Fun & Games
Word of the Day
Around Town
- Washington Visitors Guide
- DC fun
- Metro area neighborhoods and town Websites
- Alexandria Fun with Friends
- Arena Stage
- Wolf Trap
- Nissan Pavilion
- The Kennedy Center
- The Shakespeare Theatre
- Fords Theatre
- Warner Theatre
- The Smithsonian
- The MCI Center
- The Washington Monument
- The National Gallery of Art
- The National Zoo
- Library of Congress
- The National Aquarium
- The C & O Canal
- Mount Vernon
5 Important Tips for Condo BuyersIf you are looking or even just thinking about buying a condominium home in or around Northern Virginia, it's perfectly natural to feel a little nervous. Buying a condo and owning your own home is a large, life changing purchase. Indeed, any individual thinking about buying a condo needs to know what to expect and how to prepare for those expectations. Below is a short list of 5 essential tips that any condo buyer would do well to consider throughout the process of finding a new condominium home. Happy hunting!
1) Look at Everything in Person First, remember to look in person at any condo unit you are interested in. It is very important that you make sure to actually see the amenities, parking space, and condo facilities personally. This simple but critical task will avoid any confusion and disappointment later on and will ensure that you are satisfied with your condo purchase. If you absolutely cannot look at the condo in person than ask the seller if you can send a friend you trust to look at the unit instead. In addition, if you are located in a different city than where you are condo shopping, be sure to ask the condo seller or realtor to send you as many pictures as possible of the condo and the condo building before you make a decision. 2) Carefully review the Condo Association Fees First Make sure that you know what exactly is included in your condo purchase. What amenities are included in the condo fees to make the condo right for the price? Or, on the other hand, are you going to end up paying for benefits you don't need? In addition, ask if there is any insurance included. Different condo associations may charge the same amount per month, but one may include some incidental insurance while others may require hefty fees for amenities you may not really need or want. Finally, check the condo association meetings and/or any printed bulletins that result from them. Look for any past or developing issues that you need to take into account.
Always review the condominium documents very carefully before you buy. In laymen's terms, don't ignore the fine print. Here, you should check the total price and property documents to make sure that they are reasonable for the area. Be especially cautious if the price is very low because this could mean you will need a special assessment of the unit, which could cost you a lot of money, later in the future.
While every condo building is unique and features different amenities, styles, policies, and location, it is important that you look into other condo units that are for sale or have sold in the same building. Here, do not simply rely on the recent sale price of another unit in the building. Consider what another units' floor plan was, what views it had, or if it had any special upgrades. Depending on the view and floor of the unit, the price of a one bedroom can vary within a condo building. 5) Work with a Specialist
The condominium marketplace is often a very specialized type of real estate and as
such, you should always consider working with a qualified realtor, and particularly
one who specializes in condos. With the help of a realtor, you will have access to
a greater condominium market which will enable you to find the best condo unit to
fit your needs at a price that you can live with.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Get Out and Do Something! Five Fun and Frugal Upcoming Events in Arlington, VirginiaGet out and do something! Even though it's cold outside, there is always something to do in Arlington, Virginia. Below is a list of five fun, local, and free or low-cost events in Arlington that anyone can enjoy!
1) Children's Theatre Festival
Event: Children's Theatre Festival Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 11 am-5 pm Location: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209
Event Description:
Contact and Other Info:
Event: Painting Class for Beginners Date/Time: Wednesday, January 20, 10 am – 12 pm Location: Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204
Event Description:
Contact and Other Info:
Event: Comedy Club Date/Time: Friday, January 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am Location: Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202
Event Description:
Contact and Other Info:
4) Under the Ice Event: Under the Ice Date/Time: Saturday, January 23, 2 pm-3 pm Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207
Event Description:
Contact and Other Info:
Event: Sudoku Mental Exercise Class Date/Time: Wednesday, January 27, 1 pm – 3 pm Location: Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper Street. Arlington, VA 22207
Event Description:
Contact and Other Info:
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Builders Moving Toward Better Times
Lots of signs point to a recovery in the construction industry.
