I was contacted over the weekend by several friends, associates and strangers because a reporter quoted me as an expert in the Washington Post. 

For those who aren't from the Washington Metropolitan area, the Washington Post is a widely circulated paper in Washington DC, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia, and across the country.  If you think you've heard of the Washington Post, you probably have. The Post is not the most famous paper in the United States. (The USA Today or New York Times perhaps have that honor.) But the Washington Post is probably one of the most famous papers in America. The Post has a daily circulation of around 700,000 and a Sunday circulation of about a million.  The Washington Post online claims to have 18 million readers per month, but I think that number sounds a bit inflated.

But whether there are 18 million or not, I'm quite certain there are a lot of readers of the Washington Post.  Now only a fraction of those readers pay any attention at all to the Real Estate section of the paper, but the good news for me is that I only need to talk to the ones who pay attention to the Real Estate section.

A week to 10 days ago, I was contacted by a reporter from the Post and was interviewed about condos and the condo market in Northern Virginia.  We talked for about 20 minutes or so, and from that conversation, the reporter selected one tiny quote: "The new builders are trying to overcome the lack of space by building a high ceiling, as if that is going to kid somebody."

I stand by that quote, but if I could pick one quote to be known for, that probably wouldn't be my pick. I'm not a stranger to this sort of thing though. A few months ago, my wife (president of Condominium Mortgage) and I were interviewed by Channel 9 News. They probably asked us 20 to 30 questions and then pulled out 30 to 50 seconds of tape to frame the story they were pushing. 

Tom Meyer of Condo 1 Alexandria says that I'm a publicity hound.  This isn't entirely correct. I do make myself known, through formats such as Active Rain and Trulia.  But I don't seek out reporters. They find me.

But his comment and my poorly phrased quote above forced me to reflect on a simple question. Is there a such thing as bad publicity?

My guess is probably not.  But still, I think I'd rather have good publicity when possible.  So now that I've had a little practice, the next time the Washington Post or Channel 9 or any other news outlet comes calling, I am going to choose my words very very carefully.

Then my neurotic inner voice says, "But you want to be a good interview to keep them coming back for more ..."

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

In each of these articles I'm doing a head-to-head comparison of these complexes and then selecting a winner from each category. I'm making these selections based upon my personal opinion, and you might not agree with my opinion, but I've put it out there as a starting point for a home buyer's discussion.

If you want the most space in your condo, for the least amount of cash, then Huntington Club the pick from this category. Most Huntington Club one bedroom units sell for well-under $200k; many are currently less than $175k. Many Huntington Club two bedroom units sell for less than $250k, most for less than $200k. You can even find a three bedroom at Huntington Club for well under $300k. The rooms in these units are large and open. There is ample closet space. When one compares the price of the unit to the amount of living space you get, Huntington Club is the value buy at the Huntington Metro.

Hunting Creek Club is nicely proportioned. The rooms do not feel abbreviated. Even the studios at the Hunting Creek Club are larger than 1 bedrooms at some of the area's newest complexes.

Montebello also "feels" big compared to many newer condos. This is in part due to the floor plans, but the smaller 1 bedrooms at Montebello measure in at 850 sq ft.

As one might expect, the Midtowns of Alexandria---the newest condos in this lot---offer the least amount of space for the most amount of money.

With the election of our first African-American President, I thought it might be a good time to take note of Alexandria's Black History Museum. African Americans have been an important part of the Alexandria's history and vibrant community back to the city's founding in 1749. Both as slaves and as free men, African-Americans have contributed to the city's tapestry of life benefiting the community of Alexandria with rich economic and cultural contributions. Alexandria was a key city during the US Civil War and though Robert E. Lee is one of the city's sons, the city was quickly occupied by the Union and remained in Federal hands through-out the war.

After the war the city was segregated but a defining moment in the history of segregation in Alexandria occurred in 1939 when five young African-American men staged a "sit-in" at the city's segregated Queen Street Library. The young men brought focus to the issue of the inequality of educational opportunities and as a result Alexandria built the Robert Robinson Library in 1940. This library was used by African-Americans until desegregation in the early 1960's. Today, that structure is a foundational element of the Alexandria Black History Museum.

Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4356
Fax: (703) 706-3999

In time, additional sites were added to the museum. At the eastern bound of the Carlyle District one will find the Alexandria African American Heritage Park. Next door to the Museum, the Watson Reading Room houses a non-circulating collection of books, videos, documents, and periodicals on African-American life and culture.

