Questions about Reston Condos and Townhouses (McLean: HOA fees, insurance, neighborhood)

[Automata]

Hey everyone. First post.

I'm looking at purchasing a property (first-timer) in the Reston area. I spent a couple of years there (Hickory Cluster) with my family as a kid, and have since yearned to live there again. I'm finally at the point where I can afford something in a modest price range and am looking for advice.

My price range tops out at $200k, which pretty much puts me in the condo/townhouse area, especially because I want to be as close to Lake Anne as possible. I've been looking almost exclusively at Vantage Hill, because stuff's available there and it seems more or less functional.

If you have any info regarding Vantage Hill, especially if you've lived there within recent years, I'd really appreciate your insights about the community, about the advantages of living on the first, second or third floors, what the sound insulation is like in ceilings and walls, etc.

Also, if people have insights regarding the pluses and minuses of condos versus townhouses, especially concerning fees or lack of, general environment with tenants, and so on, I'd appreciate it.

Any recommendations on experienced, hard-working, reliable and honest buyer's agents in Reston?

Lastly, is it cool to knock on perspective neighbors' doors to see what kind of at least superficial compatibility there might be? Or does one have to gamble on neighbors?

Thanks. And if anyone wants to talk privately, let me know. I could use all the information I can get. I appreciate it!

[twinmma]

I don't know about that neighborhood, but I did live in a condo and a townhome and am now in a single and they all have their pluses and minuses.
Condos and townhomes to me were pretty much the same. Our condo was on a first floor, so we had upstairs neighbors and everytime they had a party or anything they were loud. We became good friends with them, but there were times we just didn't want to party or hear a party and we really couldn't do much about it. Also, they had a leak and water flooded us and we were responsible for our insurance deductible...That sucked-having to pay for something you have no control over. We had HOA fees in all three of these places, the single family being the cheapest as we have to cut our own lawn and stuff, so typically you will pay more in fees for a townhome or condo b/c they take care of the exterior. That was a huge plau-not having to mow!
As for knocking on the neighbors doors-I have always done it. Just say "I am thinking about buying the place next door...can you tell me what you like and dislike about the area?"
Good luck.

[blossom4792]

I have lived in Reston, but I don't know that neighborhood and it has been a while since I've been there. I do know of a realtor in the area - she's very "honest" - wonderful, sharp, not always diplomatic, but great, effective. [She was my neighbor in McLean, but then moved to Reston]. I'll pm you her name. Personally, I'm not thrilled when my doorbell rings out of the blue. I always seem to be dressed in my painting clothes, or asleep, or just not presentable. But I think you should do what you need to do to feel out the neighborhood. There might be shops, a coffee place, etc., where you can get a feel for the people??