1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
entrance to Midtown Alexandria Station condos
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
Julie Nesbitt
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
9. Check out Nesbitt Realty. Our search tools and tips are among the best you'll find in Northern Virginia.
Northern Virginia is a part of the National Capital Region it is home to some of the most educated, affluent and particular buyers in the nation. Everyday we help folks relocate in and out of Northern Virginia as well as help locals advance their real estate goals. If you're shopping for a home in Northern Virginia, you will find our Buyer's Guide to Northern Virginia Real Estate is a great resource for understanding the area and for seeking out the perfect real estate match for your tastes and budget.
If you need any help with a specific search please don't hesitate to call us at (703)765-0300.
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1. Be prepared. This works for negotiators just as it does for Boy Scouts. Be sure all facts are available and verified before you begin. Postponements for fact-finding can bog down the negotiation.
2. Present a united front. You might not agree with your clients’ position but don’t share that with the other side during the negotiation. Privately, you can try to get your clients to change their mind.
3. Leave your attitude at the door. Don’t let your personal opinions of the parties or the situation cloud your judgment; that could endanger the transaction. Treat everybody with respect; if you disagree, disagree with an idea, not with the person.
4. Hold something back. Plan beforehand what concessions your clients are willing to make and then use them when the bargaining gets under way.
5. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Never let a negotiation bog down over a minor point. If you can’t agree, put the point aside and come back to it later. Concentrate on getting agreement on major points like price and terms.
6. Get all the decision makers together. Nothing is more frustrating than to think you have an agreement, only to find that somebody else must sign off on it.
7. Avoid distractions. Choose a location that’s pleasant. Ask everybody to turn off phones and pagers, and don’t accept calls until the negotiation is complete.
8. Don’t share information unnecessarily. Knowledge is power in a negotiation, so giving the other side extra information may weaken your position. Conversely, learn as much about the other parties as you can.
9. Just keep quiet. Greeting an offer or concession with silence undermines the other side’s power and often prompts an immediate reaction.10. Leave something on the table. Remember that a successful negotiation is not the same as grinding the opponent into the ground. No one should leave a negotiation angry; you never know when you might have to negotiate with the same people again.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Do you have a home lingering on the market? MSN Real Estate recently polled real estate professionals to find some of the most common reasons why some properties won’t sell, besides trying to overcome a poor location.
Here are four common reasons listings don’t sell in a timely manner, according to the MSN survey:
Closet Connected to Bathroom at Park Place
Unreasonable price: “It’s always price for condition or price for location,” says Kathy Opperman, a broker-owner with Century 21 Alliance in Philadelphia. “That’s one of the main reasons [homes] sit.” Some sellers are just unrealistic about what their house can truly fetch, or they may be underwater and just unable to lower their price tag. “In my market, the only reason a property would stay on the market for longer than three months would be that the price is too high,” Ron Redfern, a real estate professional from Greeley, Colo., told MSN Real Estate. “Price will overcome any objection.”
Bad decor: Loud patterns, bold colors, and dated decor styles can distract home buyers. For example, agents say that mirrored walls, cheap wood paneling, and 1970s kitchens can be turn-offs. To try to appeal to the widest buying pool, agents advise clients to stay neutral with their design, give buyers a “minimalist canvas” for them to project their own tastes on.
Awkward floor plan or missing necessities: Strange or dated floorplans may also make a home linger, such as older homes where you have to walk through a bedroom to get to a second bedroom, MSN Real Estate notes. One home in Catskill, N.Y., has lingered on the market for more than four years because it’s missing a driveway.
Awful photos: If your listing has yet to sell, you may want to revisit the photos you're using to present it on the MLS. For example, one Chicago listing showed dirty clothes and clutter in the photo, which may prompt buyers to question the hygiene of the rest of the home, as well as assume it has a lack of storage. Be choosy about the photos you upload to the MLS, and remember that less can be more, Opperman says. Have photos showcase the best rooms and features of the home. "If a buyer isn't excited about a home after seeing it online, they won't want to see it in person," Opperman says.