The African American Museum is a source of pride for all Alexandrians. The museum has a calendar of events and rotating exhibits, so check back even if you have already been to the museum. From Benjamin Banneker in Alexandria's earliest days, to Dr. Albert Johnson to Samuel Wilbert Tucker during the Civil Rights Movement, Alexandria is a focal point in that courageous and audacious journey that led to the diverse, vibrant and prosperous Alexandria of today.

Built between 1796-1797 in Georgian style by John Wise, the Lloyd House was occupied the Lloyd family from 1832-1918 and home to Carolyn Hallowell Miller, a suffragist leader after the Civil War. The Lloyd House use to be a branch of the Alexandria Library but now houses the Office of Historic Alexandria.

Many events are welcome to take place at the Lloyd House such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, fund-raisers, and workshops. Only the first floor and garden is permitted for use and could accommodate 100 people depending on the type of venue. The North Parlor Room has a maximum capacity of 50 seated dinner/meeting and 90 limited seating, mixer event. There is one unisex bathroom on the first floor for public use.

Facilities Coordinator
Lloyd House
220 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4554

For your real estate needs and around Alexandria, please contact Will Nesbitt of Condo 1 Alexandria. We serve buyers, sellers, renters and landlords.

Firstly and mostly the average consumer should know that all closing costs are open to negotiation. This means that in any given contract, any expense can be paid by either the buyer or the seller. However, there are costs that typically related to the purchase and those are paid by the buyer. Likewise there are costs related to the sale and those are most usually paid by the seller.

Here's a list some of the typical concerns for real estate purchases, with specific notes for the condominium purchaser. Some of these (like Home Inspection) are optional and a few of these are only required from some buyers (like PMI).

1. Bank costs, including application fee, credit report, appraisal or inspection fee, processing, bank attorney fee. These fees are related to the acquisition of the loan and thus an expense of the buyer and usually paid by the buyer. These fees include discount points and origination points. Each point is 1% of the mortgage amount. Discount points reduce the interest rate. Origination points are paid to the bank or broker to make the loan.
   
2. Attorney fee for representation of Buyer interest at settlement. In some states, a lawyer is paid to negotiate the interests of the buyer, but in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a settlement agent (who is often an attorney) works to ensure that the contract is followed. The settlement agent makes no representations or opinions about the deal that was negotiated. Rather the settlement agent ensures that all parties are fairly treated with regard to the contract presented.
   
3. Property tax escrows are usually moneys held by the lender to pay property taxes on the behalf of the owner.  The seller is usually responsible for taxes up to the point that the sale closes and the buyer pays taxes during his ownership.  The settlement agent reconciles this to the penny to determine who owes what taxes at closing.
4. Buyers often have to pay prorations to the seller for taxes, oil, water, sewer, rents or condo fees. The prorations are are paid to reimburse the seller for items that were paid in advance by seller. For example, if the condo fee due on the first covers the entire month, but the sale happens on the 15th, the buyer owes the seller for half of a month of condo fees.
   
5. Both the buyer and the seller have to pay fees for recording deed and mortgage. This is a nominal fee paid to the settlement agent.
   
6. Buyers must pay for their fire and liability insurance policy. Lenders usually require that this is prepaid for six months or a year. Condo owners rarely pay this fee as the policy is often included in the condo fee.
   
7. When the sale doesn't close on the first of the month, the buyer prepays a fraction of a month's interest.
8. Buyers who have a minimum down payment may have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premium.
9. Many lenders require the purchaser to obtain (and pay for) a survey. This is rare for condo buyers, but condo buyers have to pay for "condo docs", the documents that spell out the condominium rules and finances.
   
10. Buyers who want a home inspection must pay for one.
11. Most usually, the seller pays the realtors.
12. Lenders require that buyers purchase title insurance to insure their interest against claims and fraud.

If this seems like a lot for a first time buyer to remember, don't worry that's why you have professionals to help you along the way. Your agent, settlement agent and mortgage broker or lender will help you make the transition smooth and easy.  In Northern Virginia, if you have questions or need futher help, please contact Will Nesbitt.

I just found this posted on the Q&A section and thought it was an excellent lesson for renters who would prefer to act as their own rental agent.

