Reston in the Snow

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

River Towers Rental

River Towers $1195 / 1BR1FB - Condo
Rent: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Parking: Pet Policy: Deposit: Available: Minimum Lease:	1195 / Month One One Full, 0 Partial Ample permit and guest Case by case One months rent Vacant 12 Months
Location 6641 River Towers 707, Alexandria, VA. Washington Square, walking distance to GW Parkway, Route 1 and the Beltway. Bus service to King Street Metro Description Beautifully renovated kitchen, high ceilings, den, and prime Olde Town location. Bus stops within walking distance. Rental Features Controlled Access Open Spaces Children's Playground Outdoor pool Gym Party/Club Room Tennis Courts Ample Public Parking Community Washer/Dryer Electricity, Gas and Water included in condo fee Centralized Heat Central A/C Bus stop in front Contact Ben Fornshell for more information.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fun and Funky Fashion at Crystal City

From February 1-6 Crystal City will celebrate its second annual Fashion Week.  Events will include trunk shows, music, food and drink, and dancing.  Audience members can even participate in an on-the-spot design competition.

Take some time to explore the Crystal City complex, which includes high rise residential buildings, office blocks, hotels, shops and restaurants.

Crystal City's 6,000 residents could go for months, or even years, without leaving the complex, which offers health clubs, banks, drug stores, supermarkets, doctors' and dentists' offices, a post office, nine parks, public concerts, a Water Park, night school and over l50 shops and restaurants.  In case the weather is bad, all these features are connected by underground passageways. 

If they do need to go somewhere, not to worry--because Crystal City is a commuter's dream.  It is five minutes from downtown or Reagan National Airport, lies on two Metro lines, has its own VRE commuter train station and is a hub of the local bicycle commuter system.

To see homes for sale in Crystal City, 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 ·

Charm and Chocolate -- Fairfax City Festival

When Forbes Magazine named Fairfax City #3 of the top 25 U.S. cities to live in, it must have had the Chocolate Festival in mind.

Every year at this time the town invites the rest of us to binge on chocolate and charming 19th century surroundings.  This year's festival will be held on February 6 and 7 in Old Town Fairfax at Main Street and University Drive.

Events will include a contest to create chocolate works of art, a Pancake breakfast (chocolate chip, of course), open house in some the district's historic buildings and a craft show.  Walk off some of those excess calories by exploring well preserved buildings dating from the early 1800's, including the site of the first Confederate casualty of the Civil War and the Fairfax City Courthouse--built in 1800 and still in use today.  The district also includes a wide variety of restaurants and boutiques.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Marlan Forest

A choice location and woodsy feel make Marlan Forest (and its conjoined sister development Marlan Heights) a highly desirable address.

Set just across the George Washington Parkway from the Potomac River, Marlan Forest gives its residents easy access to the Mt. Vernon bike path for walking, running, biking and wildlife viewing.  It is bordered on the west by Ft. Hunt Road, which, along with nearby Route 1, provides abundant shopping opportunities.  Wilson Bridge is a stone's throw away, the Parkway connects commuters to Alexandria and other points north, and the area is served by the Huntington Metro stop.

The "forest" in Marlan Forest is more than just a name; it is a fact.  Builders took pains to spare as many trees as possible, and so today's residents are blessed with the luxury of towering old growth trees in and around their yards.  Homes tend to be beautifully landscaped, adding to the lush, green feel of the development.

Most of the homes were built in the '50's--a variety of ramblers, Colonials and Cape Cods, avoiding the cookie-cutter feel of some developments.  Prices range from $500K to just over $1 million, with an average price of about $800K.

Buyers are also drawn to the Fort Hunt/Mount Vernon area by the excellent Fairfax County Public Schools, county services and safety.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Celebrate Black History Month in Northern Virginia -- February 2010

The Workhouse Arts Center is mounting an exhibition of works by several well-known African-American artists.  The Center is located in Lorton on the site of the defunct prison.

Sully Mansion in Chantilly, built in 1799, offers guided tours which highlight the lives of its early 19th century owners, tenant farmers and slaves, whose original quarters have been preserved.

Guides at Mount Vernon Estate emphasize the lives and contributions of the resident slaves.  Be sure to visit the gift shop for further materials highlighting the African American experience in America in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Attend gospel music concerts, movies and cultural celebrations in Arlington County.

Visit the website of the Arlington County Publc Libraries for a list of exhibits, programs, brochures and suggested readings in Black History.

