What types of Reston townhouses for sale are there?

Most Reston townhouses are homes standing on a parcel of land you own, and are attached to other houses. Usually, you get a little backyard with a fence that separates it from the backyards of your neighbors. The communities around which these townhouses are built are medium in size but range in Reston from just 28 homes to in excess of 200 with the average about 60 to 80 homes per ‘cluster’ or neighborhood.

What about the ownership system?

Each townhouse community has ultimately its own unique structure. Usually, however, when you buy Reston townhouses for sale, you have to sign a simple agreement which stipulates how each parcel of land and the house on it is owned.

In addition, when there are other amenities in the community, like for example swimming pools or children’s playgrounds, you also share the ownership of those as well. Note that you normally have to pay for the maintenance of those amenities.

Can I paint my Reston townhouse pink?

Painting a townhouse or attached house a gaudy color is not usually a good idea. Often, when you buy a Reston townhouse, you need to agree to certain conditions, such as to preserve the color of the facade house, or, in stricter cases, even that of your front yard fence.

When it comes to rows of townhouses, the community normally tries to preserve the overall look of the houses, at least when the facade is considered. So painting your townhouse pink is not a sensible choice, though in rare cases you may get away with it.

What about security and maintenance?

A townhouse can offer a bit more security, or a feeling of more security, than a detached house because of its attachment to one or more other houses. People who are busy and or travel often like the close proximity of neighbors and knowing neighbors can keep an eye out for visitors and guests.  Maintenance is similar to a single family home in that you own the house…the roof, exterior painting and staining are the responsibility of the owner and not the cluster.

If you think townhomes in Reston, VA are indeed for you, contact a Reston real estate agent now to find the best home for your situation.

What’s the difference between Reston semi-detached houses and Reston townhouses?

A semi-detached house in Reston has usually up to three stories, sometimes more, and shares one exterior wall with another house. A Reston townhouse, on the other hand, also known as an attached house or an old fashioned row house, with about the same number of stories, but with all or some of its sidewalls shared with another house. When you own a townhouse you own the land on which it stands as well, and you usually have at least a small front and backyard.

What’s the big advantage of Reston townhouses over detached houses?

Reston townhouses are more affordable than detached houses because they are cheaper to build. This has nothing to do with the quality of the materials used, but with the fact that they share walls as well as the foundation with other townhouses. Also, the builder can fit more townhouses on the same plot land than detached homes. In other words, when you are given the choice between a townhouse and a detached house in the same area of Reston, both having the same size, choosing the first means you get more ‘house’ for the money.

Do townhomes for purchase or rent in Reston, VA have any other advantages?

Because of the walls they share with other houses, townhouses in Reston, VA are generally cheaper to heat and cool. And that’s good because winters in Reston can be in the range of cool to cold to down right bitter.  In 2010, for example, we had some impressive snowstorms. So if you’re looking for a home and are concerned about overall utility costs to heat and cool the townhouse option is well worth considering.

What About the cons of Reston townhouses?

As with all attached or semi-attached houses, some people fear townhouses may suffer from privacy issues, in particular from noise. But this really depends on the neighbors you have.  In my years of experience this has rarely been an issue and keep in mind you could live in a detached home and have an inconsiderate neighbor just like in an inexpensive or starter apartment.  The good thing is that most townhouses in Reston are very well built and insulated to block noise from outside.

How to avoid Reston townhouses cons?

To avoid any major issues when buying a home due your homework…find areas that you like and visit them often, in nice weather get out and walk and meet the neighbors, gauge the overall upkeep of the homes and notice the quality, age and type of cars in the parking lots.  As always, you should use the services of a Reston realtor who can find the appropriate townhouse for you in the location and setting you want. Most of the common issues affecting the purchase of a home can be avoided by using a realtor who knows the neighborhood.  As a planned community Reston is a unique place to buy a home and also to live…it is a truly unique lifestyle!

If you’re looking for Reston townhouses for sale, or if you want to sell a Reston townhouse yourself, use the services of an experienced realtor who knows the area well.

How does it feel to live in Reston?

Many residents, especially those who come from neighboring Richmond, feel that Reston is a true suburban location. And they like it. They especially appreciate that in Reston you can walk or bike to basically any important location in the area. That’s a feat that few other American communities with 50,000+ residents can boast.

