Condos, Homes and Real Estate in Northern Virginia

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

River Bend Farm

What happens when your greatest wish is to preserve a piece of land?

My Aunt Alice was the owner of River Bend Farm, an approximately 5000 acre piece of real estate located south of Front Royal VA between the Shenandoah River and Rt. 340 Stonewall Jackson Highway. The manor of the farm was built in 1752 and came into our family in the late 1920's. Aunt Alice loved River Bend Farm and her greatest desire was to preserve the land as she knew it. This is the story of what happens when you write a will that restricts the choices of your heirs.

My Pepaw and his sisters.

When my grandfather was young he was forced to be the man of the house after his father passed away. He had supported his sisters when times were tough and he and his sisters always remained close.

My grandfather and his sisters Virginia and Hattie were interesting characters in their own right, but this story is mostly about Aunt Alice. By all accounts Alice was a beautiful woman and after a youth of struggle and hunger she married an older man who had quite a bit of money.

Eventually her husband passed away, leaving her alone on this enormous farm. The struggles of Alice's youth must have girded her loins, for she took well to the challenge of managing an enormous farm. She loved the solitude that she enjoyed at River Bend Farm and all by herself she managed the domestics and farm hands that made this a working enterprise.

When my father was a boy ...

River Bend Farm back-porch Fortune had smiled on the pretty girl with the Irish Catholic roots, but my Aunt Alice never forgot how her younger brother Frank helped support the family when she was young.

Her brother Frank had five children one of whom was my father. In those days, Frank Nesbitt had five children, a factory job at Viscose in Front Royal and all the responsibility he could handle. But Aunt Alice helped out in many ways. She paid the tuition so that my father and his brother Frank could attend Randolph Macon Academy, a military private school.

Furthermore, to help the family and to perhaps to groom an heir, she brought my father to River Bend to raise him as her own on her farm.

I was never told why my father was selected to be Aunt Alice's. Maybe he was her favorite. Maybe he was a bit rowdier than the others and the farm might do him good. I think those siblings left in town with their parents were jealous of his station, but I also think he was jealous of those left in town.

Still, my father always had fond memories of this great farm down by the Shenandoah. My grandfather and father both enjoyed fishing here and nearby at the boat landing at Karo.

When I was a child, we visited Aunt Alice from time to time.

When Aunt Alice died ...

It was a sad day for my grandfather when his sister died. He rightly predicted that his other sister and he would follow not long after. Alice's possessions were parted out among family members, and what wasn't wanted by anyone was sold at auction. I distinctly remember the items that came from her estate because of their generally high quality and good tastes.

More than any possession, my Aunt Alice loved River Bend Farm. It was her greatest wish that this farm never be broken up. To accomplish this desire, she wrote her will with very specific instructions. My grandfather Frank and his sister Aunt Hattie would inherit the farm, but with restrictions. They were not allowed to chop pieces of the farm off to sell. They were not allowed to split the farm between themselves. River Bend was to remain River Bend Farm.

Unwittingly, Aunt Alice ensured that River Bend Farm was no more.

I'll tell you how.

My grandfather and Aunt Hattie were only a few years younger than Alice, but they were from a little different generation. The last thing my grandfather wanted was to manage an enormous farm. He had worked himself into a leadership position at the factory at Viscose. He loved his house in town just as much as Aunt Alice loved her farm outside of town. Aunt Hattie was an older widow with a house in town as well. She didn't want the responsibility of managing a farm. My grandfather and Aunt Hattie didn't own farms, because they didn't want farms.

Furthermore, there was only one house at River Bend Farm. River Bend was an enormous piece of land, with barns and outbuildings, springhouses and smokehouses, but there was only one house. Even if they did want a farm, Pepaw (as I called my grandfather) and Aunt Hattie weren't going to move-in together. They got along well because they knew how to stay out of each other's hair. Yes, they both liked to visit Aunt Alice --- even if they complained about the dirt road and cattle guard on the way to her house. They loved playing bridge together. But they didn't want to live in the same house. That was out of the question.

So, when Aunt Alice passed away she stipulated in her will that the farm could not be broken up. So instead of dividing the property, my grandfather and Aunt Hattie, sold the property whole to a developer, who later started building houses on the farm.

Aunt Alice herself ensured that the property was going to be developed by demanding that her relatives keep the property together.

River Bend unseen.

The manor at River Bend was always hidden away. It was at the end of a long private drive, tucked between a steep ridge and a bend in the Shenandoah. The house is in a perfect location if you want solitude.

So, for years after the sale of the property, the original house was hidden from view in a meadowy glen on the property at the end of a long private drive.

This weekend, Julie and I were in Front Royal and I decided for some unknown reason to drive to my old school Wakefield Country Day School. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and I wasn't paying attention so I accidentally went down the wrong road. Rather than turning back, I told her, let's drive out to River Bend Farm. I haven't been there in more than thirty years.

As luck would have it, the remnants of the original farm is now for sale, so we drove down the private road to have a look at how time has been to the old homestead. I'm so glad I made a wrong turn and glad that I had the chance to see the old place.

