I am one of the few people who are from here who are actually from here.  That is to say I was born in Fairfax and have lived much of my life in Northern Virginia. 

When I got out of the Army and moved back from Northern Virginia, for a time I worked as a government contractor at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is located at L'Enfant Plaza in Washington DC.  As you may know, parking is pricey and limited at L'Enfant, so the Metro was my best choice for commuting.

Originally, I lived out in the exburbs and would drive the Vienna Metro Station at the end of the Orange Line and then ride the Orange Line to L'Enfant Plaza. It was a long and tiresome commute and I knew I had to move in closer. So I resolved to buy a home much closer to the Metro. 

That's when reality hit my budget.  Yes, I could afford housing near the Vienna Metro, but what I could afford was not up to the standard of what I really wanted to buy. I found the same, very high prices, all along the Orange Line. But I also had an epiphany as I was jostling to work today. I suddenly realized that it's not how far you ride on the Metro, it's how many stops you make. The Orange Line seemed to stop every three blocks. But the Yellow Line and the Blue Line ...

Well, both of these lines cruise quickly out of DC and then into Old Town.  I found that the housing at the end of the Yellow Line fit my budget and my expectations quite nicely.  So that's where I bought and bought and again and remain to this day. Since that time, Old Town, especially in the Carlyle District, has grown up quite a bit, but around Huntington and the neighborhoods of New Alexandria, one can still find neighborhoods that fit the budget and fill the bill quite nicely.  I think there are also a lot of great neighborhoods off the Blue Line, but my personal preference is to be a little closer to the city.

Property management is a business in and of itself. If you want to invest in real estate, but you don't want to be a property manager, the solution is really quite simple: employ the services of Condo 1 Alexandria. Our property managers are experienced individuals who will manage the day-to-day operations of your propery. We manage residential properties, multi-family properties and even homeowners and condo associations.

A big value-add provided by your Condo 1 Alexandria property manager is "separation". This to say, your Condo 1 Alexandriaproperty manager maintains a level of separation between the landlord and the tenants and the property. As you may already know, it's important to invest in real estate without emotionally investing in tenants or property. Your Condo 1 Alexandria property manager helps ensure that you always make the best decision for your family, rather than making the best decision for the tenant's family.

So, your Condo 1 Alexandria rental property manager serves as a buffer between the owner and his tenants. Condo 1 Alexandria can help you find tenants, handling repair projects and maintenance, oversee improvements, collect rent, and even pay some expenses and taxes. The specific tasks we handle vary based upon upon the needs and wishes of the property owner.

Condo 1 Alexandria Property Management also handles commercial properties such as office buildings, freeing the owners from the day to day responsibilities. Additionally, a competent Condo 1 Alexandria property manager gives you protection from certain liabilities.

Condo 1 Alexandria usually charges a percentage of the rents collected. Every aspect of Condo 1 Alexandria property manager's responsibilities will be outlined in a contract signed by both Condo 1 Alexandria and the landlord. This agreement details financial responsibilities and specifies the types of financial reports the landlord can expect.

Your Condo 1 Alexandria property manager will stay current on new laws and condo regulations which may be relevant to your situation. Condo 1 Alexandria Property Management takes a lot of the burden off of owning rental real estate. Most Condo 1 Alexandria property managers are themselves landlords. They know your needs.

The War of 1812 Re-enactment will take place at the Carlyle House Historic Park on 121 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday August 23rd, 10am-4pm.

On 1814, Alexandria surrendered to the British Royal Navy, commanded by James Gordon, and forced into paying a ransom of flour, cotton, tobacco, rum, and sugar. The capture of the city allowed the British to burn public buildings and lead to the fleeing of the government and President James Madison.

The Carlyle House, a fixture in Old Town, is a wonderful venue for such an event with over 250 years of history. Many Alexandria newcomers are unaware that the Carlyle District, home to the condos of Carlyle Towers at King St. Metro are named after this estate. 

For more information about condos in Alexandria or condominiums near Alexandria contact Condo 1 Alexandria.

Everyone is welcome for a beach party at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 Union St. Alexandria, VA on Friday August 22nd, 6-9pm with free admission.