Q. oh my goodness! what a mess! ok here it goes. My husband and I moved to Las Vegas from WI, and we were in contact with the landlord by email.Well she sent us pic and we looked at them it seemed good on "line" that is. Well in her emails she stated the house needed painting but she did not have the "money" as of yet " But she did say would paint "later" So my not so smart hubby, sent her $2600 and she faxed the lease .When we arrived 4 days later and she met us at the property @11pm! When we went in the house it was not at all what it was on line !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so peeved! I TOLD HER I WANT THE $2600 BACK!She said she did not have it & I thought i was going to have a nervous breakdown! She had the nerve to say we were too picky at the moment I could have dropped kicked her!!! NO paint!, carpet coming up and dirty!holes in walls because of nails! dirty , and too top it off BIG ASS COCKROACHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So my son & hubby took me aside to come me down!In the least we were to "maintain" the bug pest controll "Maintain" Not come into a house thats Infested! SO anyways to make a long story shorter... "LOL" we were mislead from the beggining , and she took off$700.00 and we painted only part of the interior... We did not look at the lease "date and she did not pro rate "She has march 1st -april 1st . and we got there march 27th .So we have had nothing but problems w/her and now our refrigerator does not work and we have told her time in and time out and she has never sprayed for bugs and she never has painted and she has done absolutely nothing!!! And since march we have been paying rent , its now aug and in july I got a hold of legal aid and explained to them our situation .That told us STOP PAYING RENT SEND HER A LETTER TELLING HER THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE!So we did and she came back with a nussinnce" letter of what we wanted done ! She said un authorized dogs which is a lie she knew about it!and refrigerator,and carpet. We went to court and the landlord started to talk about the rent &the judge said thats not what you have here! Nothing about the rent! The judge said if you want the money you need to sue! Then the judge said but it would be in your best interest not to ,because there are alot of things you did not do!!! Then the judge says to us why don't you just move.. And we said we are aug 21 2008. So thats what we are doing. But now we were served small claims court! I need to know what do i do now??

I won't attempt to answer this question in this blog, rather I submit the letter as a general lesson about what can happen when you choose to work without professionals. 

The questioner is well aware of the many mistakes the landlord made, but she is blind to the mistakes that she herself made. The landlord is convinced that the tenant is the problem.  The judge knows the truth: both parties are in a mess and both parties made serious mistakes.  The best thing would be for these two to part ways as quickly and unceremoniously as possible. Small claims court will sort out the left-overs to see what rent if any is due.

So what's the best/safest way to find a rental?

The goal is to find the rental that suits all of your needs, most of your wants and fits your budget. What's the most effective choice to realize that goal? You can: Do it yourself; or Enlist the services of a rental agent.

If do it yourself, then you are in effect your own rental agent. That means you must rely on your own personal knowledge of the area and your own contacts to find your perfect rental. Of course, you could change your own oil, put in your own stitches and you could cut your own hair, too. The only difference is that you have pay for these services and a rental agent's services are totally free to the renter! Worse still, if you don't have a professional doing the work you may have a botched hair-cut, engine problems or a tale like the lady with the rental question. 

What does a rental agent do?

A rental agent's job is to listen to your needs and then help you identify rentals that meet your needs. rental agents typically have in depth knowledge of the community and they are often aware of market rates. It's not uncommon for a "connected" rental agent to know of rental opportunities that are quietly listed and generally unknown to the public.

A rental agent's fees are paid by the landlord, so there is no expense to the renter. It really is in the renter's best interests to employ the services of a trustworthy rental agent.

Finding the right rental agent.

The problem is many rental agents really only work for one landlord and thus only support their employer's building(s). Any agent at an apartment complex will only show properties at that complex or at another complex owned by the same landlord.

Further, many realtors and real estate agents won't deal with renters. Here's why.

After all the fees are paid, a rental agent generally makes about one eighth of a single month's rent for a rental. For a typical one bedroom apartment in the DC area the rental agent is often paid a paltry $160. (No withholding and no benefits.) So it's tough to find a rental agent who cares about your needs. Additionally, many renters are oblivious to the benefits of professional assistance and don't really take best advantage of the rental agent's expertise.

No charge to you ... but not FREE!

When you find a quality agent who is willing to help with your search, it's a good idea to maximize your productivity before the agent loses interest in your problems. Most rental agents (like most people) are good people and they care about their client's needs. At the same time, there comes a point where the rental agent has to consider his/her own self-interests. Because the pay-off is so small for the agent, even the best rental agent loses interest very quickly if the renter has unrealistic expectations or if the renter isn't ready to make a decision. 

So, it's in the renter's best interest to take advantage of the rental agent's expertise, but it makes sense to budget your time with the rental agent. For example, rather than using the rental agent's gas or time to figure out what the renter wants, a smart renter approaches the rental agent with an idea of wants and needs, and then uses the rental agent's expertise to secure the best possible residence.

