Will's Blog

Update on your condo for sale at the Torpedo Factory

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:13:06 -0600

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.

Northern Virginia's Most Walkable Neighborhoods

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:37:52 -0600

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

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.

Rosslyn --- On the Orange Line

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:45:09 -0500

Located on D.C. Metrorail's Orange Line, Rosslyn is the last stop in Arlington before entering the District and, compared to its more suburban-feeling counterpart neighborhoods such as Courthouse and Clarendon, Rosslyn has a distinctly urban feel. In large part, this is due to the corporate and commercial businesses occupying the area, including nationally known companies like Price Waterhouse Coopers, the Boeing Company, and several major hotel chains such as Marriott and Hyatt.

A mix of culture and community, Rosslyn offers a gamut of local activities such as the Rosslyn Spectrum Theater, a vibrant performing arts venue featuring live music and theater in the evenings, or the Arlington History Bike Tour. Rosslyn is also home to an annual jazz festival each September. Although it is known as one of Arlington's most urban villages, Rosslyn also provides a home to those who seek to live outside of the District, and many of the residential apartment complexes offer a serene view of the Potomac River and the streets are often calm by the end of the evening.

For those seeking real estate in Arlington here are a few links and suggestions along the Orange Line:

Rosslyn --- At the center of the world: many homes here have views of Washington monuments, Iwo Jima Memorial
- Atrium -- stunning condos enclosed in glass
- Belvedere -- luxury at the center of the everything near the Rosslyn Metro
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 --- Metro station located near I-66
Dunn Loring / Merrifield --- Homes and properties near and inside the Beltway
- Halstead at the Metro --- Newly built brick garden-style condos on the Orange Line at Dunn Loring Metro
- Wilton House and Westbriar -- High-rise condos and garden style condos at Dunn Loring
Vienna --- First/last stop on the Orange Line in Virginia

Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac in Fairfax County

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:56:18 -0500

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

Iwo Jima Memorial

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:02:08 -0500

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:

Condos at Courthouse Metro

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:55:36 -0500

The Courthouse Metro Station is located in Arlington, Virginia at Wilson Boulevard and Uhle Street. The Court House metro is located on the Orange Line, in between the Rosslyn and Clarendon metro stations, and services the greater Courthouse neighborhood. The metro station began service in 1979 and is scheduled to be on the Silver Line by the start of operations in 2011. Located in the epicenter of Arlington, estimates project that sum 14,000 people enter and exit the station on an average weekday.

The area surrounding the Courthouse Metro Station represents a wide-range of residential, commercial, government and retail buildings. Colonial Village, for example, located just north of the metro station, is one of Arlington's first garden apartment complexes and part of the complex has been designated as a Historic District by the Arlington County Board. By contrast, the metro stop is also surrounded by the Court House Plaza buildings, which include almost 600,000 square feet of office space. In 1993, the Arlington County Board adopted the Court House Sector Plan Addendum which envisions the Court House metro station area as an urban government center with an eclectic mix of numerous, high-capacity office and commercial properties coexisting with and in preservation of the nearby local and residential neighborhoods.

If you're looking for a home on the Orange Line, you might find the following links 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 --- 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

Questions for your real estate agent

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:39:06 -0500

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.

Part of Alexandria is not in Alexandria!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:50:49 -0500

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:

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.

Boardgames and New Friends in Northern VA

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:23:49 -0500

If you enjoy boardgames and meeting new people you should check out this event hosted by the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group.

This group enjoys playing "Eurogames". Eurogames are games that emphasize strategy, downplay luck, lean towards economic (trading and building) rather than military themes, and have attractive physical components.

Newcomers are welcomed because these games often have few rules and are easy to learn. The organizer warns that some of these games are long and complex but they don't often play those games. They are called "Eurogames" because this fad of games originated in Europe with games like Settlers of Catan. Most of these games were invented in the last 25 years, but if you liked Life, Clue, Risk and Monopoly as a child, you will probably like Eurogames as an adult.

This event is at a private residence in West Springfield on Oct. 17 from noon to 11 p.m. You may bring food to share or bring money for ordering pizza. or Chinese. We will have some snacks and drinks available. RSVP and directions are found at the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group.