There will be plenty of food at the Hard Times Café, Alex’s lemonade Stand and entertainment for your pleasure such as Guitar Hero, or try your skills with a hula hoop.

Also in attendance will be the UMW Breakers demonstrating their skills as they challenge each other in a breakdancing battle. They have a sneak preview performance on the Second Thursday Art Night August 14th.

Across the street from the Torpedo Factory Art Center are the Torpedo Factory Condos. For information about these residences in Old Town Alexandria, contact Will Nesbitt with Condo 1 Alexandria.

This is part of series of articles comparing the benefits of condos in close proximity to the Huntington Metro

• Huntington Club
• Hunting Creek Club
• Montebello
• Midtowns

This might be the most subjective criteria I've selected for comparison. Let me underscore that this is just a personal opinion, entirely subjective. You may find reason to disagree with this analysis and more power to you if you do. The purpose of this comparison is to offer a starting point for discussions if you're looking at the Huntington Metro for condo living.

Also, keep in mind that these are condos, individually owned and individually maintained. There are units that are gorgeous in each of these complexes---I know because I've seen them myself. The Midtowns are so new you'd be hard pressed to find a ruined unit there, but I've seen units in poor condition in all the other communities in this comparison. The point is that this is a generalization of what I've seen and an overall impression. It's not a ranking of any one condo unit.

All that aside, and without further adieu, my top choice for appeal has to be the Midtowns of Alexandria. The Midtowns are elegant, chic and very nearly brand new. The lobbies are first rate. The amenities are sparkling. The hallways nearly smell of new carpet and fresh paint. The structure itself is architecturally interesting. The Midtowns definitely have the most allure.

Montebello has no shortage of appeal as well. The 37 acres surrounding the buildings are a huge plus and appeal to me personally. Montebello has a pleasant design that has stood the test of time. Montebello was built in 1983, but it is meticulously maintained and I would say challenges many new structures in the appeal category. The lobbies at Montebello are stately and yet cozy and functional. Montebello is very pleasant.

The Huntington Club has a certain appeal with its quirky windows, large closets and ample floor plans. The grounds are well-maintained. The common areas aren't possessed with any special appeal, but they are clean and functional. Certainly the laundry room outside the unit diminishes the appeal of these condos in the eyes of most buyers.

Hunting Creek Club faces very stiff competition in this field. The building itself does not compel interest. The grounds are clean and well-maintained as are the lobbies and common areas. The lobby has lost little lustre, but the color choices and furnishings don't speak to my heart. If you're prime concern when buying a condo is the design of the lobby, Hunting Creek Club would probably not be your first choice.

The Capital Dance Sport Championships is an event for dance lovers of all ages located at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center 5000 Seminary Road, August 21st-23rd, 8am-Midnight. The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center will provide a great platform to showcase some of the nations top dancers with highly skilled performances (professionals and amateurs) in preparations for the up coming U.S. Championships. Ticket prices range from $20-$60, tickets are cheaper if they are purchased in advance then at that door.

Those in attendance will have the pleasure of seeing four styles of dance which include International Latin, International Standard, American Rhythm, and American Smooth.

Dancing with the stars has really brought a lot of welcomed attention to this once very popular activity. It's great exercise, a lot of fun and a chance to make new friend. Those who are interested in ballroom dancing may want to take classes, at the Arthur Murray Dance Center in Alexandria VA

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, formerly Washington National Airport, is on the Potomac across the river from Washington DC. Along with Baltimore Washington International and Dulles International, Reagan National is one of three major airports serving the Washington Metro area. Reagan National is easily my favorite of the three airports for a number of reasons.

Dulles and BWI are massive sprawling airports with shuttle buses and mobile lounges. Reagan National barely has enough room for the runway. I always like smaller airports. They feel like they are scaled to human beings. There is plenty of security at National, but it seems to move along more smoothly than Dulles or BWI.

Dulles and BWI are outside the Beltway at the periphery of the Washington Capitol Area.  Reagan National is at the heart of everything, wedged at the confluence of DC, Alexandria and Arlington.  For me, it's a long drive just to get to BWI or Dulles, but Reagan National is here, and it's accessible by Metro. Reagan National is a station on both the Yellow and Blue lines.