Check out the Alexandria Black History Museum at 902 Wythe Street.  Its collection includes documents related to the first public schools for African Americans, records of Civil War exploits by black soldiers, a large collection of historic photographs and even some African artifacts.  The Robert H. Robinson library was originally established in 1940 because the Alexandria public libraries were segregated.  The museum and library also have their own adjacent park.  Then take a walk through beautiful, historic Old Town.

Finally, cross the river to celebrate the life Frederick Douglass--abolitionist, businessman and journalist.  Frederick Douglass House is located on the banks of the Anacostia River.  On February 14 historians will celebrate Douglass' birthday with readings, tours, films and music.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Housing Gets Little Mention in Obama Speech

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Washington Square Rental

Washington Square Townhouse for Rent $2250 / 2BR2FB - Olde Town Alexandria Condo
Rent: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Parking: Pet Policy: Deposit: Available: Minimum Lease:	2250 / Month Two plus Den Two Full, 0 Partial Garage plus public street Case by case One months rent Vacant 12 Months
Location 622 S Columbus, Alexandria, VA. Washington Square, walking distance to GW Parkway, Route 1 and the Beltway. Bus service to King Street Metro Description Beautifully renovated kitchen, high ceilings, den, and prime Olde Town location. Bus stops within walking distance. Rental Features Storage Space Patio Garage Parking Ample Public Parking In Unit Washer/Dryer Electric Heat Pump Central A/C Electric Hot Water Heater Walking distance to Metro Contact Ben Fornshell for more information.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Into Fitness?

Athletes, would-be athletes and nature lovers should head south from Old Town Alexandria.

Stretching along the Potomac River from the southern border of Old Town to Mount Vernon Estate is the Mt. Vernon bike path.  Eight miles of asphalt allow locals and visitors to walk, run or bike while enjoying river views and wildlife sightings.  Bald eagles, ospreys, blue heron, cormorants, egrets, ducks and geese are among waterfowl commonly spotted along this corridor, while deer, groundhogs and fox sightings are frequent.  Combine cardio and conservation by following a nature trail through Dyke Marsh.

 Along the bike path is a fitness course and several points of access for canoes or kayaks.

Businesses in the nearby Belle View shopping center allow you to rent a bike, tone up at Curves or take karate lessons.  Adjacent to Belle View is the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, which provides Fairfax County residents with an indoor pool and ice rink.  Farther south on Route 1 is a Gold's Gym.

Local communities such as River Towers, Porto Vecchio and Belle View also offer their residents tennis, swimming and basketball facilities as well as their own in-house gyms.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Skyline Plaza Market Update

Here's a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals as of 2/28/2010. Each report contains the median price along with high and low over the period. All figures are approximations and should not be used to judge final sales values.

Skyline Plaza is located at 3701 and 3705 S George Mason Dr. Falls Church Virginia 22041, near Leesburg Pike (Route 7), I-395, and between Eisenhower Ave and Bailey's Crossroads. Skyline Plaza was built in 1973, it's a 15 minute commute to D.C.

Amenities include:

• 24 Hour Security
• Children's Playground
• Storage Space 
• Outdoor pool
• Sauna
• Gym
• Party/Club Room
• Balconies
• Garage Parking
• Community/In Unit Washer/Dryer
• Electricity, Gas and Water included in condo fee
• Central A/C
• Gas Heat
• Gas Hot Water Heater

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Washer and Dryer in the Unit?

This week I was in a condo selling for over a million dollars.  It was a beautiful condominium home with excellent views, a state of the art kitchen and all the upgrades one might expect ... except the unit didn't have a washer and dryer.

Because my office is in River Towers, and we also serve Belle View, I often confront the question of a washer and dryer in the unit. (Neither River Towers nor Belle View have laundry in the unit.) I've talked to the older residents of River Towers about this and surprisingly many of them resist the idea of putting laundry in the unit. They like their laundry-rooms right where they are---thank you very much.

This might seem baffling to some of the younger generation, but laundry rooms have a number of distinct advantages:

• community --- You get to know your neighbors in the laundry room. This creates a sense of community and you know who belongs in the secured areas and who is a stranger.
• maintenance --- You don't have to worry about buying a new washer when the old one breaks down. More importantly you don't have to worry about your personal laundry flooding a neighbor's condo.
• square footage --- Laundry takes up space. You have more space in your unit if you have a community laundry room
• more washers --- Many folks like to wait and do an entire week of laundry at one time. If you have a laundry room you're not limited to one small washer. You have many washers available.