As you can see it is a stone structure with a metal roof. The stone has held up well. The windows look like they were last replaced by Aunt Alice. I peaked in the window and to my amazement and delight saw that the wall-papers of Aunt Alice were still in place. The old wood floors were in excellent condition, positively historic.

The roof and trim needs paint. The landscaping needs some attention, but ultimately it was a shock how little has changed since Aunt Alice's day.

A life that might have been.

I look at the house and I see a heritage lost. This breaks my heart.

I look at the house and I see work as far as the eye can see and as long as the day is long. So, I certainly understand why Aunt Hattie and Pepaw didn't want to live here.

I look at the new houses that have been built on the old farm and I see the possibility of a different life. I see a life where my cousins are my neighbors and where we all live together at the river's bend. House at River Bend

When I visited I took pictures in such a way as to block out the new houses and buildings. I wanted to see the property the way it was, and I wanted my pictures to be there for my cousins and relatives and friends to see.

In the picture at the start of this article, the house looks stately and the photo hides the flaws that the naked eye can clearly spot. In this picture, the rust on the roof is a little more evident, hinting at the restoration that the home really needs.

It's bittersweet to visit this place, but I'm glad I stopped by.

The Lesson of Aunt Alice

There is a lesson there for those who have gifts to bequeath to family members. That lesson is: don't bind your family with restrictions, covenants and instructions.

If my Aunt Alice could see her legacy, she would be heart-broken. The farm is no more. I didn't see any cattle or horses while I was there. The houses are perched on her best hills and in her cow-fields down by the river bend.

But if she had allowed her brother and sister to do as they wish, things may have turned out a bit differently. Instead of strangers living on her farm, my cousins and my family might have been in those homes instead. Sure, many family members would have rather moved elsewhere, but those who wanted to stay near the homestead could have.

River Bend Farm

This was Alice's front yard. There are three trees here that symbolize what became of her place. To the left, at the corner of the fence is a dead tree. In the center is a very old flowering apple tree that Aunt Alice would recognize. To the right is an ornamental tree that was planted after her death and no doubt after the death of one of her fruit trees.

Julie at River Bend

The Blue Ridge Mountains can be seen in the background behind my wife Julie. Beyond the fence hidden in the trees is one of the closest houses.

Click on either satellite image to see a larger view. The picture above shows the scale of River Bend. The picture below is an overhead of the house. The land has been chopped down from 5000 acres to 15, but it's still a great piece of land. To see the listing for the home check here.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. 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.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 6:49:13 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [2] | real estate anecdotes

Monday, April 27, 2009

Why I recomend MBH and Ryan Stuart for title and settlement needs

What is a settlement company?

A settlement company processes and records transactions such as home sales or mortgages and refinances. One such settlement company is MBH Settlement Group L.C.

Ryan Stuart of MBH tells me, "The settlement company's primary role is to insure the conveyance of clear and marketable title from the Seller to the Purchaser. Further, as a settlement service provider, the settlement company prepares documentation incident to the closing, conducts the settlement, records the deed and necessary loan documentation in the land records, and disburses all funds in accordance with the HUD-1 settlement statement."

Who do you recommend for settlement?

MBH in Alexandria VA is located on Washington St. in a historic structure in Old Town. When clients ask me for a recommendation for a title company I often suggest MBH because I've been pleased with the service at MBH.

Why did you choose MBH in the first place?

I met Ryan Stuart of MBH because a fellow realtor recommended Ryan at MBH to me. Ryan Stuart is counsel to MBH and handles many closings for them. My colleague said that Ryan had "the best closings in Alexandria".

Not knowing Ryan at the time I really doubted this claim. Her endorsement was so enthusiastic, I almost wondered if she was taking a kick-back from him!

Of course, I knew she was not receiving any such payment from MBH or Ryan. It's important for consumers to understand that enticements and payments for endorsements like these are illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The colleague that recommended MBH and Ryan is a highly ethical agent who works for a reputable brokerage. I knew I had to give MBH a try.

Why do you tell your client's about MBH?

My brokerage makes nothing off of settlement, and so long as the transaction is smooth and professional, I personally could care less who does your title work. The client has a right to choose any company for settlement and I encourage clients to take advantage of that right.

However, most clients ask me for a suggestion when it comes time to pick a title company. I tell them the truth. The services provided by the title companies are nearly identical anywhere you go. (More on this later.) There is very little difference in pricing on title work.

What I like about MBH is that there is very little hassle dealing with them. I submit the title order to them and then forget it. But, I would expect no less from any title company. What I love about MBH is how Ryan handles a closing.

Ryan Stuart of MBH

From the time Ryan settles in to the time the last document is signed, it's obvious that that Ryan is a professional. He knows exactly where the money is going and where it's coming from and it's all spelled out on the documents.

One of the duties of a settlement agent is to explain the transaction in a way that the layman can understand the paperwork. I find that many settlement agents use industry terms that make perfect sense to myself or other real estate professionals, but Ryan goes one step further.

