Will's Blog

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The Hunting Creek Club condominiums located on Huntington Avenue just outside Alexandria VA on the Huntington Metro are a great mix of affordability, location and views.  These condos are just a short walk from the lower level of the Huntington Metro and are well-served by many bus lines as well. The tower of Hunting Creek Club shares the neighborhood with a few other high-rises, the most notable being Montebello at the rear on Mount Eagle. Built in 1972, this is building is a classic with plenty of light, generous balconies and an unbeatable location.

• Great location for commuters
• Pool and tennis court
• Recently renovated lobby
• Sturdy, brick, concrete and steel construction
• Beautiful balcony views

Hunting Community Association just announced it's new newsletter, with stories and information of interest to residents of Hunting Creek Club and the Huntington Area.

A full page ad in the newsletter costs $80, the half page ad costs $45 and the quarter page ad costs $30.  The newsletter is published quarterly now, but folks want to publish it monthly in the future. Contact me for more information about ads.

Great property selling tips

One of the many intriguing things about life in Alexandria is Old Town's assortment of highly specialized trade associations. One of these is the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

Ear Nose and Throat treatment and management is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. This specialty is practiced by otolaryngologists (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jists)---also known more commonly as "ear, nose and throat doctors". ENT physicians manage and treat patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck. Counting more than twelve thousand otolaryngolosist as members, the AAO-HNS is the world's largest organization representing otolaryngologists.

The Otolaryngology Historical Society, a section of the AAO-HNS, was founded and dedicated to preserve the history of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This society is dedicated to the history of otolaryngology and to achieve that mission the society manages and administers the John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Found on Prince St. in Old Town, the Adams Center has extensive library, archival, and museum collections to provide educational for the public and professionals alike. The center's collections chronicle and preserve the history of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in the United States and Europe. One of the highpoints of the collection is the Rosalind N. and David Myers Hearing Aid Collection---a renown collection of ear-horns and an earpieces dating back to the earliest days of the specialty. The center also is home to many surgical instruments relating to medical procedures of the ear, nose, and throat as well as medical illustrations from the 17th and 18th century.

These and other artifacts, artwork and papers rotate regularly. The center is not just for eductional purposes but is also available for historical research. Rare books and manuscripts are collected here for that purpose but collected items that are in storage are available only by appointment.

The location is easily accessed via the King St. Metro. Parking in Old Town is sometimes tricky, but is available.

American Academy of Otolaryngology

One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

703-519-1579
Open: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The answer to a simple question you may have been curious about

River Farm is on Virginia's side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County just south of Alexandria. Originally together with nearby Collingwood, River Farm was a sprawling farm that was one of five farms that compromised George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Today, River Farm is twenty five acres of meadows, woods and landscaped gardens.

The gardens bloom all year from the daffodils and lilacs in early spring to the cherries and dogwoods of late spring. Magnolias in the early summer give way to the Crepe Myrtles in later summer. The asters of fall herald the brilliant fall foliage that promises a winter of holly and persimmon. The woods and river banks of River Farm provide habitat for many birds, including bald eagles and ospreys, as well as animals as small as lizards and as big as deer.

These and many other plantings make River Farm an excellent destination for a one day outing but also a lovely place to host an event. River Farm is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays. In addition, from early April through September 25 River Farm is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1pm. River Farm organizes special events and children's programs throughout the year. River Farm's ballroom, patios and gardens are a great place for a spring wedding or corporate get-away.

River Farm

7931 East Boulevard,
Alexandria, VA 22308
Toll-free: (800) 777-7931

The headquarters of the American Horticultural Society is also at River Farm. The American Horticultural Society strives to inspire Americans to appreciate the vital connection between people and plants so that we might become become better caretakers of the Earth. Both experienced and novice gardeners may find the many publications of The American Horticultural Society very useful. Here are a few of their resources:

• The American Gardener
• Tres Fromme's "Gardening by Design" series
• AHS Gardening Books
• Book Recommendations
• Heat Zone Map
• Heat Zone Finder
• On-Line Gardening Catalogs
• Youth Garden Resource List

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

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

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

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

The Collingwood Foundation's main building and grounds, which were once part of George Washington's River Farm, are south of Alexandria on the banks of the Potomac River, surrounded by woods and gardens. The mission of the foundation is to foster an appreciation of our American Heritage by sharing these facilities with all. There are three components to acheiving this mission.