Extended parking is available at Dulles or BWI, but on the shuttle bus, the ride from the parking lot to the terminal seems like a mile or more.  At Reagan National, extended parking is at my house.  Because instead of taking a shuttle, I can take the Metro to the airport.

The runway is a short at Reagan National and it launches planes up over GW Parkway and at the Washington Monument, requiring a steep climb and a hard left on take off. Some folks find this terrifying, but I have to admit I love it.  I know it's a safe path, because planes take off here day and night, so I sit back and enjoy the abrupt take-off and turn.

Reagan National is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, although many ticket counters and restaurants in the airport close during off-hours. Reagan National is located within the Commonwealth of Virginia, but it has a Washington DC address to identify the airport's location more easily for travelers.

The Perimeter Rule and the High Density Rule affect flights at Reagan National. Under the Perimeter Rule, nonstop aircraft flights are limited to a range of 1,250 miles or less. In 2000, Congress permitted the FAA to allow six round-trip flights to points outside the perimeter. The High Density Rule (or "Slot" rule) limits the number of landings or takeoffs allowed in an hour. The rule affects Reagan National because of the Airport's limited airfield capacity.

Reagan National is located in Arlington County near/in Crystal City. It is most easily accessed from the George Washington Parkway. There are a good many condos and homes in the Crystal City area and they're all just a metro stop away from Reagan National.  The take-off and approach to Reagan National is down the Potomac, so that area residents get very little noise or fly-over from the jets at Reagan National.

To search area real estate contact Will Nesbitt at 703 765 0300 or use one of the handy links below.

• For sale --- Live data on all condos for sale in 22202 zip code.
• For rent --- Live data on rentals in 22202 zip code.

• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22202 zip code.
• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22202 zip code.
• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22202 zip code.

The Arlington National Cemetary is recognized around the country and around the world, but nearby is a similar treasure from our nation's heritage: the Alexandria National Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery was featured in Gardens of Stone and numerous other feature films. This has no doubt added to Arlington's mystique and celebrity. Arlington Cemetery was carved from the farm of Robert E. Lee, a native of Alexandria. This is one of many connections between Arlington and Alexandria National Cemeteries.

The five acres of Alexandria National Cemetery are tiny compared to Arlington's 612 acres. Newcomers and those who don't know the history of the area may be surprised to learn that while Alexandria was a colonial era settlement, Arlington is a relatively new creation. (Check out Alexandria's best real estate deal ever!)

Alexandria National Cemetery predates the cemetery in Arlington and is in some ways the reason for Arlington's existence. Alexandria National Cemetery was established during the Civil War in 1862 as one of the original 14 national cemeteries.

The first four acres of Alexandria National Cemetery were purchased by the US goverment from what was to be Spring Garden Farm.  By 1870, the United States purchased additional land to bring the cemetery up to its current size.

The first burials made in Alexandria National Cemetery were soldiers who died during training for the Civil War. Additionally, some casualties were sick or diseased soldiers from one of the numerous hospitals around Alexandria. The death and destruction wrought by the Civil War exceeded all expectations. It was evident that Alexandria National Cemetery would be woefully short of the needs imposed by the War. By 1864, Alexandria National Cemetery was nearly filled to capacity. In large part, the shortage of space in Alexandria led to the planning, development and construction of Arlington National Cemetery.

After the Civil War, improvements were made to the design of Alexandria National Cemetery and by 1871 the cemetery had added a fountain, a cobblestone avenue and graveled walkways. A wrought-iron rostrum, a small pond and a greenhouse were added as well. The primary building on grounds is a brownstone structure---the superintendent’s lodge.  The lodge dating to 1870 is the oldest surviving building on the grounds. The lodge is constructed in a style and with materials popular from the era and perhaps best recognized in the the Smithsonian Institution's "Castle," and the U.S. Capitol floor and rotunda door frames. 