He breaks down the transaction using simple English that anyone can understand and this is his real value add. He doesn't get frustrated with questions, and he doesn't rush the signers. He will work with the client until there is a full understanding by all parties at the table.

Ryan Stuart closing I asked Ryan, why do property owners need title insurance.

He told me, "A title insurance policy contains a statement of the condition of ownership of real property. A title policy indemnifies you against loss or damage incurred as a result of title defects on your property. In the event of a lawsuit challenging your ownership interest, the title insurance company provides a legal defense for the policyholder and, if the suit is lost, pays all valid claims or losses insured by the policy."

For example in a recent closing, a property was sold with only the signature of one spouse. Years later, heirs or the missing spouse could come back to make a claim against the title. Title insurance protects against this kind of a claim.

happy homeowner

It's a huge relief when all the ducks finally line up and the property is yours.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Carlyle House --- Old Town in Bloom

gazebo at Carlyle House

These are the gardens of the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria in Spring of 2009. We stopped by to visit because it's a great time to catch the flowers at their height. The weather was perfect, the crowds were very light and these pictures don't really do the gardens justice. The gardens are insteaded to be some what accurate historically but they don't have any fruit trees, something which a colonial garden undoubtedly would have had.

azaleas in Old Town Alexandria

This azalea bush was on fire. The foundation of the Carlyle House in the back of the photo gives texture and contrast to the blossoms.

azalea blossoms

Up close and in the sunlight they were dazzling.

sundial at Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria

The centerpiece of the garden is this lovely sundial with a formal surround of boxwoods and flowers. The brick paths and boxwoods feel very Old Town Alexandria to me.

flowering tree in Virginia

This looked like crabapple blossoms to me, but the notices said there were no fruit trees in the garden.

blue-bells at Carlyle

Bluebells carpeted much of the garden.

glowing flower

I wish I knew my horticulture well enough to identify this beautiful flower that almost seem to glow.

violet flowers

The mixture of taller flowers and flowering ground cover was an effective way to add visual interest.

Carlyle House gardens in Alexandria

Around every corner were delightful blossoms like these.

yellow flowers in Alexandria VA

At the foot of a crepe myrtle these lemonade colored flowers are in full bloom. The smell of nectar and the perfumes of flowers filled the entire garden.

yellow flower against green leaf in Alexandria VA

I highly recommend a visit to this special place at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria VA.

Spring at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria VA

Carlyle House

Spring is at its zenith and so are the blossoms at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria.

Julie and I stopped in to tour the gardens and I took a number of pictures. The Carlyle House is a historic piece of Alexandria's colonial heritage and is a must see if you're in Alexandria VA. I personally think the house is a little more impressive than George Washington's Mount Vernon. The tour starts in the basement below the house and explores nearly every room in the finely-crafted and meticulously restored structure. John Carlyle was a contemporary of the likes of George Washington, Lord Fairfax, Henry "Lighthorse" Lee and General Braddock. This house is a key part of Alexandria's colonial heritage and revolutionary past.

The tour starts with a slick-production that explains who John Carlyle was and why he is a person of interest. In this video presentation, paintings, computer-generated scenery and historians provide context and background for the Carlyle House and John Carlyle. My only regret on this tour was that we had the last tour at 4 pm on a Spring Friday, so the guide seemed to rush us through the house. He told me he was one of the authors of the history books on sale in the shop, but they had close the shop and I didn't catch his name.

dogwoods at Carlyle House

The dogwood is Virginia's state flower rocks gently in the spring breezes on the north side of the Carlyle House. This side of the building is surrounded by a wall of brilliant white dogwood blossoms.

dogwood blossom

These pictures really don't do the blossoms justice but they hopefully they'll inspire you to visit the gardens before spring is gone.

gardens

Behind the Carlyle House is a mixture of formal and informal ornamentals, flowers, flowering trees and bushes.

gazebo at John Carlyle's House

This is a remarkable little enclave found right at the heart of Alexandria. It's just two blocks from the waterfront and only block from King St. and a public parking garage.These photos only touch on the beauty of the gardens at Carlyle. Check out these photos for a close look at the blossoms that are found here.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Cameron Run Regional Park --- Great Waves, Batting Cages, Golf and more!

Cameron Run Regional Park is an asset for area families and residents and a destination for those who don't live in the area. The park has several recreational components including a waterpark, batting cages, picnic area, fishing, and miniature golf. Bring the family to enjoy any part or all of the fun.

Great Waves Waterpark

Great Waves Waterpark is the star attraction at Cameron Run Regional Park. The waterpark opens this year on May 23rd and closes operations down on September 7th. The ocean might be hours from Northern Virgina, but you can catch a wave right here in Alexandria. The wave pool generates gentle waves that splash into the shallower part of the pool. The park has several twisting and turning four-story water slides. The play pool has shallow waters perfect for relaxing or for the younger members of the family. There is even a "tad pool" for toddlers and tykes.

