What every renter should know about Montebello

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As the primary mover and shaker at Condo Alexandria, I field calls every single day from renters who are interested in condominiums. The names and locations change but there are a few fundamental misconceptions that are so common, I feel the need to write this note for the general benefit of the world at large.

It looks like an apartment, but it's not an apartment.

First of all, a renter needs to understand the difference between an apartment and a condominium. An apartment, or any multi-family dwelling, is owned by a single entity. Most usually the owner is a company, but more rarely an individual owns the property. Employees of the apartment complex, or the owner himself, manages the property.

A condominium is different because there are many owners, meaning each unit is individually titled. The owners of a given condominium complex make up something called a condominium association. The association jointly owns the common areas such as the lobby and the lawns. The association oversees the management of the property.

There is no rental office: you need an agent.

When you rent at an apartment complex, you'll see a big sign that says "RENTAL OFFICE". That office is staffed by folks whose job it is to explain to you why that particular building is the greatest place to live in the world. They are generally helpful and pleasant and they will gladly show you a model apartment and give you an idea of what is "coming available".

A condominium complex is completely different. The condo office is filled with employees of the condominium association. The employees at the condo office are concerned with the maintenance and security of the building. They could care less where you rent or where you live. In most condominiums in Northern Virginia, staff won't allow you to enter the property and they won't show you any rentals here or anywhere else. The staff has no idea what is available or what is "coming available".

A condominium complex looks like an apartment building on outside, but it's more like a neighborhood full of townhouses or houses. In a neighborhood everyone lives in the same place with similar housing but each person owns their own house. If you want to rent in that neighborhood, you CAN'T do so by banging on people's doors and asking them to see their house. Nobody in the neighborhood knows "what's coming available". If you want to tour a house in a neighborhood, you need a real estate agent. An agent costs the renter nothing, but can be of great service to you. [click for more about this]

It's the same in a condo. If you don't have an agent you can't see a condo, or any private residence. Homeowners don't want strange people walking through their house and they don't want to make allowances unless a real estate agent knows their is a possibility that you can afford the rent.

There are always other options.

If you don't want a rental agent, you do have a choice. You can rent from an apartment complex---less hassles on the front end, more hassles on the back end. Or, you can take your chances on Craigslist. My advice: Craigslist is great for room shares, but doesn't work so well for grown-ups.

The most important thing every renter should know about condos.

Then, the last and most important thing any renter should know about condos: in today's market a condo will cost you a few dollars more each month than a rental. But a condo will cost you less on an annual basis.

How is this possible? Condo owners pay association fees and mortgage. Taken together, a first time buyer with a low down payment will have payment slightly higher than a rental. But each year we all file taxes. Renters take a standard deduction. But, property owners can deduct real estate taxes, mortgage interest, depreciation and certain other expenses from their taxes. This can amount to thousands of real dollars in your pocket each year.

Don't forget, next year, the renter will get a rent increase. Next year, but if you buy, the mortgage will be the same.

It's your choice, but this is the best time to buy in the last 5 years.

• 6641 Wakefield Dr. #113 •
• Alexandria VA 22307 •

Will Nesbitt Realty LLC is a real estate agency licensed in Virginia. Our unbiased opinions about this and other condo associations are assured as we do not have a listing agency relationship with any particular condominium association. Instead, we pride ourselves working for you our client whether you are a buyer, renter, seller or landlord.

Condo Alexandria is a web content provider that specializes in condos, condominiums, townhouses or and real estate in Northern Virginia. The information on this site is generously provided at no cost to you, but we appreciate and welcome the opportunity to be of service. We serve buyers, renters, seller and landlords in Alexandria, in Arlington, in Falls Church and in Fairfax County.

Will Nesbitt

Prospective renters are urge to select a rental agent rather than randomly search for properties in various location. We stand by this recommendation whether you choose Will Nesbitt Realty LLC, Condo Alexandria or any other agency. An agent provides expert advice at no cost to you the tenant. Any good agent knows the area and will show you only those priorities which suit your budget, commute, needs etc. If you want to know how rental agents work, call us or read this.

If you find a property here that suits your needs, Condo Alexandria can only show you properties in a capacity as a rental agent. Without an agency relationship, we simply can't afford the time/resources to give renters a tour of the area in the hopes that they might rent a particular property. These search tools are provided free and without obligation and we sincerely hope they help you find your next residence. We are still available for free consultations by phone at 703 765 0300.

Property Search

$1,350 :: 5903 Mount Eagle Dr #517, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 1 beds, 1 bath Home size: 850 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 03/09/10, Last Updated: 03/09/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7274860 Tract: Montebello Be prepared to act on this sought-after, newly remodeled mid level 1 BR which offers the footage you crave! Montebello's amenities cinch the prospect of an exclusive, luxurious home high in the leafy treetops of this gated compound: just outside the Beltway/Old Town, over thirty acres, indoor and outdoor pools, on-site markets with METRO Yellow access via path/private shuttle. Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:47:00 GMT.

$1,550 :: 5902 Mount Eagle Dr #517, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 1 beds, 1 bath Home size: 850 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 03/05/10, Last Updated: 03/05/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7271008 Tract: Montebello Spotless one bedroom with enclosed balcony and garage parking. Remodeled to the max, shows extremely well and ready to move in. Amenities galore; beauty shop, conv store, bowling, pool, tennis, sauna, tot lot, rec facility. Freshly painted, new carpet, and so much more. Can rent with an option. A real gem..."10 " Listed with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:25:00 GMT.

