Adm. & Mrs. R~,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Condo-Alexandria.com now allows users to search for property by "Walk Score". Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score promises to measure how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle---not how pretty the area is for walking. In reality,

What does a property's Walk Score score mean?

Each home listed for sale is given a Walk Score. That number is between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:

• 90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people can get by without owning a car.
• 70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
• 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
• 25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
• 0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

Walk Score isn't perfect ...

Home buyers need to be aware that Walk Score is just an approximation of walkability.

For example, the Skyline communities of Falls Church generally have a higher Walk Score than the New Alexandria community of Belle View. River Towers has pleasant tree-lined walkways with easy access to neighborhood shops, parks, libraries, the Potomac. Skyline Square is convenient as can be, but broad and busy 4 lane roads make walking inconvenient, if not dangerous. But River Towers doesn't score as high on Walk Score as Skyline Square.

So, there are a number of factors that contribute to walkability that are not part of the algorithm used to calculate Walk Score:

• Public transit: Good public transit is important for walkable neighborhoods. Not to fear: you can also search for homes near a metro station.
• Street width and block length: Narrow streets slow down traffic. Short blocks provide more routes to the same destination and make it easier to take a direct route.
• Street design: Sidewalks and safe crossings are essential to walkability. Appropriate automobile speeds, trees, and other features also help.
• Safety from crime and crashes: How much crime is in the neighborhood? How many traffic accidents are there? Are streets well-lit?
• Pedestrian-friendly community design: Are buildings close to the sidewalk with parking in back? Are destinations clustered together?
• Topography: Hills can make walking difficult, especially if you're carrying groceries.
• Freeways and bodies of water: Freeways can divide neighborhoods. Swimming is harder than walking.
• Weather: In some places it's just too hot or cold to walk regularly.

Thus, the tools on our site are a great starting point in your search for homes and neighborhoods of Northern Virginia, but there really is no substitute for your Condo 1 Alexandria realtor. We know the areas and neighborhoods where you want to live and we can really help you sort to the wheat from the chaff.

Northern Virginia's Most Walkable Homes for Sale

• $574,900 :: 325 Royal St N, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $266,000 :: 4517 Holmes Run Pkwy, Alexandria VA, 22304
• $485,000 :: 2400 Clarendon Blvd #105, Arlington VA, 22201
• $142,000 :: 1011 Arlington Blvd #514, Arlington VA, 22209
• $129,000 :: 4102203 Daniels Ave #203, Annandale VA, 22003
• $579,900 :: 320 West St S #102, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $625,000 :: 320 West St S #109, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $650,000 :: 320 West St S #106, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $450,000 :: 2100 Lee Hwy #238, Arlington VA, 22201
• $359,000 :: 1600 Oak St N #1731, Arlington VA, 22209
• $479,000 :: 1115 Cameron St #113, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $1,049,000 :: 1600 Clarendon Blvd #W205, Arlington VA, 22209
• $753,835 :: 3411 13th St. S., Arlington VA, 22204
• $350,000 :: 3800 Fairfax Dr #201, Arlington VA, 22203
• $735,385 :: 3409 13th St. S., Arlington VA, 22204
• $345,555 :: 2100 Lee Hwy #235, Arlington VA, 22201
• $429,500 :: 1050 Taylor St N #1-207, Arlington VA, 22201
• $389,000 :: 1021 Garfield St N #B43, Arlington VA, 22201
• $995,000 :: 1308 Hartford St, Arlington VA, 22201
• $510,000 :: 400 Madison St #907, Alexandria VA, 22314

Well, maybe ...

The properties listed above score very high on the Walk Score criteria and are thus featured here. Search for more walkable properties or contact us for tips and suggestions to fit any budget.

The Mount Vernon District of Fairfax County encourages all measure of civic and community participation. Whatever your interests are, such as enjoying the local parks and recreation services, connecting through community service, or even involvement with a very active PTA, the Mount Vernon District offers something for everyone. One event that is particularly meaningful to local Mount Vernon District residents is the annual town meeting, which is usually held on the last Saturday of every January at the Mount Vernon High School, and has been ongoing since 1988. Finally, the Mount Vernon District is well known as an ample area for venture capital investments.

Another point of interest is the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, located at 2017 Belle View Boulevard in Alexandria, which offers a variety of exercise and recreational programs including ice skating, swimming, and other fitness activities. The Mount Vernon District also offers two distinct Farmer’s Markets, on Tuesdays and Sundays, both of which provide fresh flowers and produce, as well as baked and home goods.

The benefits of living in the Mount Vernon District are numerous. With an energetic and vivacious community of citizens and ample residential housing and condo opportunities, the Mount Vernon District has carved out its own place in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area and is known for its family-friendly values and high community standards.

Here are a few of the neighborhoods of Mount Vernon

• Arcturus
  
• Fort Belvoir
• Fort Hunt
  • Fort Hunt --- Properties for sale in and around Fort Hunt and Fort Hunt Rd.
  • Arcturus --- fine homes on the waterfront between Mount Vernon and Alexandria
  • Belle Haven --- a prestigious neighborhood near Old Town Alexandria
  • Belle View --- cute condos in New Alexandria
  • Bucknell Manor and Bucknell Hieghts --- cape cods and townhouses
  • Hollin Hall --- Hollin Hall, Hollindale and other homes near Collingwood in Fairfax County south of Alexandria
  • Hollin Hills --- the future of housing yesterday ... distinctly modern vintage homes in a lush forest
  • Mason Hill --- single family homes near Paul Spring and Fort Hunt
  • New Alexandria --- great homes near the Belle View Shopping Center between Fort Hunt Road and GW Parkway
  • River Towers --- condos south of Alexandria near Fort Hunt Road surrounded by parks
  • Stratford Landing --- a quiet community near Mount Vernon
  • Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Heights --- overlooking the Potomac and GW Parkway south of Alexandria
  • Waynewood --- small town feel with an easy commute to Alexandria, DC, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir and more
• Franconia
• Hayfield
• Huntington
  • Huntington Metro --- Properties for sale near Huntington Metros
  • Hunting Creek Club --- views and balconies on a budget
  • Huntington Club --- condo fees include all utilities / walk to metro
  • Huntington Run --- newer garden-style condos a few blocks from the metro
  • Huntington Walk --- brick condos with balconies
  • Jefferson Manor --- brick townhouses in walking distance to metro
  • Midtown Alexandria Station --- sparkling new elegant condos on the Yellow Line
  • Montebello --- resort-style living with access to the city
• Huntly Meadows
  • 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
• Kingstowne
• Lorton
• Mason Neck
• New Alexandria
• Woodstone