Waterslides at Cameron Run

Great Waves has a snackbar at the ready with a selection of snacks as well as pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers.With an ice cream or a cold beverage you can spend your entire day right here in the water park.

waterfall at Cameron Run

Batting Cages

The batting cages at Cameron Run serve up softballs for beginners to whiff and experts to slug. If you're ready for a challenge, they can crank the speed up and you can take on fast pitch softballs or hardballs that will challenge the best hitters. It's a fun way to work on your game, or to just spend time with the family.

In early spring and late fall the batting cages are open in the afternoons from around 4 pm to around 9 or 10 pm. Through the summer months, the cages are generally open from about 10 am until 9 or 10 pm.The batting cages are closed in December, January and February.

Fishing

Cameron Run Regional Park is located on Cameron Run, a tributary of the Potomac River. Here at the park, a dam has created Lake Cook. Lake Cook is a part of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Urban Fishing Program. The two acres of water in Lake Cook serve as a nice fishing hole for young anglers. The lake is stocked with trout, bluegill, bass and catfish. Fishing licenses are required for all fishers age 16 and older. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires an additional stamp for trout fishing and trout may only be fished in the winter. Boats are not allowed on Lake Cook.

Miniature Golf

How about a little putt-putt? Cameron Run has a tournament ready 18 hole miniature golf course at the ready. The course offers landscaped challenges and unique twists and turns.

Events

Cameron Run's shelters and pavilions can be reserved and/or rented. Cameron Run also offers birthday packages for large parties. They now have catering available. For more information about pricing, reservations or hours, check the Regional Park Authority site.

Directions and Map

Map of Cameron Run Regional Park with nearby home prices

The park is located at:

4001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304

Thursday, April 23, 2009 6:00:23 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | Alexandria | Cameron Station | Parks & Libraries

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Choosing the right condominium for you.

Condominiums are found all over Northern Virginia. From quiet communities along Fort Hunt Road at River Towers and Belle View to glamorous high-rises like Carlyle Towers or the Eclipse to urban luxury in Rosslyn, there are plenty of choices in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County.

A condominium is usually a housing unit or apartment in a multi-unit building in which each unit is individually owned, while common areas and the property in general is jointly owned by the residents and the owner of the building, or all of the residents together. Some people choose to purchase and live in a condominium because some condos are less expensive than a traditional single-family house. Additionally, many condo's have added amenities and facilities.

Before deciding to purchase a condominium, it is important to do your research into both the legal and practical aspects of owning a condominium. As with any home purchase, location, size and price are important. With a condominium you'll also want to understand the ownership scheme. This type of information is found in the "condo docs" or condominium documents. Most states, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, require condo doc disclosure before any purchase contract is finalized. The condo docs will contain detailed information on the ownership and property rights of the condo and its owners. The rules of the homeowners association are generally explained in the condo docs in plain English (and not in legal jargon)? It's important to read the condo documents to understand the annual maintenance and upkeep fees, as well as to obtain a full understanding of exactly how much control the association have over the regulation of the property?

Condominiums can be found all over the country, with more being developed each year. Condominiums are quite common in Northern Virginia and the National Capitol area. Some condo's are new construction and a few are apartment buildings that were rental apartments before making the switch.

In newly constructed condos, it's common to find a sales office on-site at the condominium. And whether your buying from a condominium owner or a condo office, it's a good idea to take a guided tour of facilities and the units that are available for purchase. Of course, many new condominium offices have staff that act as sales agents. Potential condominium owners can make an appointment to meet with a staff sales agent to discuss interest in condo ownership. However, when you're in the market for a condo, it's a good idea to employ your own real estate agent rather than rely on the services of the condominium staff. Your real estate agent will have an understanding of the condominium ownership structure and the condominium documents and the real estate agent can explain what this means to you.

Although there are various types of condominiums, the most common legal arrangements involve individual ownership of each unit, with joint ownership of the communal or common areas by all of the residents in the building. You might be surprised to learn the variety of sizes found in condominiums. Condos range from studios and one bedroom apartment, to a four bedroom penthouse apartment. Even condominiums with the same number of bedrooms can have different floor plans and different numbers of bathrooms and half-baths.

While some condominiums are located in large multi-unit buildings, others may be detached form each other and be located in a gated or planned community. Some condominiums may be located in resort or vacation destinations. Besides total cost of the property, you should also inquire as to the annual homeowners association costs. These fees are usually charged in order to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the common areas. Owning a condominium can be one of the largest investments you make, so make sure that the one you choose can accommodate your specific needs. Purchasing a condominium can be a great way to buy a property in the location you really want with all the amenities you seek.

About Home Ownership

Of course as a homeowner you'll now be responsible for maintenance and repairs on the house. You'll be a part of the neighborhood watch and the garden club. According to most studies, you're more likely to vote, and to participate in local government activities. You're now one of the landed gentry. According to the Rossi and Weber National Survey of Families, home owners possess significantly higher levels of self-confidence than renters.