Source: The Los Angeles Times, Alejandro Lazo (01/13/2010)
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
The Westerlies CondominiumsLocated on Westwind Way at the corner of Magarity and Anderson street in McLean, Virginia, the Westerlies is a 200 unit condominium complex situated near Tyson's Corner Shopping Center. The Westerlies are known as a contemporary and fresh community of townhouses throughout the McLean neighborhood. The Westerlies condominiums feature a variety of floor plans including 2 to 3 bedrooms as well as 1 to 2 full bathrooms. The layout of these townhouses offer an abundance of natural lighting and in many units most of the rooms are flooded by daylight. At the Westerlies, all of the exterior maintenance is included in the owner's monthly condo fees which is a money and time saving bonus for buyers who may not want to deal with the upkeep of a house. Other features include quick and easy access to all major highways such as I-495, Route 7, and the Dulles Airport Toll Road; and the West Falls Church Metro is approximately a mile away. Condo units feature high windows, kitchens with granite countertops, soaking tubs in the bathrooms, private decks, and most units are 2 levels. Finally, the Westerlies property also includes an outdoor pool, a children's playground, and a basketball court. Between the size, features, and floor plans of the Westerlies condominiums, as well as the great neighborhood that surrounds them, this condo community is a highly desirable place to live in Northern Virginia. View Larger Map Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Questions to Ask the Condo Board
In Northern VA, a condo is a great option for first-time home buyers, those
who relish convenience and for empty-nesters looking to downsize. Buying a condo is
very similar to buying any other real estate, but there are a few things you'll want
to be mindful of. For example, before you buy, contact the condo board with the following
questions. In the process, you'll learn how responsive --- and organized --- its members
are. You'll also be alerted to potential problems with the property.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Bon Air Memorial Rose GardenThe Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is located at the corner of North Lexington and Wilson Boulevard, at 850 North Lexington Street in Arlington, Virginia. This scenic and serene rose and botanical garden occupies approximately one acre of land and features over 135 different rose varieties and houses 2,500 plant species as well. Featured roses include Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, and miniature roses. The garden also hosts the latest All-American roses annually, showcasing the newest variety of roses at least one year before they become commercially available. Bon Air Memorial Park also features an azalea garden, a shade garden, a sun garden, and an ornamental garden. Other amenities include picnic tables, charcoal grills, a babbling spring stream, a paved walking trail, tennis and basketball courts, an additional children's playground. Cultural advice and guidance for the rose garden is provided by the Arlington Rose Foundation. Call (703) 358-4747 for more information.
This beautiful and fascinating garden is a brilliant and colorful local resource that
truly proves Virginia is for lovers! Whether you are a botanical aficionado or an
individual who simply wants to stop and smell the roses, the Bon Air Memorial Rose
Garden is a must see this spring in Northern
Virginia. Park hours are from Sunrise until half an hour after Sunset throughout
the year.
 Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Fun for the Whole Family at Upton Hill Regional ParkUpton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!! The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both. Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will reopen for the season in March of 2010. The water park and swimming pool complex will reopen Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Upton Hill Regional Park hosts and annual Easter Egg Hunt in early March and welcomes the whole family to come and join in the festivities. Children can enjoy hunting for eggs filled with candy as well as a moon bounce, coloring, and other games. The Easter Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 2 through 10 and reservations are required. Call 703-534-3437 for more information or to make reservations.
Located between the Arlington and Fairfax
County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard, Upton
Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun
for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation
as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local
residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the
area and the local governments' commitment to its community.
View Larger Map Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Fannie Mae Launches Special Approval Designation to Support Florida Condo MarketWASHINGTON, DC — Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) announced today that it is undertaking a comprehensive review of hundreds of condominium projects in the state of Florida in an effort to allow additional projects to become Fannie Mae-eligible through a new "Special Approval" designation. A dedicated team of six Fannie Mae professionals based in Florida is conducting a thorough examination of condominium projects across the state that may not currently meet Fannie Mae's standard eligibility criteria and assessing specific criteria more closely, including occupancy, homeownership association dues, financial stability of the project and property condition. Projects deemed to be sufficiently stable following the closer examination are granted a Special Approval designation, meaning lenders can originate and deliver mortgage loans secured by units in these projects to Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae has been granting exceptions to its condominium eligibility guidelines on a case-by-case basis when requested by lenders. The Special Approval designation streamlines the process for lenders and catalogues projects across the state that are Fannie Mae-eligible. Projects deemed eligible will be listed on www.eFannieMae.com as project reviews are completed, and qualified borrowers wishing to purchase units in these projects will be eligible for financing. "This new initiative is geared toward providing maximum support for Florida's distressed condo market as we continue to provide liquidity to the housing market more broadly," said Karen Pallotta, Executive Vice President, Single Family Mortgage Business. "The state's condo market has been particularly hard hit by the housing downturn and we're working with the industry and our partners to do all we can to stabilize the market and help spur recovery." "NAR applauds Fannie Mae for taking this important step to make condo loans more readily available in Florida," said Moe Veissi, National Association of Realtors® First Vice President and broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc. in Miami. "Our state is probably the hardest hit as far as the condo market is concerned, and Fannie Mae's new effort to take a closer look at project eligibility could go a long way to putting projects back on a healthy financial track." Special Approval designations are effective for periods between 9 and 18 months, and lenders are required to confirm the project's Special Approval designation on the date of the loan application. The Special Approval initiative is for established condominium projects only.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Please contact web-master