The Marine Corps War Memorial honors fallen U.S. Marine Corps members depicting one of the most famous incidents of World War II. The incident was witnessed by news photographer Joe Rosenthal whose picture of six men raising the American flag on Mt. Suribachi won the Pulitzer Prize and later became the symbol of the war effort in the Pacific. The depiction was also used by the American government to sell war bonds and to promote the war effort. Finally, the picture inspired sculptor Felix DeWeldon, who created a life size model of the photograph, where it was later cast into bronze and brought to Washington, D.C, in September 1954.

The names and dates of every principal Marine Corps engagement since the founding of the Corps is burnished into the base of the statue, as well as the inscription: "In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775."

The Memorial is located on Marshall Drive, between Rt. 50 and the Arlington National Cemetery in Rosslyn. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Telephone 703-289-2500 for further information about scheduled events.

If you're looking for a home near the Iwo Jima Memorial or Rosslyn, you may find the following links useful:

• Rosslyn
• Arlington

Real estate agents are licensed real estate professionals. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that licenses be posted in a prominent place in the office of the real estate broker. If you don't see that license, ask if the agent is licensed and ask if the license is current. Agents also carry a license on their person.

Agents are required to train and take courses, so ask about your agent about their training, and about what resources they use to locate either properties for sale or prospective buyers. If you are buying or selling a home, make sure the real estate agent has access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The MLS charges agents a pretty hefty monthly fee and believe it or not some agents let their access to the MLS lapse. Make sure your agent has full access to the MLS.

If you are selling property, ask your realtor to provide you with prices of comparable properties sold in your area so you can be sure you are listing your property for a fair and reasonable price. This is called a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA. A CMA can help you and your agent determine how long it takes the agent on average to sell property. This can also help point to the best marketing plan for selling your property.

Buyers should ask about the type of properties the agent specializes in, condos, commercial, townhouses, luxury, area, etc. Also as a buyer you should provide the agent any additional information about things like local schools and community information.

Buying and selling property can be simple with the help of a good real estate agency. Spend the time to find the right real estate agency for your needs.

We appreciate the opportunity to show what we can do for your business. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

It's true: a portion of Alexandria is not in the City of Alexandria at all!

This is because of how the Commonwealth of Virginia organizes its jurisdictions. The state is organized into counties and county-like jurisdictions called "independent cities" or just "cities". In most respects, a city is not much more than a county that wants to be called a city. For example, the county of Arlington is larger, more populous and more urban than most cities in Virginia; while the city of Falls Church is about the same size as the town of Vienna which is in Fairfax County.

Speaking of towns, newcomers sometimes confuse a city with an "incorporated town". An incorporated town, like a city, has its own government. However a town is located inside a county. Like a town, a city has its own government, but a city is not part of any county.

Northern Virginia has several independent cities and the City of Alexandria is one such independent city. The City of Alexandria borders Fairfax County, but Alexandria is not in Fairfax County.

However, to make things especially confusing for newcomers and for folks hunting houses, there are large parts of Fairfax County that have an Alexandria postal address. These areas of "Greater Alexandria" are most definitely part of Fairfax County and are not in the City of Alexandria. In general, postal Alexandria is more suburban than addresses in the City of Alexandria, but this is not always the case. A few of neighborhood in Alexandria of Fairfax County include:

• Fort Hunt
• Franconia
• Huntington
• Kingstowne
• New Alexandria
• Parts of Springfield

To make things a little more confusing, Fairfax County surrounds the City of Fairfax. Locals generally refer to the county as "Fairfax County" and the city as "Fairfax", but Alexandria uses the opposite nomenclature. "Alexandria" generally refers to greater/postal Alexandria, while "City of Alexandria" refers to the jurisidiction of the City of Alexandria.

If you're still confused, no worries!  We'll do all the work of searching for homes for you.  Contact us today and give me an idea what you're looking for. At any given time there are thousands of homes for sale in Northern Virgina.  One of them is the right home for you.

Vienna Metro Station is a Washington Metro Station in Fairfax County located in Virginia, on the Orange Line. The Vienna Metro is located in Oakton, though its official address is of Fairfax, in the median of Interstate 66 at Nutley Street. The station provides easy access to the nearby town of Vienna, Fairfax City and the main campus of George Mason University.

For the metro rail, each passenger requires a farecard or a SmarTrip card to enter and exit, though up to two children under age five may travel free with a paying customer. Fare cards are available at the fare vending machines and also available online. The farecard machines accept credit and debit card or passes. The hours of service on Monday to Thursday are 5 a.m. to midnight, on Friday 5a.m.to 3a.m., on Saturday 7a.m.to 3a.m., and 7a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

The Vienna Metro offers daily or hourly parking but parking at the station sells out almost daily. WMATA also rents out monthly reserved parking. Riders purchase permits to park in reserved places.

Click Vienna Metro for a map of homes available near the Vienna Metro.