Showing posts with label tips for homebuyers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips for homebuyers. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Northern Virginia Home Buying Advice You Should Ignore This Year

While you are shopping for a home in Northern Virginia this year, your friends and family will likely offer all kinds of tips and advice relating to the purchase— things they learned from their experience with home buying or information they've heard about the current real estate market. But that doesn't mean you should follow every tip they give you; in fact, it is always best to consult your real estate agent with any questions you have.

 As your local real estate expert in NoVA, I've included four pieces of home buying advice NOT to follow this year to help steer you in the right direction and avoid any regrets later:

 Wait until prices drop to buy a home
When it comes to talk of timing, you may hear you'd be better off waiting until prices drop to buy a home in NoVA. However, that just isn't the case! Home prices are not expected to go back down, instead they are predicted to rise over the next 12 months. Don't put off buying a home over this idea, you'll only cost yourself more money.

 You don't need to use a real estate agent
The thought of cutting out commission may sound appealing to you, but don't be too quick to act alone. The home buying process is best navigated with an experienced real estate agent that knows the market, what you're looking for in a property and how to put together the best offer. You won't regret working with a pro!

 Start with a low offer and work up
Making a low ball offer is not always the best move, in fact, you could risk losing the home to another buyer if you don't start with your best foot forward. Your real estate agent will know how low is too low and the offer that will help you score a successful sale.

 Let the listing agent work for you
It may seem like an easy route to let the listing agent represent you as well, but remember that they do not have your best interests in mind. The seller's agent represents the seller first, so take the time to find an agent you trust that will work for you!

 If you have questions about buying a home this year in Northern Virginia, do not hesitate to give me a call! I will put my decades of experience to work for you to help you find the best possible home for your needs!

 I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Real Estate Dealbreakers for Home Buyers in Northern Virginia

As you're shopping for homes in Northern Virginia, you're likely taking note of features like paint color, flooring, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and even yard size. These are all essential in determining whether a property is for you, but there are also a few others that should ultimately raise red flags and cause you to move on to the next home in your search.

 With over three decades of experience in helping buyers in Northern Virginia find their dream homes, I have included three deal breakers below to ensure you're not purchasing a home that will be a source of stress later.

 Floor plan
Cosmetic elements like paint colors and flooring can easily be changed, but altering the floor plan of a home may not be in the cards— and may be extremely costly. For instance, a small, enclosed kitchen is not ideal for many homebuyers and opening up the space into the living room oftentimes requires a large budget, construction crew and installing overhead beams to re-distribute the weight of the home. If you love only certain aspects of the home, but the floor plan is not for you, move on.

 Location
Many times homebuyers think they find "the one" in terms of updates, floor plan and square footage, but the location leaves much to be desired. Homes that are located near major highways, busy intersections or even next to shopping centers can be valued much lower than similar properties away from the hustle and bustle. If you're considering the home for the school district, you'll want to weigh the pros and cons of the area before deciding, otherwise, it's best to keep looking.

 Placement
Older homes tend to have different placement on their lot than newer homes— for example, close to the street, in busy areas, or on corner lots. If you prefer to have more privacy with a home set back on the lot, or in a place where you don't need to drive by your neighbor's home to get to yours, you'll want to pass on these ill-placed homes. Not only will it affect the value, but it may keep you from feeling truly at home.

 Questions about buying a home in Northern Virginia or what should make or break a deal? Give me a call today!

 I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, June 14, 2016

3 Things to Do Before Buying Fixer Upper Homes in Northern Virginia

So, you think you want to buy a fixer upper home? While your dreams of renovating a property may be driven by what you've seen on television shows, it's important to remember that the reality of updating a home from start to finish can be much more time-consuming, tedious, expensive and drawn-out than you realize.

 As your local real estate expert in the Northern Virginia and DC area, I am sharing below three things to do before you commit to buying a fixer upper home this year:

Research the location
Not only should you research the location of a home before purchasing, but also look into the zoning. What you may not know is that every community has zoning districts and restrictions surrounding what can and cannot be done to homes within their limits. You will want to take a close look at the zoning of your future property before you become too set on what renovations you will do once you get the keys.

 Speak with a contractor
Unless you are confident in your ability to do all of the work on your fixer upper home yourself, it is wise to speak with a contractor or architect who can assist you in carrying out your vision. One rule of thumb— gather quotes and opinions from several contractors in the area prior to choosing one for your projects.

 Bring a home inspector on board
It is a home inspector's job to look into any structural problems, in addition to pointing out what needs to be replaced— the roof, for instance. The last thing you want when you begin your renovation projects is to find that your foundation is unstable or a major operating system like the plumbing has failed. If you need recommendations for a home inspector in your area, do not hesitate to reach out! Remember, your real estate agent is a wealth of resources!

 Feel free to give me a call with any questions you have about buying a home in the NoVA area! With my decades of expertise, we can find the perfect home for your needs!

 I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

3 Worthwhile Compromises When Buying Northern Virginia Real Estate

You've made a wish list of all of the features you want in a potential Northern Virginia home and now it's time for the house hunt to begin. However, after viewing a few properties, you  may notice that not every one of your must-haves can be fulfilled in a single home in your price range.

 What now? Compromise. While it is not always a word NoVA homebuyers like to hear, there are worthwhile trade-offs you will want to consider as you view available properties this summer.

