Why use a realtor?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(r) are properly called REALTORS(r). They proudly display the REALTOR "(r)" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. All agents and brokers at Condo Alexandria are Realtors. REALTORS(r) are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS(r) subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR(r) again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR(r).

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR(r), here are a dozen more reasons to use a Realtor from Condo Alexandria.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

How does a real estate agent become a REALTOR?

A real estate agent is a professional licensed to buy, sell and manage real estate for a fee on the behalf of others. Not real estate agents are REALTORS.  A broker is a real estate agent who has reached a higher educational standard and who accepts certain additional responsibilities commiserate with this level of licensing. The term "Realtor" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.

A real estate agent or broker who joins the National Association of Realtors is a Realtor.  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) claims to be world's largest professional association. The single biggest distinction between a real estate agent and a Realtor is that all Realtors agree to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, Realtors are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.

Founded in 1908, National Association of Realtors has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. National Association of Realtors is composed of Realtors who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Realtors belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of Realtors and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Brokers and agents of Condo Alexandria are members of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. Additionally, National Association of Realtors offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. Realtors are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

Listings of homes and condos for sale in Northern Virginia

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

What is a realtor?

According to the National Association of Realtors:

A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate® -- the world's largest professional association.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's 720,000 members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. They can join one of our many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections.

REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Working for America's property owners, the National Association provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.

Our agents are abides by this Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. We strive to give our clients value by staying current and knowledgeable about the sales and purchase process. We also constantly increase and improve our knowledge of Northern Virginia's communities, amenities and condominiums.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

A little feedback from an appreciative client

Howdy Mr. Nesbitt--
I wanted to take a moment to highlight the exceptional service I
received from one of your agents, Ben Fornshell. Within a few hours
of emailing Ben, we made an appointment to meet the following day in
order to tour Belle Haven. After meeting up at your office, we walked
along the well-kept streets while Ben shared some of his experiences
with the community; calmly strolling through a neighborhood on a sunny
day while viewing properties is not a typical experience when
searching for a new home. After touring several, I stepped into one
particular unit and realized I was home. Ben walked me through the
particulars before we parted. Later that day, he met with me a second
time, well after working hours, to show the unit to my skeptical wife.
She eagerly concurred and five days later, we signed the
lease--beating out several other applicants largely because of how
well-prepared our package was. Ben's relaxed and informative approach
was a sea-change to the aggressive apartment-pushers usually lurking
in real estate and is a great credit to your business and profession.
Further, his stance made it more than clear that he wasn't merely
looking to push someone into a vacant unit: he was assisting a new
neighbor.

Please convey my very great appreciation for his hard work and
dedication. If you'd like to post this message anywhere online,
please feel free; I only ask that you omit my last name for privacy.

Sincerely,
--Jeremy

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 ·

About Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents act as go-betweens for buyers and sellers of real estate property. With certain exceptions, anyone who assists with the sale of real estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required to be licensed by the state.  Each and every real estate agents must be affiliated with a real estate broker. A broker is a real estate profession who has higher educational requirements and who has a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a real estate agent. A realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. As a realtor, agents and brokers agree to ascribe to a high standard of ethics and participate in continuing education programs.

In most cases, a real estate agent works for one party, either the buyer or seller, renter or landlord. The agent uses his or her specialized training to best represent the clients' best interests. In some cases, the agent will work in a dual capacity representing both sides of the transaction.  In all cases, the agent's first duty is to truth and honesty. But when you choose a real estate agent, don't be afraid to ask about what obligations state law imposes.

Some agencies have up-front fees or retainers.  It's okay to shop around and to interview several agents and agencies to find the one that you feel most comfortable working with, but it's only fair to the agent and to yourself to settle on one agent to sell or buy a home. Although it is your right and duty as a consumer to shop around, it is unethical and unfair to work with more than one agent at a time. An experienced agent will always ask if you already have representation. This way the agent won't waste his time or accidentally interfere with the relationship you already have.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

Why do I need a realtor?

When looking to buy or rent a home, a licensed real estate agent provides a variety of unique skills and connections to ensure you get a much better home.

1. First and foremost a Realtor brings security.  Everyone knows what they want in a home, but very few people realize the litany of potential pitfals that can ruin your new nest.
2. Second, a Realtor brings diversity.  Unless you're going to limit your selection to public listings, and kiss good-bye some of the best homes in the market, then you need a Realtor to grant you access.
3. Third, a Realtor brings you economy.  Whether buying or selling no-one has access to market information to the degree a Realtor does.  This ensures that you're not overspending on your new home, or underselling your old one.
4. Finally, a Realtor brings you peace of mind.  The process of finding a new home, or someone to buy or rent your existing home can be daunting.  Challenges from financing, to proper title transfer, to negotiating your price require attention to detail, and can be very stressful, and time consuming if not handled properly. 

To learn more about how a licensed real estate agent can assist you contact us.

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo1 of 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 ·

What do property managers and leasing agent do?

I recently received this email:

Will,

What all kinds of assistance do you provide? Do you check the background and credit of the perspective renter? If work needs to be done what happens? I know that the carpets will need to be cleaned before the renters would move into the place. Does one have to use your people to do any work necessary? What happens if I were to need a new renter, would your service handle that too? I have never used a service such as yours before, so I have a lot of questions.

Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,
(name withheld)

Like most property managers, our services to the landlord are broken into two different jobs. The first task that landlords ask us to perform is often the task of finding a renter. To describe, explain and memorialize how we find your renter, write and sign a listing agreement.

The listing agreement is not unlike the listing agreement a homeowner signs when he or she sells a house. The listing agreement is what lets us put a lockbox on the door. We need a listing agreement to put the property in the MLS (multiple listing service).

The listing agreement describes the terms and conditions under which we get paid. We only get paid if and when we find a renter. Most agencies charge between one-half to a full month's rent to get this service done. If our client is using our property management services, we let the client set the fee, but we take the time to explain how agents get paid.

Like all listing agreements, the listing agreement will set a term or time period and then expires. In the past few years I can't remember having an expired listing agreement as we push hard to rent quickly.

Once Condo 1 Alexandria or another agency finds a prospective tenant, we take an application and proof of income. We then pull a background check to make determine a recommendation regarding the applicant. If the tenant can afford the property and has a good payment history give a positive recommendation. If the tenant has a questionable credit history or if the tenant can't afford the property we advise the landlord that we have an application but do not recommend proceeding with a lease. In some cases, we can provide solutions to guard the landlord against potentially problematic tenants, but still find a way to move forward with the applicant.

After we are settled on a tenant, we prepare a lease and have it signed by the landlord and tenant. This is the end of our duties as a listing agent.

But that's when our duties as a property manager begin. As a property manager, we collect the rents and make payments to the landlord as described in the property management agreement. From time to time, we respond to service calls from the tenant, dispatching appropriate handymen, electricians, plumbers, etc. to solve the problem. When this happens, we deduct the cost of these services from the rent collected and pay the landlord the remainder. From time to time we make inspections of the property and we occasionally recommend maintenance or upgrades.

Unlike some property managers, we only collect fees when the property is occupied. No rent equals no charge.

If the property needs to be prepared prior to leasing, we can and will make some efforts to put the property in order. Some properties need a little clean-up to prepare for market. We don't charge for managing a clean-up. We simply pass the cost without mark-up back to the landlord. We will take some deposits from the landlord as required to take care of this clean-up.

Some properties need something more than a clean-up. When a property needs a renovation, we may charge a fee to manage construction and clean-up to put the place in order.

Eventually the renter moves out and we'll need a new renter. At that point, we'll sign a new listing agreement and start the process again.

We manage houses, townhouses and condominiums. We bring a special expertise to condo management because we know how condos operate, but we don't limit our business to condos.

It's hard to describe everything we do in a format like this, but that's what we do in a nutshell. There are additional services and limitations I'll describe when we go through the agreements, but this should be enough to get you started. 

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

What a landlord can expect from a property manager.

If you are a landlord, then you need a company you can trust to handle your operational responsibilities. Will Nesbitt Realty LLC and Condo 1 Alexandria have the experience you want in your property manager. Will has been a landlord for over 20 years and is a full service broker trained in property management. Will Nesbitt Realty and Condo 1 Alexandria offers full service management for condos, townhouses and single family residential properties. Condo 1 Alexandria is dedicated to maximizing your profits without sacrificing on service. Here's some of what we do for you:

Lease Administration

Our brokerage will prepare your lease, find and screen tenants.

Rental Servicing

There are a lot of annoying details that landlords must deal with: unless they have a property manager. Our team handles billing, collecting, processing and servicing your rental accounts, staying on top of your cash flow.

Rate Analysis

Will Nesbitt Realty and Condo 1 Alexandria will analyze the market and find the rental rates that will make you the most money.

Building Maintenance

Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty LLC keeps your properties in top operating order.

Marketing

Our strategy is designed to keep your occupancy and tenant retention rates at maximum efficiency.

Vendor Negotiations

We only deal with reputable handymen, landscapers, appliance repairmen and service people. We'll negotiate you best deal and keep your rental operating smoothly.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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

Do you work with properties other than condos?

Because we do business as Condo 1 Alexandria, I'm often asked: do you only work with condos?

The answer is of course: no. I work with all types of real estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. But I do fill several niches and have expertise in a few specific areas that might be of interest to you.

Condo 1 Alexandria serves the condo market in Alexandria (mainly in the West End and Old Town), Crystal City, Pentagon City, Arlington, Fairfax County, and Kingstowne. Our focus these days is on buyers and landlords. As a buyer's agent we are well equipped to find the property that suits you needs and make the sale proceed smoothly and quickly. As property manager we take the hassle out of being a landlord. We of course have listings for sale but if the time isn't right to sell, we'll let you know and advise you of your best options.

Condo 1 Alexandria also does business as Will Nesbitt Realty LLC. In the capacity as Will Nesbitt Realty, I focus on homes and properties near our offices and my home. I have particularly good insight in Alexandria especially around Bucknell and Belle Haven, but also in Kingstowne and Old Town. These neighborhoods have condos, but they also have single family homes and town houses.

If you have questions or if I can be of service, please don't hesitate to contact me! If you need help finding properties please help yourself to our fast and free database of properties that are currently on the market. The number of listings that are available can sometimes be overwhelming, so feel free to contact me if you'd like for us to do the search.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

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