Alexandria House in the snow
Click here to see condos for sale at Alexandria House. Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · | ||
High-rise in Old Town Alexandria at the Alexandria HouseLocated near the corner of Madison and North Pitt the Alexandria House Condominiums are ideally situated for getting to the busy night life of King St. as well as easy access to Crystal City and Washington DC. In addition to its superb location it also offers excellent amenities, including:
Interested in what's available now? With a wide variety of layouts the units come in one to three bedroom styles with hardwood floors. The building has heat pumps and central air conditioning. Condo fees range typically from 450-650depending on unit size. The Alexandria House was built in 1975, and is beautifully situated near the Potomac River and GW Bike Path along which a multitude of parks can be found.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · | ||
United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria VA
Every day new products are invented, new uses for old products are discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a federal agency in the Department of Commerce that strives to protect the economic interests of inventors and the welfare of the public. According to the USPTO, the purpose of these patents is to "promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution)." The USPTO is one of the very few government services that actually completely fee funded. This is as compared to the US Postal Service and Amtrak, which are both fee funded but run deficits requiring federal money. The USPTO occupies five interconnected buildings in the Carlyle District of Alexandria, Virginia. This office employs over 7,000 full time staff to support its major functions---the examination and issuance of patents and the examination and registration of trademarks. Every day young and old patent examiners move to our fair city seeking residence. Many prefer the new and sparkling appeal of the Carlyle District, while some enjoy the colonial feel of Old Town. While Old Town and Carlyle District are both closest, these areas are pricey. For those who want to live close to the USPTO but who are seeking bargains Huntington, New Alexandria or the West End are excellent alternatives.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · | ||
Pool at Alexandria House
The Alexandria House is located on Pitt St. in Old Town Alexandria VA. Alexandria House offers spectacular views from enormous balconies in the heart of Old Town. Alexandria House is one of a very few high-rises in Old Town so it commands views north to Washington DC, south down the Potomac, west to Arlington and the Blue Ridge Mountains and east to Maryland. The 23rd floor is home to the Drake Club---a community party room that residents can reserve for parties and get togethers. On the roof is a pool with sweeping views of the city. A great place to relax on a hot summer day. Click Alexandria House for a check of prices, map of the area and more detailed information about condos for sale at the Alexandria House.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · | ||
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.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · | ||
The Alexandria House --- condos with a view in Old Town Alexandria
The Alexandria House is located a few blocks from King St. on Madison St. in Old Town Alexandria between the waterfront and the Washington St. This towering landmark of a building boasts broad wrap-around balconies with views of the Capitol, National Airport, Old Town and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This condo complex is in a spectacular neighborhood, but to me anyway, the real appeal of the Alexandria House is the balconies and the views.
I have collected some snapshots to represent the views from these condominium balconies.
This is a view from the northeastern side of the building about 20 floors up. The view is over the north end of Alexandria toward the Blue Ridge Mountains. The high-rises of Arlington are easily visible to the naked eye but in this picture Arlington is just a few bumps near the horizon on the right.
In this unit the kitchen has a pass-through that allows the cook to look out to windows on three sides. In the distance one can see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Potomac River.
The wrap-around balconies mean that even the bedrooms have balconies and tremendous views.
In this picture its obvious that Alexandria House is only a block or two from the waterfront. Down below one of Alexandria's many pleasure boats tools upriver toward Washington DC. Check these links for more views or information about the Alexandria House condos in Old Town Alexandria. To search condo listings in Old Town Alexandria click here. Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · | ||
Alexandria House -- condos with a view in Old Town
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County · |
Neighbors & Friends
- Carlyle District — All about the Carlyle District in Old Town Alexandria
- Carlyle Info — Info for visitors, residents, buyers and sellers in and near Carlyle and the USPTO
- Carlyle Towers — Search listings and check prices of condos for sale at Carlyle Towers
- Carlyle Old Town --- Tools to shop and compare homes for sale in Old Town and the Carlyle District
- Port Royal Condos — Condos in Old Town
- Port Royal Condos in Old Town — News and notes from Old Town's Port Royal
- Porto Vecchio Condos — Luxury condos on the Potomac at Old Town Alexandria
- Porto Vecchio Info — contact information and more for Porto Vecchio condos in Alexandria VA
- The Alexandria House --- Condominiums in Old Town featuring immense balconies and wonderful views
- Alexandria House Info --- Official condo info about the Alexandria House condominiums in Alexandria VA
- The Alexandria House --- Pictures and notes about the Alexandria House in Old Town Alexandria VA
- Royalton Condominiums — Newly built condos in Old Town near King St. Metro
- The Royalton Info — Activities, amenities and info about the Royalton
Property Search
Fast and free search of MLS data, listings on everything available in 22314, Old Town's zip code.
- Alexandria House --- To see what's for sale ONLY at Alexandria House
- For sale — Live data on all condos for sale in 22314 zip code.
- Area Rentals — Live data on rentals in and near Alexandria VA