Firstly, the Collingwood Library on Americanism boasts a library of more than five thousand volumes on American heritage. Secondly, the Collingwood Museum is home to an eclectic collection of Americana. Lastly, the foundation opens the grounds to serve as a venue for weddings, corporate gatherings and other private events. are available for weddings, receptions and other private functions.

Collingwood, as the whole is generally refered to, is primarily dependent upon contributions from the public and income from third party events. Collingwood is comprised of a historic mansion between the Potomac and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Today the property is approximately 8.7 but the property was once a part of George Washington's estate of his River Farm at Mount Vernon. Collingwood was purchased by George Washington in 1760. River Farm was the largest of the five working farms all of which were a part of his Mount Vernon estate. Collingwood's namesake was a member of the British forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill and in 1805 an Admiral commanding a portion of the British fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar.

The original house constructed in 1792 was a modest one, but in time there were at least three major additions to the house. From a small two-room house to its current condition as a colonial mansion the property has had many occupants and usages over time. Over the course of the last two and half centuries, Collingwood has been home to farmers, a ferry operator, airline crew members, and Intelligence School students. For a part of the 20th Century, Collingwood served up meals as an area restaurant.

But time took a toll on Colingwood and by 1977 it was no more than overgrown, neglected land and a much vandalized building that only hinted at the history found here. At that time a group of dedicated National Sojourners obtained the property. took possession of the property. Presently, the Foundation for Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism, with offices for Headquarters National Sojourners, maintians and occupies the property.

Collingwood Library and Museum consists of a historic mansion that houses thousands of books and artifacts relating to the history of America. As part of George Washington's River Farm, our rich history had many of our founding fathers walking this land in our nation's infancy. Nestled on approximately 8.7 acres on the Potomac River off the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Alexandria, VA, Collingwood is available for conferences, retreats, business meetings and weddings.

My colleagues in Hawaii and Florida and even in Jackson Hole or Las Vegas, love to post pictures that make me drool with envy. Stunning beaches, snow-capped mountains and striking desert oasis condos we do not have in the Washington Metro Area, but we do have access to our national capital. And every four years we have access to history of a different sort, when our nation installs a President.

Several of my friends in Northern Virginia made the trek to witness President Obama's swearing in. For most folks it started at 6 am at the Metro.

Even at 6 am the line to get on the train was long. For those who were lucky enough to get a seat on the first train, there was a wait for a half-hour or more before the train was underway. When the trains arrived, you begain to get an idea of just how big a number 2 million is.

The crowd was pleasant, but the numbers were overwhelming. It took 45 minutes just to get out of the station.

Top side was like a jail break, as people were glad to finally see the light of day.

The masses of people were staggering, even if they were dwarfed by the touchstones of democracy like the Washington Monument.

This was one of the better view spots open to the public on Inauguration day.  In this picture, Obama is about a quarter of a pixel high, so it's a little tough to make out his expression.

But the Jumbotron was there if you needed to see what was happening.

Then at the end of the day, it's a walk back to the Metro.  Small price to pay to be a witness to history.

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra--- founded in 1954---has worked hard over the past 50+ years to establish a reputation for excellence. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra ("ASO") is dedicated to providing quality, affordable and accessible music in the greater Metropolitan area of Northern Virginia. The ASO also strives to foster a life-long appreciation of symphonic music in area children through arts and music education in schools. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra supports thematic and inter-arts programming with a mixture of contemporary music and classical pieces. The ASO prides itself on powerful performances under the directorship of Kim Allen Kluge.

The ASO is fully professional with a budget of $750,000 earned through ticket sales and program book advertising. (The ASO also receives many contributions from public and private donors, foundations and generous individuals.)

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra produces eight concerts (five regular season, the Alexandria Birthday Concert, the Holiday Concert, and the Children's Festival). The ASO also arranges concerts for Alexandria public school students in June.

In 2002, the ASO moved to the critically acclaimed Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. The Schlesinger Center is metro accessible and located on the Alexandria Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College. This center was designed by world-class acoustical engineers to achieve an atmosphere of sound that is perfect for musical concerts. The concert hall is relatively small, seating only about one thousand people. It features unobstructed views from every seat. The size of the view, the acoustics and the intimacy of the venue ensure a wonderful experience for concert goers.

• Concert Season
• Ticketing
• ASO updates