Factory dot info both prominently feature your condo. If a consumer uses Bing, Google or Yahoo to search for "Torpedo Factory condos" or "Alexandria condos" or any other of a number of searches, they will probably find your condo. I've also posted this listing at Postlets.com which plugs the listing into another tier of real-estate related Internet searches. One of the things you might notice at Postlets is that this condo scored a perfect 100 on its Walk Score. (Read more about Walk Score here.)

After assembling the lamps, I stopped on the way out to snap this night photo of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. I think it helps illustrate this condo's proximity to the waterfront.

In closing, I still can't promise with absolute certainty that this condominium at the Torpedo Factory will sell quickly.  This is still a tough market for sellers. But I can say with complete confidence, that we're going to get noticed by the types of people who will be interested in condos like the Torpedo Factory. I can guarantee we will have interested buyers touring our place online and in person. We know this is a great property in a great location. We feel the price reflects the discounts that have hit the entire market. And, at this time of this posting, we're also the most affordable unit for sale at the Torpedo Factory. 

Additionally, I expect that Ben Fornshell will host an open house next Sunday at the Torpedo Factory.

November and December are always slower sales months because of the holiday, but I think our outlook is bright. I will not be surprised if we end up with competing offers on this condo, and I'll keep you apprised of all offers. Enjoy your trip overseas and I hope the family is all doing well.  We look forward to your safe return.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Early Autumn is a great time to talk a walk around Old Town Alexandria VA. It's very pleasant because of the typically mild weather and leaves blazing with color. The picture above was taking from the front door of 115 N. Lee St. at the Torpedo Factory condos. The leaves have accumulated behind Alexandria's Carlyle House. Residents at the Torpedo Factory are particularly fortunate because of their proximity to King St. and the waterfront. (The Torpedo Factory scored a perfect 100 Walk Score.)

I like the mornings near the waterfront, before the tourists arrive.

One of the features of Old Town Alexandria are the cobblestone streets. There are only a few of them remaining. The fountains of Market Square are barely visible at the end of the alley.

Are you looking for two bedrooms in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Northern Virginia? This is your "heads-up".

We'll soon be offering a condominium for sale at the famed Torpedo Factory condos in Old Town Alexandria VA.

There are a few details we're going to take care of before formally offering the place for sale, but one of the highlights of the home has to be the patio and sunroom.

At the edge of the formal gardens in the courtyard of the Torpedo Factory condos, this home is just paces from all the many attractions and activities of Old Town. The restaurants, the waterfront and everything that is wonderful about Old Town Alexandria is at your doorstep when you live at the Torpedo Factory.

Call 703 765 0300 to inquire about the availability of this home which promises to be priced right and delivered in top condition.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located in Old Town Alexandria near the intersection of Union and King Streets just a few paces from the Potomac River. The Torpedo Factory Art Center features six galleries, over eighty artist studios, two work shops, and the Alexandria Archeology Museum. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located on three floors for your viewing pleasure and is one of the largest art center in the entire United States.

At the Art Center you'll find over one hundred-sixty artists producing original works. This art center is also a market of sorts, where one can buy unique high quality works from all types of mediums including paintings, print making, jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, sculpture, and photography.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center has six galleries:

1. Scope Gallery (ceramics);
   
2. The Art League Gallery;
   
3. The Target Gallery;
   
4. Enamelists Gallery;
   
5. Multiple Exposures Gallery (photographs); and
   
6. Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is also home to the Art League School. Classes are available for all ages (5 years old and up) but students must be at least eighteen to enroll in the adult programs.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is at the heart of Old Town Alexandria located in the midst of the Northern Virginia's most sought after real estate. Residences here have access to the Torpedo Factory Art Center and many shops and restaurants, as well as attractions such as the Lyceum. All this is connected via the King St. Trolley to the Washington Metro system. Across the street from the Torpedo Factory Art Center is the Torpedo Factory condominium complex---luxury condos around a central courtyard.

• Torpedo Factory --- for prices, a map and information about condos for sale now at the Torpedo Factory
• Torpedo Factory Condos --- for information about the Torpedo Factory condominium community

The Torpedo Factory is one of the most intriguing condominiums in Alexandria with a location just a block from the Potomac River and the King St.

The Torpedo Factory condominium complex is located at 115 N. Lee St. in Old Town Alexandria just 1 block from King St. and across the street from the Carlyle House. The Torpedo Factory offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominium homes centered around a well-kept courtyard.  The Torpedo Factory doesn't offer the standard condo amenities like a pool and fitness room. 

Instead, the neighborhood is the amenity here.  The Torpedo Factory is surrounded by restaurants, shops and tourist attractions.  It's only one block from the Potomac Waterfront and is across the street from the Torpedo Factory Art Center. If you're looking for a home in historic Old Town and you don't want the maintenance that townhouse will require, you'll definitely want to check out the Torpedo Factory.

Click the Torpedo Factory for the latest prices and for a map of the location.

The Torpedo Factory Condominiums are located between the Alexandria's Potomac waterfront and the historic and famed Carlyle House. Click the link if you're interested in prices and availabilities at the Torpedo Factory Condos.

The Torpedo Factory condos are very close to the Torpedo Factory Art Center and as such are found in one of the most desirable locations in Northern VA. The Torpedo Factory is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, the waterfront, King Street and the King St. Trolley.

The roof lines and architectural details of the Torpedo Factory are very appealing and as you can see the grounds are very well-kept. Following an Old Town tradition, the walkways in the Torpedo Factory condo community are not concrete, but rather are paved with bricks.