Where is the heart of Reston?

Reston Town Center is generally regarded as the heart of the town. The center doesn’t feel that much like a downtown because of its open spaces. It’s more like a plaza. It’s around this center that you’ll find Reston townhouses, which are an important aspect of the local real estate market. Many of the notable houses for sale in Reston are in fact the splendid townhouses in the proximity of the town center.

Is Reston safe?

While no town with 50,000+ citizens can ever be considered perfectly safe, Reston is generally regarded as a safe location, with crime and theft rates lower than in neighboring areas. One of the great things about Reston is that there are no dangerous places that you must definitely avoid. The town is safe all-round.

Is it hard to buy or rent Renton properties?

Not at all. The Renton properties are appealing and come in a variety of forms, from splendid townhouses to accessible condos. There is always a fair selection of properties for sale, and Renton realtors can help you find the best deal for your money. And if you need some more help, there are also Renton property management services.

What about selling Renton properties?

Renton sees each year a fair share of relocations, usually people coming from neighboring areas, attracted by the local convenience of the town and its surrounding areas. And there’s always a lot of movement among existing residents who trade or exchange properties, both condos and houses. As a resident, you can expect to list your Renton property with a realtor and have it rented or sold in a matter of weeks or months, depending on the state of the local real estate market.

Whether you want to buy, rent, or sell property in Reston, a local realtor can help you.

What credit score do I need to buy real estate in Reston?

You will need a good credit score to get the mortgage that will allow you to buy a house. The reason for this is not that Reston properties are expensive, but that since the credit crunch of 2008 financing companies – those based in Reston included – are less willing to lend money to borrowers without near perfect credit.  A few ‘glitches’ are acceptable but in general you will not want to have any late pays to your current mortgage company or if renting late payments for rent due the landlord – yes, they do check with your landlord for the past two years.

How much money do I need to buy properties in Reston?

It all depends on whether you want a condominium, townhouse or a house, as well as on the size of the property, its location, and obviously, its condition. Many people who relocate to Reston from Washington find the property prices affordable. That said, you cannot know how much money you need to buy or rent a house or apartment until you get in touch with a lender a good Reston realtor, preferably one who has lived in the area for many years and knows it well can recommend a lender to help and advise you.

Do I need a down payment to buy houses in Reston?

You almost always do, unless you are a veteran and qualify for no money down VA financing. Owners of properties for sale in Reston like to see some type of down payments.  It helps with the acceptance of your contract and also, in my opinion, the more money in the downpayment the easier it seems to be to sail thru the loan approval process.   In conclusion, being able to pay down at least part of the property price will help you secure a better deal.

Do I need a Reston realtor who knows the area?

Reston is a place where real estate opportunities abound. We offer small to large condominiums, small, medium and large town and patio homes and single family homes in all shapes and sizes and price ranges.  But these opportunities, at least the most notable of them, are not easily spotted. An experienced realtor, who has spent decades in Reston, knows the area well enough to differentiate between good and seemingly good real estate opportunities. Getting a Reston realtor will ultimately help you find the best possible property for your situation, and usually to buy it for a better price.

If you’re interested in buying real estate in Reston, contact a realtor who knows the area and who can help you find a Reston property that you will be proud to own. For best results, choose a realtor who has himself lived in the area for many years.

Are Reston properties expensive?

In Reston there are properties for sale for all pockets. There are comfortable apartments, spacious condos, charming houses, and lovely townhouses, affordable as well as expensive. With as little as $300,000-$350,000 you can get a wonderful house with plenty of rooms, with beautiful surroundings and a good location.

Is Reston well located?

Situated in Fairfax County, Virginia, Reston has a good position, being just a few minutes’ drive from Dulles Airport. If you’re interested in Reston homes, you’ll be pleased to learn that Metrobus and the Reston Internal Bus Service makes transport within the community extremely accessible. What’s more, with Metrobus you can get to Washington relatively quickly.

Reston homes vs. Reston apartments – which are better?

It’s entirely a personal choice. Reston offers multiple options in terms of location and price for both homes and apartments. If you’re considering relocating to Reston together with your family, then a home may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you’re single or have a small family, a spacious apartment in virtually any area of the community may serve just as well.