Tax advantages are one of the biggest financial benefits of home ownership. The typical home owner that pays a $1,000 house payment will realize tax savings of about $120 each month. (As a general rule, most homeowners can deduct most or all of their interest payments on their home loan, property taxes and loan points, but check with your tax advisor about your situation.)

This increase confidence and wealth will have an impact on your family life as well. According to Boehm & Schlottmann, University of Tennessee, "Children of home owners are 59% more likely to become homeowners. Their children are also 25% more likely to graduate from high school and 116% more likely to graduate from college."

As an owner, you'll stop paying rent and you'll start building ownership equity. A survey of consumer finance by the Federal Reserve Board found that the median net worth of most modest-income owners is almost $60,000 compared to less than $10,000 for renters in the same income group.

In many cases, your home will provide you with more privacy than rental living. For some, this means a quieter living environment, for others it's the ability to have a grow garden, have a backyard barbecue or a build a garage. You'll have the freedom to make whatever changes or improvements you like. Now that you control your living environment, you can make adjustments as your family changes or just as your personal taste dictates.

In the end, the goal is happiness, not to have the most marbles.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 6:55:11 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | condo buying | condo ownership | buying a home

What a landlord can expect from a property manager.

If you are a landlord, then you need a company you can trust to handle your operational responsibilities. Will Nesbitt Realty LLC and Condo 1 Alexandria have the experience you want in your property manager. Will has been a landlord for over 20 years and is a full service broker trained in property management. Will Nesbitt Realty and Condo 1 Alexandria offers full service management for condos, townhouses and single family residential properties. Condo 1 Alexandria is dedicated to maximizing your profits without sacrificing on service. Here's some of what we do for you:

Lease Administration

Our brokerage will prepare your lease, find and screen tenants.

Rental Servicing

There are a lot of annoying details that landlords must deal with: unless they have a property manager. Our team handles billing, collecting, processing and servicing your rental accounts, staying on top of your cash flow.

Rate Analysis

Will Nesbitt Realty and Condo 1 Alexandria will analyze the market and find the rental rates that will make you the most money.

Building Maintenance

Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty LLC keeps your properties in top operating order.

Marketing

Our strategy is designed to keep your occupancy and tenant retention rates at maximum efficiency.

Vendor Negotiations

We only deal with reputable handymen, landscapers, appliance repairmen and service people. We'll negotiate you best deal and keep your rental operating smoothly.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 11:19:52 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | Condo 1 Alexandria | property management

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Fire at Huntley Meadows Park?

Huntley Meadows

Huntley Meadows is a 4500 acre park in Fairfax County, but today the park service only maintains about 30 acres of meadows. The remainder of the park is following the natural life cycle of the land.

In the days before Columbus, Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley mostly a sprawling meadow, and even here on the East Coast we had bison herds. The meadows are not the natural state here though, and they were maintained by natives who burned and cut the forest from time to time to leave room for the big herding animals. Left on its own, the land here will slowly revert to a hardwood forest. In Huntley Meadows, visitors can explore this forest by way of many trails and paths.

Huntley Meadows trees

The change to forest happens over time. When the meadows first fall fallow, weeds rush in. In a few years brambles and honey suckle mix in with fast growing trees like locusts or cedars. Eventually the tree canopy grows so thick that the vines and undergrowth begin to die off. In dry months, this undergrowth becomes brittle and fires are easy to start. Left unchecked, nature will start its own fire to clear the undergrowth and to replenish the hardwoods as they grow.

vines and duff

The forests of Huntley Meadows are young. This is evidenced not only by the diameter of the trunks and by the types of trees that are tallest. It's also evidenced by the duff, or undergrowth, that is heavy in parts of the forest. The park's management recently ignited a number of controlled burns to clear up the duff and to help keep the forest healthy.

fire at Huntley Meadows

You'll see signs of the fire along many paths in the park.

feathers at Huntley Meadows

Huntley Meadows is also popular with birdwatchers. I found these feathers scattered along the trail. Perhaps a fox found a meal here? I am curious what type of bird this might have been.

Neighborhoods near Huntley Meadows

Here are a few resources for house hunters in Northern Virginia:

Huntley Meadows --- a map of the park with homes for sale nearby
Kingstowne --- condos, houses and townhouses for sale in and near Kingstowne
Hayfield Farm --- Single family homes near the Coast Guard station
Woodstone -- Townhouses and single family houses near Huntley Meadows
Stoneybrooke -- Single family homes between Groveton Hieghts and Huntley Meadows

Friday, April 17, 2009

Alexandria's Harry Potter Fans are getting together!

D.A.D.A. is an enthusiastic group of adults fans of Harry Potter. They describe themselves as "somewhat like Star Wars fans in that they're a bit obsessive, dress up in costumes, and go to conventions." One of the members also says, "I like to think we're cuter and less nerdy as a whole." At any rate, they love "The Boy Who Lived".

