There are five basic ground rules when it comes to buying real estate in Northern Virginia and shopping smart, and they are: #1 – Get your financing before studying the choices for real estate in Northern Virginia There are few things in life as disappointing as losing out on the home of your dreams due to not being able to secure funding. While the desire to get out there and search for that great home is understandable, it is vital to line up the financing you will need before you start shopping for a home. Getting the financing ahead of time has a number of important advantages, including knowing how much you can buy and gain more respect from the listing agents. By knowing how much home you can afford before you shop you will avoid wasting your time looking at unaffordable properties, and the listing agent will be more than willing to show you the homes in your price range. It is also important to take a good look at the various types of mortgage on the market before getting started in the home buying process. These days, mortgages come in far more choices than the typical 15 or 30 year. For that reason, potential home buyers need to understand how each type of mortgage works, and to gauge which mortgage is the best choice for their needs. #2 – Look at the community in Northern Virginia, not just the home It is a good idea to look at the entire community, instead of focusing on a single home. This can be a particularly important thing to consider for those moving to a new metropolitan area, as these buyers will be unfamiliar with the local climate and lifestyle. It is crucial to determine the areas of town that are most desirable, and to consider things like distance from work and local shopping opportunities. We have all heard that location is the key consideration when it comes to real estate, and that is certainly the case. Buying a house in the wrong area can be a big mistake, and it is important to choose the location as well as the home. Potential buyers can learn a great deal about the nature of the various neighborhoods simply by driving around town, as well as by talking to other residents. #3 – Be fair with your first offer Trying to lowball a seller on the first offer can backfire, as can paying too much. It is important to carefully evaluate the local market, and to compare the asking price of the home with what similar houses in the neighborhood have sold for. Comparing the sales of comparable homes, what are known as "comps" in the industry, is one of the best ways to determine what is fair, and to make sure that you neither overpay or underbid on the property. #4 – Always get a home inspection Always investigate the home for any possible defects before making an offer. Compared to the cost of the average home, the price of a quality home inspection is virtually negligible. Hence, get a good home inspection done before you buy. To find the best home inspector, it is a good idea to seek out word of mouth referrals as many of the best home inspectors rely on word of mouth advertising. #5 – Do not alienate the sellers of the home Many real estate deals have fallen apart due to the personal animosity of the buyer and the seller. It is important to avoid alienating the seller of the home during the process, and to avoid nitpicking every little detail during the sale. Keeping the goodwill of the seller will help the transaction go smoothly, and it will provide the best environment for seller and buyer alike. [learn more about the home buying process]
#1 Sales Tip
When you put your home up for sale in Northern Virginia, most activity will happen within the first couple of weeks. If you put the right price on your home, you’ll notice immediate interest. Conversely, if there is very little activity that's a sure sign that your price is too high. No matter how good or bad the market is, there are always buyers looking for homes in their price range in the Washington DC area. We always have buyers who are waiting for new homes to be listed or homes to be reduced in price. Our course, buyers who are waiting to purchase may miss seeing your home completely if the price is too high. To determine the listing price of your home, you consult with our agent. Whether you're in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax County or even Prince William, our agents are equipped with latest technology and armed with experience to help you determine your best price. Learn more about sellingNesbitt Realty manages rental homes, townhouses, and condos for landlords in Northern Virginia. We are a family business that strives for excellence in what we do. Our goal is to strictly administer the lease while adhering to the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act. We avoid "judgement calls" as much as possible; and we prefer to simply act in accordance with the lease, law, and regulations. We serve most of Northern Virginia and have offices across the area. We manage single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Property Management Basics
Buying a home is a life changing event. It is the biggest single purchase most people will make in their lives. But many potential home owners ask the question, "why buy when you can rent?" A recent Realtor.com® survey of more than a 1000 potential home buyers found that the increase in rental costs is the main driving force behind the move to buy a house. 23% of younger buyers (18 to 34 years old) cited rising rent as the main trigger to purchase their own property. Danielle Hale, Realter.com®'s chief economist explains that despite the current housing market, where inventory is low and purchases prices high, potential buyers still have certain traditional views on property. Privacy tops the list for older home buyers. They are mostly looking for property that suits their long-term or retirement needs. Millennials on the other hand want their home to be a reflection of who they are while still offering stability and meeting the needs of their family. Being a first time home buyer is a daunting experience and it can take a while to find the right property to suit both the buyer’s needs and their budget.
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The "About Us" tab contains information about our company including our history, notes about the staff , contact information and driving directions. The "Guide" contains stories and descriptions about the towns, communities, subdivisions, city and counties of Northern Virginia. Under "Real Estate for ..." you can find specific information for renters, landlords, buyers and sellers. Or, under "For Sale" you can jump right into listings of property for sale in Northern VA.