In a luxury community, most people don't do their own laundry anyway, so they don't care if the laundry is outside the unit. My tip to folks who are shopping for homes in Northern Virginia: don't box yourself in. If you won't consider a unit with a laundry room, you're walking past some of the best neighborhoods in Northern VA.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Rent at The Fountains with all utilities included for only $1199

Will Nesbitt | Condo 1 Alexandria | request more info | 703 765 0300

301 N. Beauregard, Alexandria, VA (posted 8/22/09)

Rent includes ALL utilities. Conveniently located near i-395 with easy access to DC, Arlington, Tyson's Corner and more.

1BR/1BA Condo / $1195/month

• Bedrooms -- 1
• Bathrooms --- 1 full, 0 partial
• Sq Footage --- 758
• Parking --- 1 dedicated
• Pet Policy --- Cats, Small dogs (< 25lbs)
• Deposit --- $1,195

DESCRIPTION

• Nicely maintained condo ready to go. Great views from the balcony.

RENTAL FEATURES

• Air conditioning
• Central heat
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Stove/Oven
• Laundry area - inside
• Swimming pool
• High-speed internet

COMMUNITY FEATURES

• Guest parking
• Clubhouse
• Laundry on-site
• Storage space(s)
• Fitness center
• Swimming pool(s)

More information about the Fountains:

• The Fountains Condominiums --- 301 N. Beauregard in Alexandria VA
• The-Fountains.Info --- Official information about the Fountains Condominiums in Alexandria's West End
• The Fountains Alexandria --- A quick guide to the Fountains Condos in Alexandria near Landmark

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

The Fountains at 301 N. Beauregard

The Fountains condominium community is located in the West End of Alexandria VA. The condo fees here include all utilities plus heating and air conditioning.   The Fountains has a swimming pool, fitness center and party room. There is a limited amount of surface parking available to residents for free, but there are also garage spaces for sale or rent both next door and on-site.Most residences include 1 or more garage spaces. Laundry is on-site and there is 24 hour secured entry into the building. Fountains 301 Condominiums 301 N. Beauregard Alexandria VA 22312 (703) 354-1300 (703) 354 2978 (fax)

The Fountains is located close to I-395 and is well served by public transportation, including DASH buses. From the Fountains, DASH buses follow I-395 to the Pentagon Metro and DC. The Fountains is a very short drive from Arlington's Rosslyn and Crystal City. Shirlington is just down the road on I-395. The Fountains is in Alexandria just a few blocks from Old Town. But the community is still relatively close to Tyson's Corner and Springfield.

To see prices, more pictures and a map click the Fountains.

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.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Bilevel condominiums --- lofts and townhouse style lay-outs

For some people one of the benefits of condo living is that everything is on one level. Many there are no stairs inside the unit of some condominiums. For those in wheelchairs, for the elderly, or for those who just like life without stairs, this is a big advantage. But for some people, life on one level is just not enough.

Lofts and bilevel condominiums offer condo-style living, but doesn't limit life to just one level. One of my favorite examples of this is found in the top floor units at the Tiers of Manchester.

The Tiers are "swiss-style" condominiums. Their roof lines echo the high-pitched roofs favored in Alpine cottages. In Switzerland these roof provide the pitch needed to get excess snow off the roof. But in Manchester Lakes, these roofs provide opportunities for dramatic overlooks in the condo itself.

The pitch of the roof allows for high angled ceilings and the placement of a loft over-looking the living area.

It's difficult in a photograph to show how this brings a real feeling of spaciousness to the condo. The lofts here also provide bonus space for storage and closets under the eaves of the roof. The loft is easily accessed by way of a spiral staircase that only adds to the dramatic feel of these condos.

In Kingstowne has a good many condominiums with lofts and the Tiers of Manchester and Eton Square are just two of my favorites. To check pricing and availability on these go to Tiers or Eton Square.

Lofts are dramatic and very appealing but they aren't for everyone. Another alternative in you're looking for a multi-level condo is the townhouse style layout found at the Sycamores at Van Dorn.

The Sycamores is one of many garden-style condos in this area that offer townhouse-style floorplans in a garden-style condo. This give you all the benefits of condo life (low maintenance, amenities) with the homey feel of a townhouse. In condos such as these, the bedrooms are upstairs but the kitchen and living room are downstairs. In some condos like the Sycamores and Old Town Village, most or all units have a townhouse style unit. In other condos, such as Eton Square in Kingstowne or Worldgate near Reston, on the the top floor units have the townhouse-style unit.

But there is yet one more way to get a multi-floor condo.