 Square footage
A potential home in Northern Virginia could have everything you're looking for— an updated kitchen, the right school district, proximity to family and friends—but that could also mean giving up a playroom or guest bedroom. A compromise on square footage should only be entertained if you don't anticipate your space needs growing in the near future, otherwise you could find yourself needing to move all too soon.

 Location
If a compromise on square footage is not in the cards for you, many buyers find they are willing to budge on location. Oftentimes, a home within walking distance to entertainment, shops and restaurants is smaller than you would like— but moving a bit farther away could open you up to more homes that meet the criteria on your wish list.

 Backyard
Suppose a home fits the bill with the right amount of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as your budget, but you step outside to find a smaller yard. A compromise on yard size may be worthwhile if the home's interior succeeds in providing the space you are looking for this summer. 

 I have decades of experience in helping NoVA homebuyers find their dream property, identifying what is most important in terms of features, location and size. Do not hesitate to contact me today for more information about the current real estate market or available homes in the area!

 I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, May 3, 2016

3 Mortgage Myths to Correct Before Buying a House in Northern Virginia

Did you know misconceptions and myths are what holds would-be homebuyers back most in Northern Virginia? Buying a home is indeed one of the biggest steps you will ever take, but don't allow what you assume is true or required to become fact without first doing the research.

 As your local real estate expert in NoVA, I'm happy to help you clear a few things up! Below are three myths surrounding mortgages that may be keeping you from purchasing your dream home in Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Falls Church and the surrounding areas:

 Myth: Your best credit scores will be used
When you apply jointly with another borrower for a mortgage in Northern Virginia, your lender will take the middle of three credit scores from the three credit reporting bureaus, then use the lowest score between the two borrower's middle scores. For instance, if your middle score was 780, but your co-borrower's middle score was 700, many lenders' decisions would be based on the 700. 

 Myth: Your quoted rate is the one you'll secure
I've emphasized the importance of shopping around for a mortgage rate in the past, but it is important to note that your quoted rate is not necessarily the one you will secure. Unless you are locking in the rate that day, the rate quotes are subject to change. You will find you need to gather quotes throughout your home buying journey until you've found the right property and are ready to lock down a rate.

 Myth: Fixed-rate mortgages are the only option
While 30-year fixed-rate loans are common among homebuyers, they are not the only option and may not be the right option for you. The rate and payment with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will never change, but keep in mind that the longer the loan is stretched, the higher the rate. Ask yourself how long you will stay in the home you're planning to purchase as an adjustable-rate mortgage could be a better fit.

 Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about buying a home in Northern Virginia!
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016

How to Downsize to a New Home in Northern Virginia

This spring, it is not just first-time homebuyers that are taking the real estate market by storm. Seasoned buyers looking to both upgrade and downsize their current homes are house-hunting right along side of them! 

 With decades of real estate experience in hand, I know the process of moving to a new home, a new neighborhood and especially a new city can be overwhelming— even if you are moving to a smaller home! So as your local real estate expert, I have provided a few tips for downsizing to a new property in Northern Virginia this spring:

1. Take inventory
When downsizing, it may be useful to pare down your belongings— but in order to do so efficiently, you will need to take inventory! Use a spreadsheet or write all of your belongings (and their conditions) down on paper as you walk through each room. You can then go over the list later to decide which items can go and which you will keep.

2. Draw out your new home
Another exercise that can help you make the most of your new living space is drawing out the floor plan. Sketch each room and where your furniture pieces will go. If you don't have room for something, it may be time to part with it!

3. Stay ahead of schedule
Downsizing your Northern Virginia home can take time, so don't leave it until the last minute!  Forcing yourself to scale down your belongings quickly may result in getting rid of something you intended to keep or donating an item you actually need. Make a packing list ahead of schedule and ensure everything is accounted for on Moving Day.

 Are you planning to downsize to a smaller home in NoVA this spring? Do not hesitate to contact me! I can provide a list of available properties that meet your criteria and assist with your move from one home to the next!
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

5 Money-Saving Tips for Northern Virginia Homebuyers to Follow This Spring

While we are only days into the new season, this spring is already projected as a stand-out period for first-time buyers to enter the real estate market. Mortgage rates are low, home prices are rising in addition to rents and first-timers are ready to invest into something of their very own in Northern Virginia.

 But when you are new to purchasing a home, you can overlook the many ways you can potentially save money in the process. Keep the following in mind as you house hunt this spring and as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

 Look past cosmetic issues
Many first-time buyers in NoVA tour a home only to write it off because they didn't like the paint colors. Remember that these are only minor cosmetic issues and can easily be fixed! Look past the paint and if the home could work for you, you might want to act before the competition does!

 Get pre-approved
This step may not save you money, but it will save you time when a seller is reviewing offers. A pre-approval letter shows you are serious about the purchase and that you have the funds to back up your offer. 

 Don't open new credit cards
If you want to set yourself up to receive the best possible interest rate for your mortgage, it is wise to steer clear of opening any new lines of credit prior to applying. These hard inquiries on your credit report will remain there for up to two years and as a result, can cause a drop in your score.

 Shop around for a mortgage
Even seasoned homebuyers in NoVA forget to shop around for a mortgage! Gather rates from different lenders on the same day in order to accurately compare terms and rates. Even the smallest different in percentage can equate to thousands over the life of the loan.

 Work with an agent
Did you know working with a real estate agent saves you more money when both buying and selling a home than if you tried it on your own? I have decades of experience in assisting buyers navigate the market and can help you negotiate the best offer possible.
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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