$1,750 :: 5901 Mount Eagle Dr #909, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 2 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,120 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 02/02/10, Last Updated: 03/01/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7251428 Tract: Montebello Montebello "D" with seperated brs & a full ba on each side of the lr, w/w, window trmts, Enjoy the varied amenities, Walk/Shuttle to Huntington Metro. Stroll the 35 wdd acres, 24-hr monitored access!! Listed with RE/MAX Allegiance Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:37:00 GMT.

$1,800 :: 5904 Mount Eagle Dr #1501, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 2 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,460 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 11/11/09, Last Updated: 02/25/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7202672 Tract: Montebello Seldom-available EE - yet, R E A D Y! 2 BR 2 BA and over 1450 square feet in which to luxuriate. Montebello's myriad amenities [INdoor and outdoor pools, sauna, fitness suite, on site cafe, salon and market] enhance this opportunity which includes new and newer appliances and Pergo flooring. Experience the subtle nuances of life in Fairfax's premier gated community at METRO Yellow's Huntington! Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:08:00 GMT.

$2,500 :: 5904 Mt Eagle Dr #1208, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 3 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,695 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 02/22/10, Last Updated: 02/23/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7262193 Tract: Montebello Montebello's "J" with a VIEW OF VIEWS--US Capitol, Washington Monument, Potomac River (north & south)! Totally renovated by owner in utmost elegance!! Amenities: id/od pools, tennis, bowling, restaurant, convenience store, shuttle/walk to Metro,35 wdd Acres, 24-hr monitored access!!! Listed with RE/MAX Allegiance Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:12:00 GMT.

$1,450 :: 5902 Mt Eagle Dr #1117, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 1 beds, 1 bath Home size: 850 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 02/14/10, Last Updated: 02/14/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7256843 Tract: Montebello Beautifully prepared with tilings and new-newer stove and washer/dryer! Sought-after high level one bedroom offers huge bedroom with full bath! Montebello's amenities cinch the prospect of an enjoyable, secluded, and luxurious home high above the leafy treetops of this gated compound just south of Alexandria: over thirty acres, indoor and outdoor pools, bowling, on-site stores with METRO!! Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:27:00 GMT.

$1,650 :: 5903 Mount Eagle Dr #705, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 2 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,305 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 02/14/10, Last Updated: 02/14/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7256838 Tract: Montebello lux - Lux - LUX! Six panel doors, tiled foyer and balcony, refrig with icemaker! YellowLine Metro access by path or shuttle from this two bedroom aerie in Fairfax's premier gated community: INdoor and outdoor pools - fitness suites, cafe, salon and market - gated compound off the Beltway with multiple bridge access to Maryland and the District. [Layouts via your search on broker name]. Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:10:00 GMT.

$1,600 :: 5903 Mount Eagle Dr #809, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 2 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,120 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 09/14/09, Last Updated: 02/14/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7159004 Tract: Montebello The price of this listing was last reduced on 2/14/2010 by 4% Newly available 2 BD 2 BA! Fresh paint and NEW carpet! 6 panel doors, ceiling fan, newer systems and appliances, window treatments, ceramic foyer - just the touches you want! Montebello's myriad amenities showcase this jewel: INdoor & OUTdoor pools, fitness suite, over thirty sylvan acres, gated, with path/shuttle to METRO's Yellow Line at Huntington and the Beltway. Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:01:00 GMT.

$1,795 :: 5902 Mount Eagle Dr #1016, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 2 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,195 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 11/10/09, Last Updated: 02/04/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7201619 Tract: Montebello Lovely F model - 2 BR 2 BA and nearly 1200 SF. Glass-enclosed terrace to a view and the multitudinous amenities of Montebello: INdoor and OUTdoor pools, bowling alleys, tennis, fitness suite, sauna, cafe, salon and market 'at home'! Over thirty gated acres at the Beltway and Old Town with METRO Yellow access via path/private shuttle. Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:42:00 GMT.

$1,500 :: 5904 Mt Eagle Furnished Dr #307, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 1 beds, 1 bath Home size: 850 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 10/28/09, Last Updated: 02/03/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7191441 Tract: Montebello Montebello's "A" unique to Bg 5904 with a special bathroom arrangement by bldr.FULLY FURNISHED AND THE BALCONY IS FULLY AVAILABLE TO ENJOY. You wii have the opportunity to enjoy all the wonderful amenities, the shuttle bus, the restaurant, the pools, the bowling, etc., etc. Listed with RE/MAX Allegiance Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:41:00 GMT.

$1,785 :: 5902 Mount Eagle Dr #318, Alexandria VA, 22303 Click headline for more information about this property or to schedule a showing. Click here for a map, more information and additional photos (if any) 3 beds, 2 baths Home size: 1,695 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ft Added: 10/01/09, Last Updated: 01/22/10 Property Type: Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent MLS Number: FX7169994 Tract: Montebello The price of this listing was last reduced on 11/16/2009 by 10% The nearly 1700 SF expanse of this seldom-available 3 BR 2 BA 'J' is for your designing eyes only! New bath, new KT flooring, washer/dryer, built-ins! Montebello's amenities make this T H E availability with METRO Yellow access, private shuttle, and over thirty wooded acres near Old Town in Fairfax's premier gated community!! Listed with Montebello Marketing, Inc. Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. Call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com! Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:55:00 GMT.

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$1,350 :: 5903 Mount Eagle Dr #517, Alexandria VA, 22303

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