Some high-rises offer units with multiple floors. For example the Fountains in the West End of Alexandria VA, have units that occupy two floors. The Fountains is also one of the most affordable condominiums in Northern Virginia and features a convenient location that is easily accessible via I-395 or public transportation. The Atrium in Arlington VA is a high-end condominium in Rosslyn that has dramatic two-level units with two-story windows.

There are plenty of choices these days. Contact us to find a property that will fit your tastes, budget, commute!

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.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Landmark Mall

Landmark Mall is located in the West End of Alexandria near the intersection of Duke Street and I-395. Landmark Mall has more than 120 shops and stores with anchors like Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Sears, and Ann Taylor Loft.

To contact the office send mail or call:

Landmark Mall

5801 Duke St
Alexandria VA 22304

(703) 354-8405

Mall Hours

Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm

Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Memorial Day: 10:00am-9:00pm

Department store and restaurant hours may vary.

One of the fun features of Landmark Mall is the kiddie train. The train takes on passengers at the center of the mall and then---toot-toot!---the train shuttles its little passengers around the mall and back to the play-are at the mall's center.

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.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Alexandria's West End

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

The Fountains --- condos in the West End of Alexandria VA

Every condo at the Fountains has plenty of light and windows. Many condos at the Fountains have balconies with views toward the city or the Blue Ridge.

The Fountains is an older building but very well-maintained. The carpets in the common areas are in top shape, as are the amenities of the Fountains.

The Fountains Management Office

For facilities questions, condo documents, insurance questions and more please contact:

Fountains 301 Condominiums
301 N. Beauregard
Alexandria VA 22312

Buying, Selling or Renting at the Fountains?

Condo 1 Alexandria specializes in condominiums.

You can reach an agent by phone at 703 765 0300 or by email here. Here are driving directions to the office of Condo 1 Alexandria.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

It's all worth it: a happy ending.

Real estate agents work hard. 

Well, let me rephrase that.

I work hard, and every successful real estate agent I know works hard.  I put in long hours. I juggle multiple tasks. I self-motivate. But sometimes, when you're exhausted ... sometimes when your motivator needs motivation, you have to wonder if it is all worth it?

On a day after you run into a demanding renter --- a client who really won't make you any money in the best case --- makes unreasonable demands on your time, you can feel a little worn down. Sometimes transactions blow-up. Sometimes a real estate agent ends up working late into the evening for the chance to make money ... but doesn't make anything. I remember the days when crawled out of a warm bed on a Saturday morning, and rushed to make an early appointment and then was stood up. 

But this isn't a post about poor little me.

This is a thank you to God and to friends and family and life. 

In a slowing market, I am busier than ever. My phone rings all day long. And, I'm happy to work the long hours I do.  I don't think there is any secret to my success. I just work hard and try to take care of people.  And, the best part is that when I take care of people, people take care of me. Sometimes we forget that simple truth, but I was reminded of that this Sunday.

Sunday evening, I was exhausted. My wife was not feeling well.  I wanted to go home, curl up and hide from the world for a few hours.  But, a client of mine wanted me to come to her new home at the Fountains condominiums. She had asked us over to share a meal and to check out the improvements she had made to the home. 

I was too tired to have fun. I didn't want to go.

I called her and told her this.  She wasn't very happy.  She told me she had been hard at work cooking and that her efforts would be wasted. I told her my wife was not feeling well. (She wasn't.)  This client is Brazilian, and she said that in Brazil she would have kept her thoughts to herself. But here in the US, she was going to blurt out her disappointment. 

I groaned to myself.  My wife is a gourmet cook. I've seen her silently suffer after she worked hard at preparing a meal that guests blew off.  So I had no choice.  Tired or no, I had to drag myself to the Fountains to meet my client and her husband.

Guess what?

It was one of the best dinners I've ever eaten (that my wife didn't make).  It turns out my client is a wonderful cook and a generous host. Her condo was tastefully decorated with items from Brazil, her childhood, her familial roots in Austria and with interesting pieces art from around the world.  The meal was well-prepared with foods that took time, love and effort to make the right way.  While we enjoyed foods from her Brazilian and European heritage, her husband put a little Brazilian music on the stereo. 

Then after dinner, her husband pulled out his guitar and played a few classics in Brazilian and Spanish.  He was amazingly talented. While he sang, she translated.  It was quite a performance. The best part was when he played an original tune. 

And to think what a fool I would have been if I hadn't gone.

I was exhausted and needed some good food.  The universe had carefully prepared me exactly what I needed and I was about to walk away from it! This only reinforces my belief that you should always do what is right.

If you do what is right, the universe, and God, will look out for you, providing exactly what you need exactly when you need it.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·