At their next gathering on May 9th, they're having even themed around Harry Potter games. This includes Harry Potter-themed Clue as well as some Quidditch, and possibly Pictionary and Charades. Attendees should dress casual, hats and brooms are not required. Bring a snack to share, wizard-themed food is entirely optional.

They're also going to watch a short movie clip from "Yes Man". It's from a scene in which Jim Carrey character goes to a Harry Potter party. Yes, they mock those who don't understand Potter, but they also mock themselves.

If you have any other Harry Potter games, they would be most welcome! They're actively looking for someone with a Harry Potter version of "Scene It"?

Here's a quick quiz to see if you qualify to attend this event:

Have you read all seven books and seen all five movies?
Do you know the exact date and time when movie 6 is being released? Are you taking off work to see it?
Are you a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin? You will be asked.

The whole gang will probably be about 30 or more attendees. For more details about the location and to RSVP check the Alexandria Fun with Friends group.

Friday, April 17, 2009 8:33:14 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | activities

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Buying later? Check your credit now.

It's a good idea to checking your credit score before you actually decide to purchase a home, townhome or condo. Even if you think your credit scores are good, you will want to see what the bank will be considering and the scores they will be examining.

If you check your credit history now, you can find out about errors while there is still time to make a correction. You don't want to find out about credit reporting errors at the last minute. Equifax, Trans Union and Experian (the major credit reporting bureaus) are ponderous and slow to react to problems. It takes time to correct errors. The time to get the record clean is now.

On the other hand, if there are negative items on your credit report, you will want to know what will block you from home ownership and what are you options. A good loan officer can also give you an idea of how much home you can afford. If you would like a free pre-approval or would like to discuss your options call Julie at Condominium Mortgage at 703 765 0300.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 4:06:13 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | condo buying

Selling your condo? Don't forget the basics.

Use a Realtor

When it comes to selling your condo, it is always a good idea to enlist in the help of a Realtor. With the help of a Realtor, you will be able to reach a broader number of potential buyers through the MLS. A good Realtor will help to make sure all of the paperwork is in proper order for the sale to be complete. A Condo 1 Alexandria Realtor specializes in condos and understands the benefits of condo living.

Make a list, sell it twice.

Make a list of the benefits of your condo. What makes your condo special? Why did you buy this condo? Where is the Metro? What's so great about your location? What are your favorite nearby restaurants and attractions? What do you love about your condo? What are the amenities at your condominium association? List all the benefits of your condo. Then, share that list with your realtor. Post it on your refrigerator. Make sure everyone who visits your home knows why it's a good buy.

Market your condo!

If your condo is for sale by owner, you'll need to prepare a marketing campaign. Start with the list you created above. Put this on index cards that you can post in offices, grocery stores and anywhere that a buyer might see your ad. Bold lettering that says,

Walk to Metro!

Close to museums?

Amenities galore!

Your Condo 1 Alexandria Realtor will handle marketing the property. Although you can attempt to do this on your own, you could also cut your own hair, change your own oil and do your own dental work. Sometimes, it just makes sense to hand things over to a professional A Realtor usually has marketing experience and knows what works. So your realtor will be able to create more effective marketing methods and will be able to reach a larger number of potential buyers.

Work your network.

Once you have decided to sell your condo, it's time to spread the word. The goal is to sell your condo in a short period of time at the price you are asking for. So, tell your neighbors, friends, and family that the condo is for sale. Let your Facebook buddies know. Don't keep your condo a secret, even if you have a Realtor helping you out. These days every little beit helps!

Condos are special. When you sell a condo, you're not just selling a bedroom and kitchen, you're selling a lifestyle. The people who are attracted to your condo are people who don't want the benefits of home ownership without the aggravation of maintaining a yard or other problems that are commonly associated with home ownership.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:57:28 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | condo selling

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

River Towers Interiors

living / dining

A client of mine is taking a look at 2 BR's at River Towers. Here are a few pictures that I shot for him.

River Towers 2 BR

River Towers Condominium

River Towers Master BR

floorplan

Here's the floorplan.

living room

Click River Towers to see what's currently for sale at River Towers Condominiums.

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 1:48:25 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | River Towers

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located at 7701 Royce St. in Annandale VA. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center is found within the 52 acre Annandale Community Park in Fairfax County. The nature center features a gently winding trail just one third of a mile long. The trail is perfect for an easy stroll because it works through the woods and then ends where it started. The County of Fairfax maintains this park and provides seasonal brochures that highlight the season. The Nature Center is open to students and the public providing reference materials about local fauna and flora.

Bird watchers and photographers love to visit Hidden Oaks. The Park has an antebellum railroad embankment that is part of the Virginia National Historic Landmark Manassas Gap Railroad. The Urban Woodlands exhibit reveals the secrets of an urban woodland forest. This exhibit features interactive stations in where children and parents alike can discover and learn through hands-on learning activities such as the indoor turtle pond.

Set within the 52 acre Annandale Community Park, Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located in the heart of Fairfax County, a few minutes inside the Capital Beltway. The woods surrounding the center feature an easy loop trail 1/3 mile long. Seasonal brochures enable visitors to discover the changing nature of the woodland at points along the trail. For further exploration, additional trails lead through the woods to two streams. Bird watching and photography are special pleasures in these quiet surroundings.