In the summer, annuals and crepe myrtles blossom around every corner. Ever wonder what's in those dormers at the Torpedo Factory?

Solitude from a busy world.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Is there a better place to spend a summer afternoon than Old Town Alexandria?

King Street is lined with brick sidewalks that offer entrance to many shops and restaurants. At benches or around cafe tables, tourists and locals enjoy the atmosphere of Old Town. It's a place where folks find tasty treats to tempt the pickiest palate. A mix of people---patrons and peddlers, pedalers and pedestrians---pass as others pause to partake in a simple sidewalk sandwich. Flags---French and American, Irish and otherwise---give clue as to the fare found in these happy haunts.

Less than 2 blocks from where this picture was taken, one can find food that is French, Irish, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Southern, Cajun, American, Colonial and more. Shops with collectibles, fine apparel and shoes, furnishings and touristy knick-knacks are all here. The King Street Trolley is free and an easy way to wander from the Potomac to the Metro and back again. Parking garages are found nearby under Market Square and elsewhere.

Why just visit Old Town when declining prices and a buyer's market mean that you can finally afford to live here? Here's a little info on a few nearby communities.

• 1600 Prince
• Alexandria House
• Braddock Rd. Metro
• Canal Place
• Carlyle District
• Chatham Square
• Colecroft
• the Duke at Old Town
• Ford's Landing
• Harborside
• Harbor Terrace
• King St. Metro
• Liberty Row
• Marina Towers
• Old Town Gateway
• Porto Vecchio
• Port Royal
• Potomac Greens
• Potowmack Crossing
• Prescott
• St. Asaph Square
• Tannery House
• Torpedo Factory Condos
• Washington Square

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is presenting several themed galleries through the month of March. Now is the time to get to Old Town before month's end!

Black White and a Little Bit of Color

Printmakers Inc. will have a special exhibit with examples of prints that use black and white and a little bit of color. This exhibit is open daily from 03/01/2009 to 04/30/2009.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Do you appreciate black and white photography? Prominent Montgomery County photographer Karen Keating explores the visual poetry of everyday life through compelling black and white images. Travels to Europe, Africa, Honduras, Bulgaria, and Cuba have clearly sharpened her vision, allowing her to discover the extraordinary in the quiet moments of everyday life. There will be a reception for the photographer on Sunday, March 8, from 4 to 6 pm. The exhibit is open from March 3rd to April 4th.

Annual Kiln Club Show

This month the Torpedo Factory is hosting the annual show of works by members of the Kiln Club. The show is hosted by Twylene Moyer, editor of Sculpture magazine. The reception is held on Second Thursday Art Night, March 12, from 6pm to 9pm. The show will be open daily from March 9 through April 5.

Old Town is a great neighborhood.

The Torpedo Factory is just one of the reasons that Old Town is such a wonderful place to live. If you're searching for a condo for sale in Old Town here are a few suggestions.

• Alexandria House --- spacious, airy condos with enormous balconies and sweeping views of Old Town
• Bearings South --- cute, brick garden style homes on the South End of Old Town
• Carlyle Towers --- sleek, modern and convenient to King St. Metro and Old Town
• Chatham Square --- stately, nicely appointed, townhouses with garages in Old Town
• Carlyle Square --- elegant, modern and convenient condominiums
• The Duke at Old Town --- under construction in Old Town
• Porto Vecchio --- at the water's edge on the Potomac between Belle Haven Marina and Old Town
• Port Royal --- affordably priced with a condo fee that includes all utilities in the heart of Old Town
• Prescott --- colonial styled condominiums in Old Town
• Royalton --- sparkling gems atop Whole Foods in Old Town Alexandria
• Torpedo Factory --- stylish condos near the waterfront and King St.

If you'd like to search for homes or townhouses in and around Old Town, check here.

Alexandria's history as a colonial seaport is well-known in the area, and is one of the reasons that this city to calls to visitors from around the country and around the world. Alexandria's seaport was once a bustling place of industry and commerce, but the cargo ships and packets from foreign seas are long gone now. Today, Alexandria's waterfront is geared more toward the pleasant than the practical.

Where the Water Meets the the Road

At the end of King St. where the road meets the water, there are brick walkways and wooden decks. Plenty of benches and gazebos are there and in the evenings this is a place to find street musicians and other performers practicing their craft before wandering walkers .

In the left side of this picture is the Torpedo Factory, an Alexandria landmark. The Torpedo Factory was what the name implies: an edifice dedicated to the construction of naval weapons of war. But as the industry's needs grew beyond the space here on the Alexandria waterfront, the building was repurposed as an art and crafts center. The building now houses a good many artists is is a wonderful place for tourists and residents alike to visit.

The Torpedo Factory

The Torpedo Factory and the waterfront are very close to the Torpedo Factory condos---high end condos in Old Town. For a list of prices and to check the availability of condos click the Torpedo Factory Condos. If you're interested in searching condos, townhouses and houses around Old Town you might find this post useful.

Metro Access

Among other things, the waterfront at Alexandria is nice because it's metro accessible. Simply take the Metro to King St. Station and then ride the free trolley to the Waterfront. The trolley is a service of the City of Alexandria for visitors and residents. It's a fun and easy way to make your way across Old Town.

Nearby Parks and Trails

Parks and paths line the waterfront these days. It's the perfect place for a walk on a Spring day.

Benches are found at just the right places. These photos were taking on a weekday morning, but in the afternoons and evenings the waterfront wakes up. Tourists, joggers and walkers share this open public space.