Lots of problems. There have been at least five break ins so far this year, especially in the parking garages. The most recent was in June when six or seven cars in the garage had their engine parts and air bags stolen. Other times cars are stolen. They need to install more security cameras but don't. There is still work going on in one of the buildings and construction noise starts at 7 AM. The number of renters has increased. Some residents get drunk and loud late at night. Some throw food and cigarette butts around the building like they are living in a frat house. Some have their friends sneak into the building behind residents. Lots of people there have dogs and they do their business all over the grounds. The buildings get less care and cleaning since the good property manager left and they've been through a succession of progressively worse ones in 2009.

If you're thinking of buying a condo you owe it to yourself to get representation for your side of the transaction. Remember that the guys in the condo office work for the builder. Your condo agent will suggest communities that fit your needs and budget. A builder's agent will suggest you buy from the development where they work.

I just moved there a couple months ago in the same unit you are describing...I love it! the neighborhood is nice and it is very close to everything you could need.

get the 2nd parking space. it will pay you back,plus you can rent the spot.
great great are great vibe

The advice below is good. It's clear (from this answer and others he's done) that Danilo knows the area and has a good feel for it.

My advice is more "gut" feel. I know the area, too. I grew up just about 5 miles away (outside of Clifton) over 50 years ago...went to Woodson High School...that sort of thing. The general area is very good--close to Fairfax, 66, etc. And, as the advice below notes, if you're planning on staying there for 5 years, you should be able, maybe, to recover your investment. (Just a note: Investors I know are anticipating some further declines, a flat market for awhile, then a recovery. They're really looking at a 5-7 year horizon in markets like DC, and more like a 7-9 year horizon in places like California.)

And they sound like nice units.

However, unless you really love the units, plan to stick around for 5+ years, and are OK with the somewhat charmless (not bad, just banal) buildings and neighborhood, you might look elsewhere. You're paying top dollar in a declining market for something that's new and shiny today, but won't be half a decade from now. If Danilo's correct and you can get a really good deal, go for it. (You didn't mention the condo fee; I assume it's proportionate to paying $365,000 for a 900 square foot condo!)

You can buy some nice townhouses, or some kind of dumpy single family homes, within a couple of miles of their for the same price or less. And that's retail. But you've got to be happy where you are. So, if you can afford it and you recognize the drawbacks, then go for it.

Good luck.

Condos are the most volatile type of property when it comes to values and the condo market has been hit harder than the town home and single family market. If you're moving within 1 to 3 years, you may not have enough appreciation to cover the costs of selling it and make money or even break even. But, as RealtyGeeks said, if you're in it for 5+ years, you should be ok.

Check out the link below for more on this.

As far as negotiating with the builder (The Bush Companies), there are several ways to get the best price and/or terms, including options and incentives possible. If you have a good Buyer's Agent that has experience with new construction/new home builders, they should be able to negotiate quite a deal, expecially in this market.

Hi J, that is a good area and you already like it. But to aswer your Q regarding resale value, it will depend on when do you want to resell it? If you want to flip it in couple of year - you may loose money but in a long term, I feel, it is a good investment. Long term stands for at least 5 years :) Overall getting cosmetic upgrades from builders many times(unless they offer free ) costs more than what you may do later on yourself overtime but it is convenient and all done as you move in if you have them from builder on the other end. And there is always potential to negotiate with builder on getting more upgrades inclusive in the sales contract price.
Regards,
Monika