How’s the renting market in Reston?

The renting market in Reston is in good health. You’ll be able to find both houses and apartments for rent, at generally accessible prices.

What residential developments are there in Reston?

There are several residential developments in Reston, many featuring large open green spaces, meadows, and wooded areas. There are also developments incorporating golf courses and pools. Over the last years, most developers in Reston have made nature and green living an important aspect of their projects.

What about employment opportunities?

Being part of the Dulles Technology Corridor, Reston has many employment opportunities. The Reston Town Center is particularly noted for its many businesses, based in both high-rise and low-rise buildings. Besides companies, in Reston you’ll also find two important organizations: National Wildfire Federation and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Considering relocating to Reston? Choose a Reston real estate expert to secure the best deal possible for your situation.

2011:  Overall it was a very good year.  Houses sold quickly and in most cases, those in good shape sold in less than 30 days.  On average sellers received 98%+ of their asking price!  If there was a downside it was lack of inventory.   We have a (long) list of pending buyers who are waiting for the ‘right’ property to come on the market.  Interest rates hit a new historic low. You could not find a better real estate market nationwide than the DC metro area in general, and Reston, in particular.  We continue to see 30 year mortgages dropping below 4% and 15 year even lower.

For sale:  Reston continues to be a sought after place to live.  We currently have no new construction offerings… several large condo developments/redevelopments are on the boards but delivery will be years away.  Currently, there are just 21 detached homes for sale, 44 townhouses and 52 condominiums – 117 total units (vs. 116 one year ago).  The average list price of a home in Reston (condo, townhouse or single family) is $485,654.  Reston continues to be a ‘destination point’ for corporate and business clients.  Metro construction is moving at an amazing pace.

Opinion:   We have witnessed cycles in years past where the typical inventory would be in the 600 to 800 units for sale. 117 homes between $150,000 and $1,500,000 is not much selection to choose from.  Reston did not suffer from a large number of foreclosures nor short sales.  The combination of low inventory, low interest rates, great amenities, proximity to Washington and Dulles Airport makes for a great market and place to invest.  If you are considering selling, call and I will meet with you to discuss the market, give you tips and suggestions to get your home ready to sell.  I also can help you find vendors for any and all types of work you may need.  I expect 2012 to be a great year for real estate!

Options:   I talk with people constantly who think they want to move and are not sure where or how to start so here is some food for thought.   A luxury two or three bedroom condo with garage (a typical ‘empty nester’ move) today will run about $600,000 and go to about $1,100,000…you purchase by the square foot.  A townhouse on the water (typically a ‘lifestyle’ move) will be between $550,000 and $750,000 depending on size and condition.  A single family house on the water will start about $1,100,000 with some smaller homes in the $800,000s on Lake Anne – stunning views but older and therefore smaller (which many people now prefer).

SOLD in 2011:  There were 943 homes sold in 2011 vs. 1082 homes sold in Reston in 2010. Here’s the breakdown by type…also, note days to sell.  192 detached homes, 393 townhouses and 358 condominiums.  The average home sold in 39 days vs. 41 last year (2010).   Average sales prices were $604,114 for detached homes ($642,958 in 2010), $402,373 for townhouses ($388,594 in 2010) and $296,701 for condos (vs. $283,139 in 2010).

OF NOTE:     Prices were up for townhouses and condos while they were down for detached homes.   We did not see much in the way of inventory in large single family homes in the $650,000 and up market.  I sense some are waiting for metro to arrive and see what effect in has on home values…others are waiting for their ‘next move’ plans to materialize whether it’s a luxury condo at RTC, a move to a second residence elsewhere or can’t face the thought of packing and moving.  When pricing your home remember real estate is a ‘by neighborhood’ value transaction.  It is important to hire a Realtor who knows Reston and your particular property and how it competes with the current inventory of homes for sale.  We pride ourselves on getting every seller the maximum price for their home, in the least amount of time and handling all the details for you.

If you are looking to sell your home, let my knowledge of the local market work for you.  As always, thanks for your continued support and referrals…follow us on Facebook (Jon Querolo), learn more and search homes for sale at our new and revised website…also, the recently added “original” Reston photo archives at www.restonproperties.com.

And with that said…I wish you much success and happiness in the New Year!