Like other national cemeteries, the Alexandria National Cemetery featured a "comfort station" built in 1887. This building is one of only a few such structures to survive to the present day. In 1927, the station significantly altered by adding a dining room and converting the facility into a kitchen/store room and tool-shed/toilet. The entire cemetery is surrounded by a wall of Seneca sandstone with River Blue Stone coping. (This is the same material used to build the superintendent's lodge.) Visitors gain entry by passing through a 12-foot wide ornamental cast-iron gate at the Wilkes Street entrance.

In the 1930's the flagpole was added and in 1995 the cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic places. There is no grave locator or kiosk on the grounds and the cemetery only has room for cremated remains and certain relatives of persons already buried at Alexandria National Cemetery.

Among other notable persons buried at the Alexandria National Cemetery are several "Buffalo Soldiers"---a nickname for several Cavalry Regiments of the US Army. Several African-American regiments of Buffalo Soldiers were formed during the Civil War to fight alongside the Union Army. Among these were the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and many United States Colored Troops Regiments.  After the Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers were established by Congress as the first peacetime all-black regiments in the regular U.S. Army. It is fitting that these soldiers are buried near Alexandria's African American Heritage Park. 

Together with the African American Heritage Park the Alexandria National Cemetery makes up the eastern boundary of the Carlyle District.

DASH (Driving Alexandrians Safely Home) buses are seen around, across and near the city of Alexandria, Virginia. The City of Alexandria wholly owns the DASH bus system and operates the system as a non-profit public service cooperation. But day to day management of the system is provided by Alexandria Transit Company. 

If you're new to the area, you'll soon find out what others already know.  The DASH buses are a clean, safe and effective way to get about the city.  Boarding the bus is simple and easy. When the bus arrives, just step into the bus and then deposit the exact fare or use your WMATA SmarTrip card.If you have any questions about routes or transfers ask the driver and then take a seat. On some of the most popular routes or during rush hours, there might not be any available seats. In that case just move as far to the rear of the bus as possible. This makes it easier for others to board easily.

Be aware that the bus driver doesn't always stop at all bus stops!  To signal to the driver that your stop is approaching, press the yellow signal strip or pull the bell cord. It's best to do this about a block from your destination so the driver has timely notice to stop at the next bus stop. When exiting the bus the rear door is easiest because others may be waiting to board through the front door.

DASH has great service because it has great employees but also because area passengers observe a few simple rules of safety and courtesy:

• There is no smoking, eating, or drinking allowed on the bus.
• Radios, I-pods and other devices may only be used if they cannot be heard by others
• There are a limited number of priority seats that are reserved for senior citizens and disable persons. You may sit in these seats, but riders are expected to volunteer that seat if the seat is needed by a senior citizen or disabled person. If the bus is full, riders are expected to volunteer seats as needed.
• All passengers keep feet off passengers' seats.

To maintain the high level of quality offered by DASH, drivers may refuse service to anyone who does not observe these rules or to anyone whose behavior is disruptive or hazardous to vehicle or passenger safety.

The manager of the DASH system, the Alexandria Transit Company (ATC), has been chosen by Metro Magazine as one of the top ten transit systems to work for in the United States. Metro Magazine identified the the top transit agency employers in the U.S. and Canada by survey employees from around the country. Alexandria Transit Company exhibit traits that are great for any employer:

• An open-door policy among managers;
• Relaxed, family atmosphere;
  
• Work-schedule flexibility;
• Strong employee recognition practices;
• Approachable senior executives;
• Opportunities for advancement;
• Lack of micro-management;
• Encouraging, supportive environment.

Metro Magazine is quoted saying, "the ability of transit systems to attract, hire, and retain top candidates to their organization hinges on their willingness and desire to become employers of choice in their communities." In the Washington area, where there is a significant amount of competition in transportation jobs, Alexandria Transit has worked hard to be that employer of choice.

General Manager Sany Modell graciously commented on the achievement, "DASH prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service possible to its riders and its employees. If we treat our employees with respect and appreciation, they are more likely to treat our external customers with that same respect and appreciation."

I met a potential client who told me that she had been looking for two years for a condo.  She called me because she wanted to see a particular property in Belle View.  After establishing that she didn't have an agent, I showed her Belle View I practically had to drag here to see a property I thought she would like based upon her input. That property was Montebello, and she absolutely loved it and was amazed because she wouldn't have had a clue that Montebello existed if it wasn't for me.