I personally have gotten to the point that I am very picky with accepting rental clients.  I make sure that I explain to them upfront what my service is and is not. If you're looking for a rental in Alexandria and parts of Arlington please give me a call.

BTW, I have two great rental listings at the moment. Both are 1 BR's well under $1300 and the rents include all utilities. One is at River Towers and the other is at the Fountains.

Condo 1 Alexandria has access to important information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, COA fees, municipal services and facilities. Condo 1 Alexandria uses this information to filter properties and then shares this information with you so that you can make your most informed decision possible. Condo 1 Alexandria researches your housing needs in advance through the Multiple Listing Service - even if you are relocating from another city. We also understand the traffic patterns of the Metro area and why some areas are more desirable than others.

Condo 1 Alexandria has no emotional ties to the condos you may be considering. As such, we can be objective about the property and can point out advantages and disadvantages while answering your questions. Your Condo 1 Alexandria agent represents you, the buyer, in the transaction. Condo 1 Alexandria will negotiate the most favorable price and terms on your behalf. Condo 1 Alexandria can tell you if local law requires an attorney at closing and can provide you with a list to choose from if you don't have one.

Condo 1 Alexandria will help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it all in advance. And your Condo 1 Alexandria agent will be there with you at closing to make sure that everything proceeds properly.

Condo 1 Alexandria is part of a network of professional colleagues, such as appraisers, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, contractors and insurance agents - through which you may be more completely served.

Condo 1 Alexandria shows you only those homes best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and other public facilities.

Contact Us

Call 703 765 0300 or email us. We'll care about you.

A couple of quick nugget of trivia for those who are interested.

Pat is a licensed agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia who sells, rents and manages real estate for others for a fee. Pat contacts a homeowner named Al in an attempt to obtain a listing for Al's property. When must agency disclosure be provided to the Al and his wife Jane?

Agency disclosures must be made when there are substantive discussions about a specific property. In this case, agency disclosures must be made at the time the Al and Jane agrees to list the property because there will be substantive discussions when or if the seller agrees to list.

Tom is Pat's broker. A prospective buyer named Omar enters Tom's office.  Omar is directed into the conference room. Tom sits down and discusses finances with Omar to financially qualified the buyer. Tom then hands Omar off to Pat. Omar and Pat begin to review the available property that is within Omar's financial limitations and also meets the wants and needs of the buyer.

When is the agency relationship disclosed?

When Omar expresses an interest in a particular piece of property, agency disclosure is required. This is correct because Virginia regulations state that disclosure is required before substantive discussions about a specific property.

On Saturday, September 27 at Mason District Park between 10 am and 4 pm come and enjoy the Fall Festival! There will be live entertainment, crafts and more at the festival. The kids will enjoy the clowns and puppet shows. All ages will enjoy popular local bands. There will be many crafters and craft demonstrations at the festival.

There is no charge for admission but some rides may require tickets. If you'd like to sell your crafts you must register in advance by calling 703-256-7717. If the festival is rained out it will be rescheduled for the next day at September 28. For more information about the Fall Festival call 703-941-1730.

The Fall Festival is hosted at MASON DISTRICT PARK which is at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Mason District Park has  a large natural area with a hiking trail. Mason District Park also has playing fields and tennis courts. (To reserve a court or playing field call 703-941-1730.) A play ground and tot lot are provided for children. There is a refreshment stand at the park. Mason District Park has a highly rated doggie area.

In addition to the Fall Festival, Mason District hosts Arts in the Parks during the summer. Arts in the Parks is a free children's entertainment series held Saturday mornings. Mason District Park is one of several Fairfax County Parks that hosts Spotlight by Starlight, a series of free concerts and movies provided by local businesses and Fairfax County. 

Mason District Park has a Farmer's Market all summer long every Thursday from 8 am to noon.  The Farmers Market lasts from May 1 through to November 6th.

Driving Directions: Take Beltway Exit 52B (Route 236) east for two miles. Turn left on John Marr Drive. Once on John Marr Drive, turn right on Columbia Pike. The entrance to Mason District Park is on the right just before Sleepy Hollow Road.

Mason District is one of 9 magisterial districts in Fairfax County. It's a great place to work, play and live. To search property near Mason District Park contact Will Nesbitt or select from a link below.

• For sale --- Live data on all condos for sale in 22003 zip code.
• For rent --- Live data on rentals in 22003 zip code.

• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22003 zip code.
• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22003 zip code.
• Homes for sale --- All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22003 zip code.