In December the Nature Center is open 9am to 5pm Monday, Wednesday-Friday; noon-5pm Saturday, Sunday; closed Tuesday. In January and February, the nature center is open 11am-4pm each day, closed on Tuesdays except for scheduled programs. The nature center is open 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; noon-5pm Saturday, Sunday. Closed Tuesdays except for scheduled programs. Grounds open dawn to dusk. Call the nature center at 703-941-1065 for more information.

Annandale --- For a map of Annandale or to shop and compare homes for sale in Annandale.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 5:39:22 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | Annandale | Parks & Libraries

Cultural Tour of Music Dance and Crafts in Annandale

Come get your ladybug! A ladybug---an international symbol of good luck---will be given to all visitors on Diversity Day.

Annandale is hosting a cultural tour of Asia featuring music and cultural delights from India, Korea, Afghanistan, China and Sri Lanka. This celebration of music, dance and crafts on is occuring on Saturday, April 18 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center's fifth annual Celebrating Diversity Children's Day. The event starts at one o'clock and lasts until four in the afternoon. The cost is only $6 per person.

The event features:

Dancers and percussionists from the India International School in Falls Church;
The Washington Korean Dance Company;
ErHu, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, music;
Hawaiian dancers and musicians;
Sri Lankan songs and sitar;
Korean Sword Dancers;
Korean Fan Dancing;
Stories from the Hawaiian Islands expressed in music and hula dance;
"Bollywood" style Indian dancers performing classical, folk and cultural pieces.

Reservations and advance payment are required. Contact Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 7701 Royce Street in Annandale with questions or to make reservations. You can call them at 703-941-1065 for a schedule of events.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Homes for sale near Braddock Road Metro in Alexandria VA

Braddock Rd. Metro Station bridges Old Town and Del Ray. There are several condos near the Braddock Station as well as other single family and townhouse communities.

Braddock Metro Station --- Properties for sale near Braddock Rd. Metro Station
Alexandria House --- immense balconies overlooking the Potomac
Colecroft Station --- condos at the Braddock Metro in Old Town Alexandria
Del Ray --- a great community on the north west end of Alexandria
Potomac Greens --- luxury townhouses off Slater Lane
Port Royal --- condo fees include all utilities / walk to metro

If you're shopping for a home near a metro check out this page. It has loads of targeted searches for metro users on the Orange, Yellow and Blue Lines in Northern Virgina.

Homes for sale near Franconia Springfield Metro

Kingstowne is a planned community near Springfield and Alexandria Virginia. It has easy access to Fort Belvoir, I-495, I-395 and Franconia-Springfield Metro Stops. Here are a few selected communities to consider near Franconia and Van Dorn.

Kingstowne --- condos, houses and townhouses for sale in and near Kingstowne
Amberleigh --- walk to the metro from this townhouse community
Carrdinal Place --- modern garden-style condos
Eton Square --- condos at the center of Kingstowne near Kingstowne Towne Centre
Founder's Walk --- elegant garden-style condos between Kingstowne and the Beltway
Island Creek --- a quiet community with nicely appointed suburban-style condominiums and single-family homes
Manchester Lakes --- condos and townhouses in a suburban setting
Surrey --- the feel of a suburban rambler in a condo

Sailing on the Potomac

Sailing Club of Washington

One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town. I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington.

sailing

The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and old salts who've been sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization (a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment."

Tango II on the water

This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:

four 19' Flying Scots;
two 25' Catalinas

The boats are kept at the Washington Sailing Marina just south of National Airport. SCOW offers classes, individual use of our boats, club sponsored activities and a place for sailors in the D.C. area to come together and enjoy the sport and recreation of sailing.

Jules on the way to the boat.

We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the dock and then we boarded.

at the dock at Sailing Club

National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for beginners.

sailing on the Potomac

There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom fishermen out as well.

Will Nesbitt

After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats.

I'm at the tiller on the Potomac

Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast.

Preparing to tack

Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port.

dock

What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable, the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing.

Sunset on the Potomac

We'll be back another day.

If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following communities:

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Vintage brick condos with charm, parks and appeal in West Alexandria

Parkfairfax

Parkfairfax (also called Park Fairfax) is an all-brick garden-style condominium community in northwest Alexandria, Virginia. Parkfairfax is composed of more than 200 acres of land and 286 buildings. Parkfairfax has 15 different floorplans with:

one bedroom units (720 total)
two bedroom units (863 total)
three bedroom units (101 total)

Amenities include: painted brick at Park Fairfax

exercise facilities;
a library;
rental party rooms;
tennis courts (8);
swimming pools (3).

