Anyone know anything about Woodlake Towers (Falls Church, VA - 22044)?? (Arlington: short sales, apartments)

[rawkustyle]

Does or has anyone lived in the Woodlake Towers condominium in falls church (zip code is 22044) that can give any feedback at all on the community, surrounding area, building, etc?

I'm considering placing an offer on a unit in this community and from the overall appearance I think it seems fine. But, before I make such a big step (i'm a first time homebuyer and this will be my very first offer), I'd feel much more comfortable with any feedback from people that currently or have lived there in the past.

Have you had any problems with the building (parking, maintenance, etc)?
Is the area safe compared to Arlington/Alexandria?
Is traffic congested in that area during rush hour or moreso than other areas in NoVa?
Any other positive/negatives that I should be aware of?


I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks

[pcity]

I can only really answer the traffic question. Route 50 is horrible during rush hour near Seven Corners, which is near where you'll be living. The side streets are probably fine but I'd avoid Route 7 and Route 50 near that area during rush hour.

I've driven past the area on the way to Bluemont Junction Park (nice park that's right near you, BTW). Seemed nice enough, but can't really say anything specific about it.

[rawkustyle]

Thanks pcity for the headsup on the traffic.

Does anyone else have any feedback? I'm really trying to figure out why the price in this particular area seems to be a lot cheaper than others. Its at such a discount to other condominiums thats I have seen in Arlington/Alexandria that its really having me worried that I'm completely missing something. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to save a lot of $$, but I'm hoping I don't buy it and find out 3 months from now that there is constant crime in the building and therefore, lower property value.

Can anyone provide any insight at all??

[rawkustyle]

bump one more time...

[janie01]

I lived there 20 years ago and it was perfect for me except for the roaches! Hopefully they cleared that up. Traffic would be at a stop often on 50 east, but I never minded it because it was so close to downtown and I knew I would eventually get there. I always felt safe there but again that was 20 years ago. I had heard something recently about why some of the units were so cheap. I think it had something to do about the renter vs. owner ratio or something like that. I would find a good realtor or investor who could give you the facts on Woodlake. Sorry I can't remember more about what I had heard about the situation there. Good luck!

[woodlake owner]

rawkustyle did you decide to move to woodlake towers yet? I lived there from 2001 until August of 2008. I can tell you everything you need to know about the property and better yet, you can buy my unit which isn't on the market but I would consider it. write me when possible.

vlfour@mac.com

[actorman104]

I've lived in Woodlake Towers for 15 years---except for 2 years when I was in NY. I must say--things have really changed here since I've been back. My condo has gone down so far since 2005--it's really incredible! I think one of the problems might be that there are a lot of owners not living here. There seems to be too many people living in certain apartments. I also think the Board is not in tune to what the people need. I have been very distressed with the changes the last few years.

[woodlake owner]

Actorman: You're correct, I own a one bedroom there, that after leaving last July, I still can not rent. There are too many occupants per unit, causing wear and tear on the buildings aged infrastructure, condo fees are not being payed, and in fact the board refused to turn on the air conditioning due to the enormous ever growing deficit they either inherited or created. I will say they have a new onsite prop manager i think his name is Chihak..he seems to know his stuff and is trying to turn things around I'm just not certain if its too late.

[austindoxie1972]

In 2006, a co-worker bought a condo in Woodlake Towers and it has steadily decreased in value. When he went to close, the guy he was buying from was 6 months behind in his condo fees. In addition to the condo fees, this guy had to bring a little $$ to closing to begin with. I visited the place twice and, as a single woman, I would not rent there. Just a feel I got.

I check that area quite frequently online and it seems that there have been quite a few foreclosures and short sales in the building. I'd asked your realtor for some historical information on the building. And I'm nutty enough to go sit in the parking lot and walk the neighborhood to get a feel for things.