Commander James S. Ward, well known as a scholar and an authority on tactics and gunnery, was the first Union naval officer mortally wounded after the outbreak of the Civil War. Ward well known because, among other accomplishments, he was instrumental in establishing the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Union commanders understood that a Confederate blockade of the Potomac was a serious threat to the main supply line for Washington, D.C. As a result, a flotilla of seven navy vessels under the command of James Ward were dispatched to protect the waterway for shipping. In the earliest days of the war, that flotilla was involved in an action to support the strategic redeployment of a small Federal force at Mathias Point. During this action a Confederate sniper shot Ward and he died shortly thereafter.

One of these forts was named after Commander Ward, and today Fort Ward is the best preserved of this fort system. During the war, Fort Ward was the fifth largest fort defending the Capitol and thus deterred Confederate forces who never attacked its earthen walls. The Union Army abandoned the Fort in December 1865, and shortly thereafter, any salvageable materials were sold at auction.

The land is now owned by the City of Alexandria. During the time of the war, the fort was a dusty (at times muddy) place, stripped of vegetation and armed with cannons. Today, it is a manicured oasis of greenery in the city of Alexandria.

On the grounds of old Fort Ward, Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site serves as a park, educational center and cultural remembrance for those who served here. The museum has exhibits on general Civil War topics as well as interpretive programs specific to Fort Ward and Alexandria during the Union occupation. Fort Ward can be entered at 4301 West Braddock in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Fort is located relatively close to Inova Alexandria Hospital and Episcopal High School. The surrounding area is a mixture of very high end housing, middle class housing and is located not far from Skyline and the condos near I-395. To search the surrounding area check out West End Alexandria.

On September 13th -14th, join the fun at the 6th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts! The festival is centered at the Hotel Monaco, located at 480 King Street in Old Town. There is a parking garage nearby but the festival can be  accessed via Metro and the King St. Trolley.

Artists from all over the country will proudly showcase their work for attendees. Come on by to browse or possibly make a purchase. The prices for the art pieces will vary from artist, on size, quality, and medium. There will be the opportunity to share your ideas on the art work with the artists in an friendly environment.

A wide variety art will be on display such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, and ceramics. Artists were chosen from a panel of judges based on the quality and originality of their work.

The Alexandria Festival of the Arts was voted as one of the top 100 festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine. There are no entrance fees at the gate and hours of the festival are Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm.

Alexandria is a nice place to visit, but a great place to live. It's close to job centers in the Pentagon, DC and Northern Virginia. The area has some of the most sought-after real estate in the world, but there are always bargains to be found.  For help with your real estate needs in Alexandria, contact Will Nesbitt.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was opened by a Quaker pharmacist Edward Stabler in 1792 and is one of the oldest pharmacies in the country. Located on 105-107 South Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. In addition to being a pharmacist, Stabler was dedicated to the abolition of slavery and the educational opportunities. Among other accomplishments, Stabler purchased many slaves for the express purpose of granting their freedom. Edward Stabler died in 1831, but his son continued to run the business for many years after.

This particular building served and survived through many important events in United States history such as the War of 1812. The pharmacy was of great importance during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1821, During the Civil War the apothecary furnished medicines for the Union. The pharmacy also served during the Spanish-American War of 1898, and World War I.

Finally, in 1933 the shop closed due to the Great Depression. At that time the contents of the shop were sold and the money that was raised was used to preserve the property as a museum. In 1939 the shop re-opened as a museum and 43 years later Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum became a member on the National Register of Historic Places.

With over 8,000 objects, gold-leaf labels, hand-blown medicine bottles, pill rollers, show-globes, mortars, and pestles, the museum provides visitors with a wide, fantastic collection. The first floor is in the Gothic Revival style from 1835. The second floor names of herbs and medicine are in their original hand writing placed on the walls and shelving of the interior. The Apothecary is home to many important artifacts, journals, receipts, ledgers, and invoices, and also include many historical figures names in documents, Martha Washington, James Monroe, and Robert E. Lee.

The purpose of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is to promote the history and educate people about the values of Edward Stabler. More importantly, the museum promotes a better knowledge of historic public health issues of the past. It was a center of daily life in Old Town Alexandria and as a museum the apothecary is still having an positive impact today.

Admission is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children. This museum is just one of the many features that make Old Town an attractive destination for tourists and a highly prized location for residents. Parking can be a hassle in Old Town, but this can be avoided by taking the Metro and the King St. Free Trolley, which stops near the museum.