Like many similar area communities, Parkfairfax was built in the early 1940's at the outset of World War II. Parkfairfax was constructed to provide rental housing for Pentagon employees and others in the rapidly expanding Federal Government. Leonard Schultze and Associates of New York was the architect and Starrett Brothers and Eken, Inc. (builder of the Empire State Building) was the construction company. The developer (Metropolitan Life Insurance) donated fifty thousand dollars and 5 acres to build Charles Barret Elementary School. It's interesting to note that two residents of Parkfairfax later went on to become President of the United States. (Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.)

green belt

Park Fairfax has plenty of green space between buildings.

To search for condos, check pricing and see a map of Parkfairfax click Parkfairfax.

If you like Parkfairfax, you might want to consider a few similarly styled condos from around the area:

Monday, April 06, 2009

Washington in bloom

Spring is a great time to visit Washington DC. The weather is mild and the world-famed cherry blossoms are beautiful. Here you can see the Washington Monument (and it's reflection). The Monument is hidden behind blossoms, but the reflection is obvious.
One of the best spots for viewing near the Tidal Ponds at the Jefferson Memorial. There are paddle boats here that are fun to rent and a great way to get away from the crowds.

Monday, April 06, 2009 7:27:29 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | activities | Virginia

Car Sharing at Northern Virginia Metros

Wouldn't it be nice to ride the Metro to someplace near your destination and then pick up a car just steps from the train or bus. You could use the care to run errands, shop or reach any other business or social event not easily accessible via transit. Then simply return the car to the Metro station and you're on your way back home.

Well, Metro offers car sharing at selected Metro stations and around the region at locations convenient to Metrobus. This is done in partnership with Zipcar. Car sharing is available in Metro Kiss & Ride lots at 39 of the 86 Metrorail stations (see station pages for locations) and many other neighborhood locations both near Metrorail stations without Kiss & Ride lots and elsewhere in the region.

How does it work?

Zipcar users pay an annual membership fee, then reserve and pick up a car when you need it. A range of vehicles are available. As a member you can pick the car that suits your needs at the time. You can pick a

compact car,
van,
pickup truck,
convertible,
or gas/electric hybrid.

See the Zipcar site for further details.

Monday, April 06, 2009 6:51:46 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) | Comments [0] | roads and transit

Friday, April 03, 2009

Palazzo at Park Center --- contemporary condos in Alexandria VA

Palazzo Palazzo at Park Center is located on the West End of Alexandria near Falls Church. Palazzo at Park Center features condominium homes that offer a sophisticated lifestyle, superior design and value. Palazzo is contemporary living in a convenient location.

Community Features include:

Club House
Conference Room
Elevator Access From Garage
Resort style pool
Garage Parking
Fitness Center
Pool

Luxurious Residential Features include:

9 Ft Ceilings, Crown Molding
Breakfast Bar
Designer Interiors
Full Size W/D
Gas Fireplace In Select Homes
Hardwood Floor In Foyer
Oversized Soaking Tubs
Oversized Windows
Vaulted Ceilings in 4th floors
Ceiling Fan
High Speed Internet
Microwave
Patio/Balcony/Deck/Porch

balcony at Palazzo

Here's a look from a balcony at the Palazzo.

clubroom

The arched windows in the Club Room are gorgeous.

clubroom interior at Palazzo

Here's a look at the same Club Room.

buildings at Palazzo

The distinctive garden-style architecture is contemporary and yet traditional.

fitness center at Palazzo

Fully equipped fitness center with free weights, machines and work-out accessories are located in the main building.

garage

Ample parking garage is one of the lures of the Pallazzo.

gazebo at Palazzo

Pleasant courtyard get-aways are located between the buildings at Center Park.

kitchen flowers

Palazzo has interesting details in the kitchens.

Palazzo

Pallazo has a fully-equipped media room is for residents.

Palazzo

Palazzo is quiet and tucked away, but in the middle of the city. Palazzo is very close to the Pointe at Center Park and the condos of Northhampton.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Orange Line Property Search

Are you looking for a home near the metro on the Orange Line? If so, these maps with condos, houses and townhouses for sale along the Orange Line in Arlington, Falls Church and Fairfax County may prove useful

Rosslyn --- At the center of the world: many homes here have views of Washington monuments, Iwo Jima Memorial
Courthouse --- Walk to everything with a condo or home near Courthouse Metro Station
Ballston --- Map includes Ballston Metro and Virginia Square/GMU on the Orange Line in Arlington VA
East Falls Church --- Metro station located near I-66
Dunn Loring / Merrifield --- Homes and properties near and inside the Beltway
Vienna --- First/last stop on the Orange Line in Virginia

Happy Hour at Mango Mike's in Alexandria

Come join Cindy and Patsy (both new members of the Alexandria Fun with Friends) for Happy Hour at one of our favorite places: Mango Mikes!

Wednesday night is Raw Bar and Caribbean Tapas with a choice of many seafood appetizers for just $5 a plate. There are also specials for the Land Lover, and LIVE MUSIC! Quantities of these appetizers are limited so get there early.

You're on your own for drinks and eats. Look for us in the Tiki Bar or the Banana Room just behind the bar. Ask for Cindy or Patsy!

[RSVP and more details here]