Source: “Listing Losers: 8 Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling and What to do About It,” MSN Real Estate (March 13, 2013)"
Call Nesbitt Realty to get results fast in {Location_Name}. We can provide an accurate assessment of the market value of your condo and to help you make your best decision now. We have experience helping buyers, sellers, renters and landlords in your neighborhood and we'd love to help you.
Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
The Millennial generation is showing a preference for fixer-upper houses over the “cookie cutter” luxury homes their parents’ generation tended to desire, according to a national survey by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
About one in three 18-to-35 year olds recently surveyed say they prefer a “fixer-upper” home with minimal repairs needed. Forty-seven percent say they would be more likely to handle home maintenance jobs themselves over calling in a professional for help. What’s more, 72 percent of Millennials consider themselves handy, earning the nickname the “Fix-It Generation,” according to the survey.
They also aren’t looking for big, luxury homes like their parents but they don’t mind if a home is smaller, as long as it's unique, the survey showed. Forty-three percent say they want a home that is more customized and less “cookie cutter.” They expect each room in the house to fit their lifestyle.
Also, 56 percent say that home technology capabilities are more important than a house with great curb appeal. Sixty-four percent of Millennials said they wouldn’t even consider living in a home that doesn't have the latest tech capabilities. Eighty-four percent say that technology is essential for their new home, with the most sought-after tech in the home being an energy-efficient washer and dryer, a security system, and a smart thermostat.
“It’s critical that real estate professionals understand what embodies a quintessential home for the millennial generation, which vastly differs from the traditional norms of generations before them,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Understanding technologies to communicate with this generation is now only one piece of the puzzle for agents; ‘smart’ technological capabilities must now be ingrained into the home itself.”
Source: Realogy
Home Prices In Arlington Continue To Hike
The housing market in Arlington County is getting more and more expensive as potential buyers continue to have fewer homes and condos to choose from.
Inlet Cove is alongside Route 1 This neighborhood of townhouses is near grocers and eateries Inlet Cove is close to Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, and Potomac Mills shops, in the city of Woodbridge Interior to these properties are multilevel Inlet Cove is serene
Pending home sales increased again in March, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, rose 5.3 percent to 102.9 from 97.7 in February, and is 21.1…
Some of the best housing deals are on high-end homes, many over $1 million. Some of them need TLC or they aren’t in the most-coveted locations. But there are plenty of desirable properties and lots of sellers who are getting impatient. Buyers with cash have the best opportunities. Buyers who need a mortgage should move…
The National Association of Realtors recently did a study about the characteristics of home buyers. Some of the findings might surprise you. Thirteen percent of buyers purchased a home with one or more parents and grandparents together with adult children. There were several reasons given for purchasing a multi-generational home. Cost savings; Children over the…
The international luxury real estate market appears to be relatively immune to economic headwinds, according to a report by Christie International Real Estate, a luxury real estate affiliate network. Christie’s International Real Estate Index monitors record sales prices, prices per square foot, among other indicators in the global luxury real estate market.
London emerged at the top of the network’s index, boasting a record sales price of more than $121 million for a residential property in 2012. In New York, an $88 million sale allowed it to come in at No. 2.
The international luxury market is showing strong momentum, “driven by scarcity of quality inventory and demand from international buyers in many of the world's top destinations,” says Bonnie Stone Sellers, CEO of Christie's International Real Estate.
There are more billionaires worldwide now than there were in 2008. What’s more, the percentage of worldwide millionaires has grown by 55 percent since 2000, according to the report.
As wealth has grown so has the number of home buyers making housing deals in all cash. For example, the report notes that nearly all of the transactions in Los Angeles above $5 million were cash deals; 90 percent in New York; and 70 percent in San Francisco and Miami.
Source: “Global luxury real estate market showing 'strong momentum',” Inman News (March 11, 2013)
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
Home owners who once lost their home to foreclosure have returned to the market, eager to buy once again.
These “boomerang buyers” could make up a large number of the future housing market, considering their numbers. Since the housing crash, 4.8 million borrowers have lost their home to foreclosure and 2.2 million did a short sale, according to RealtyTrac data.