Vienna Metro Station

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:53:27 -0500

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.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria VA

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:14:55 -0500

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is located in the Carlyle District of Old Town Alexandria VA. The USPTO is one of Alexandria's top employers and a magnet for sharp, well-educated folks from across the country. Commuters have easy access to the USPTO because it's located a few blocks from Alexandria's King Street Metro and just inside the Capitol Beltway. The mission of the USPTO is to protect the interests of inventors of intellectual property, while providing for the good of the nation and the market.

The Carlyle District and Old Town have many upscale shops, restaurants, hotels and restaurants. Young patent examiners may have a hard time finding an affordable residence in Old Town or the Carlyle District, but have many choices close by in Huntington, New Alexandria and the West End of Alexandria.

Coming Attractions at the Torpedo Factory condos in Old Town Alexandria

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:02:37 -0500

Are you looking for two bedrooms in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Northern Virginia? This is your "heads-up".

We'll soon be offering a condominium for sale at the famed Torpedo Factory condos in Old Town Alexandria VA.

There are a few details we're going to take care of before formally offering the place for sale, but one of the highlights of the home has to be the patio and sunroom.

At the edge of the formal gardens in the courtyard of the Torpedo Factory condos, this home is just paces from all the many attractions and activities of Old Town. The restaurants, the waterfront and everything that is wonderful about Old Town Alexandria is at your doorstep when you live at the Torpedo Factory.

Call 703 765 0300 to inquire about the availability of this home which promises to be priced right and delivered in top condition.

Many Musicians of Old Town Alexandria

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:51:11 -0500

If you like street music, then you'll find no better spot to wander than Old Town Alexandria. Through-out the week, especially on weekends, musicians gather in Old Town at street corners and near the waterfront to play music for tips and applause. Most are highly talented professionals, some are learning to play their instrument in front of a crowd. I enjoy them both in different ways.

Here in Old Town Alexandria, you'll find everything from a lonely saxophone, to steel drums to an entire band. Below I've collected a few photos to give you a taste of Old Town's many musicians.

This foursome was phenomenal singing and playing old time mountain music. It was a great throwback to the Carters because the gal in the front on the guitar was a great singer. The banjo player and bass were on point and I love the texture that the mandolin (seated behind guitar) provided.

The glass harp as played by Jamie Turner is an old town treat one simply must hear in person to appreciate.

This glass not only strummed the harp to perfection but she also sang beautifully.

At the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory there are often a few soloists serving up music for passers-by.

I heard some fine picking and strumming from this pair.

Surrey of Manchester Lakes

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:55:53 -0500

Surrey is one of the condominium communities that make up Manchester Lakes and it happens to be one of my favorite spots in Northern Virginia. Because Surrey is in Manchester Lakes these condos have access to community features like the club room and the pool, but the condo fees at Surrey are remarkably low. Surrey is very well-tended but they are designed to keep fees low. Surrey provides garden-style condos without need for elevators or carpeting in common areas or even electricity or temperature control in the common areas. Every condo at Surrey has a porch or a patio and every condo at Surrey has a real fireplace.

The floorplans have the feel of the "all-American rambler". That is to say, the unit is all on one level with large open kitchen-dining-living area at one side of the unit and at the end of the hall a pair of bedrooms with each with a bathroom. Surrey does not have a "double-master" lay-out. There is one master-bedroom here.

The neighborhood is very pleasant with easy access to Kingstowne and Springfield. Of course, the Franconia-Springfield Metro is right around the corner and some residents walk to the metro as part of their commute.

Stratford Landing

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:53:24 -0500

The east bank of Little Hunting Creek is called Stratford Landing . Stratford on the Potomac is near the point where Little Hunting Creek enters the Potomac.

LIke Arcturus, this natural harbor was at one time a boaters' get-away: the perfect place for DC anglers to escape from the city.

There are few remnants of the fishing shacks here. One is more likely to find a multi-million dollar estate home.

Some homes on have piers and docks, many are have near waterfront exposure. Here's a list of what's available in Stratford Landing including both Stratford Landing and Stratford on the Potomac.