A few days later, she wanted me to tag along to another property that she had found at my property search site.  That prompted me to "set the record straight" with some frank talk. 

Obviously, I would love the opportunity to be of service to her. I appreciate and value each client and always need one more client. But there are limits to what I can and will do and this is for the protection of both the client and myself.

When I take on a client it is because I know I can add value to my client's end of the transaction.  I add value by finding right property at the right price. As I have demonstrated to her and others, I know the condos of Northern Virginia very well. Additionally, I can be a pretty tough negotiator when the time calls. 

Thus, if a client allows me to represent him or her, I think it's important that I go with the client whenever the client views properties (with the possible exception of open houses).  So, to answer her first question, of course I want to go with a client when a client has interest in a property.  But, when I see someone who has been looking for two years, three years, and has probably burned through a couple of agents who threw their hands up in frustration, I think it is important establish a few facts. 

There are two primary reasons why a buyer takes a long time to select a property:

1. The buyer either has unrealistic expections; or
   
2. The buyer does not have clearly defined goals.

When expectations are unrealistic the best thing that I can do as an agent is to apprise the buyer of reality and wish them well in their search. This is not because I'm a tough guy, but rather because it would ruin me a professional to chase the impossible. 

To use a metaphor, maybe bigfoot exists.  I've heard that people saw him.  But if I made my living as a game hunter, I'm not going to spend my time (the only thing I really have) trying to catch bigfoot.  I'll wish you well if you are looking for bigfoot, but I'll stick to game that I pull from the forest every single day.

In this case, the buyer had a reasonable assessment of reality but she didn't really know what she was looking for. In other words, she didn't have clearly defined goals.

The client's method for finding a condo was simple: she randomly searched the Internet and other media to identify prospects. She then visited the potential location and then moved on to something else. That method will use up a lot of time and energy.  I'm not saying the random selection method NEVER works, but in this case the client had already spent two years and hadn't found the right property.

Obviously, a buyer needs to see some properties to get an idea of what is available.  But what doesn't make sense is to randomly shop units to find what you want.  Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County) is a huge metropolitan market. There are so many condominiums in Northern Virginia that a person won't be able to see them all. (Unless like me, the only thing you do is look at condos all day.)

I told this client gently but firmly, what I thought made the most sense. I told her the truth.  That is, instead of the client leading me around and letting me open doors so she could find a condo, I would play the part of the expert.

As an expert, I would asked pointed questions and listen carefully to her replies. In this way, we can define exactly what it is that the buyer is looking for.  Then, after we have established the goals, then it makes sense to begin touring the selections that I recommend.

With each condominium we visit, I'll learn more about her needs and we'll get closer to the property that this client will eventually buy.

 

1. Define goals.
   
2. Refine goals.
3. Buy. 
   

Simple, effective and good for the client and the agent.

The Barrett Library was built in 1937 and named after Kate Waller Barrett (185?-1925), to honor her memory as a humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. Mrs. Barrett was a very accomplished woman who received an her M.D. from the Woman's Medical College of Georgia in 1892. Dr. Barrett opened a home for unwed mothers in 1893 with the financial aid of Charles Crittenton. By 1909 there were over 90 homes and national headquarters in Washington D.C. DR. Barrett also was involved in veterans' relief, woman's suffrage, and the restoration of the Arlington Mansion.

The library has undergone renovations and expanded its facilities in 1995. The Foundation Center at Barrett Library collaborates with the Alexandria Library to strengthen the nonprofit sector with the appropriate knowledge about U.S. philanthropy and training for its patrons.

The Barrett Branch also offers the SummerQuest children's programs and “Let’s Talk Books” a Barrett book discussion group held every second Wednesday of each month at 7pm.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4555

Old Town Alexandria is a great place to live or work.

• For sale --- Live data on all condos for sale in 22314 zip code.
• For rent --- Live data on rentals in 22314 zip code.

• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22314 zip code.
• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22314 zip code.
• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22314 zip code.