As these borrowers get their finances in shape, repair their credit scores, and save up for a down payment, they’ll be looking to buy again, but their struggle will be over when they’ll be eligible to buy again.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require those who once defaulted on their mortgages to wait five years and have a minimum of a 680 credit score and a 10 percent down payment. If they don’t have all that, they’ll have to wait seven years to qualify again. By seven years, a foreclosure is removed from a person’s credit report.
But if a defaulter can show the foreclosure was due to a hardship -- like losing a job or illness -- the wait may be reduced to three years, CNNMoney reports.
And some home owners have even be able to buy again after just two years of losing their home to foreclosure. For example, one Palmdale, Calif., couple says that after losing their home to foreclosure due to an illness that made it difficult for one spouse to work, they were able to buy again after two years. During those two years of being sidelined by the housing market, they made sure to pay all their bills on time, repair their credit score, and get their finances back in shape. They were able to qualify for a Veterans Administration-backed loan.
"[After bankruptcy], foreclosure is one of the things that hits your credit score the hardest," says Anthony Sprauve, a spokesman for FICO. For example, foreclosures and short sales can decrease a credit score by anywhere from 85 to 160 points.
Source: “Boomerang buyers return to market after foreclosure,” CNNMoney (March 11, 2013) *** Error: Cannot find includes file ***
Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
The inventory of homes for sale has reached its lowest level since 1999, which is helping home prices to rise in many markets, says Lawrence Yun, the National Association of REALTORS®’ chief economist.
“Buyer traffic is continuing to pick up, while seller traffic is holding steady," Yun says. "In fact, buyer traffic is 40 percent above a year ago, so there is plenty of demand but insufficient inventory to improve sales more strongly. We've transitioned into a seller's market in much of the country.”
The National Association of REALTORS® is projecting a seasonal rise of inventory this spring, “but it may be insufficient to avoid more frequent incidences of multiple bidding and faster-than-normal price growth,” Yun says.
While the housing recovery is taking hold, more buyers and sellers are realizing they are in a better place this year than last year. Super low mortgage rates are keeping home prices affordable, despite recent price gains.
However, some housing experts are concerned that several factors could still threaten housing’s recovery this spring--mainly the economy and threats over a new recession that may be looming. Also, unemployment remains high, which can cause home owners to fall into foreclosure and could increase foreclosure rates, which can bring overall home prices down.
Source: “Will housing market's revival last?” Sarasota Herald-Tribune (March 9, 2013)
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
Prices are rising and inventories are falling in markets throughout the United States, which has led financial reporting and forecasting firm Kiplinger to declare the housing recovery “firmly” in motion. Moreover, the company says housing will help carry the overall economy at a time when U.S. exports are decreasing, says Karen Mracek, a Kiplinger editor and real estate analyst.
Julie Nesbitt
“The biggest reason we think we’re on firm ground is that we’re seeing every indicator on the way up,” Mracek says. “As with the overall economy, it’s kind of hard to call the bottom or the pivot point. But we’re seeing a range of indicators that suggest pretty solid growth going forward.”
In addition to home values and supply, positive indicators include the number of multiple-bid situations, new-home construction, and credit availability, she says. Solid improvements in these fundamentals will lead to formation of more new households and will also help more borrowers come out from underwater — and trade up to a new home. They’ll also create new jobs in real estate and construction, Mracek explains.
The recent gains made in housing have some concerned that real estate could be entering another bubble market, but Mracek disagrees with that assessment. “There might be [a bubble] in some concentrated markets,” she says. “But I don’t think it will be a bubble that’s as widespread and disastrous as the one that happened in the last decade.”
Improvements have been — and will continue to be — uneven. The turnaround will probably be slower in metro areas in Florida and the Midwest.
Nationally, Mracek says the current housing recovery is real and sustainable, but she also acknowledges that the rise in home values and decline in inventories won’t maintain their current pace.
“We see prices leveling out a bit more [in the future] from the late jumps in 2012,” she says. “There are still foreclosures for the banks to work through. As prices improve, you’re going to see banks get rid of REOs.”
— Brian Summerfield, REALTOR® Magazine
Reviving A Stale Listing In 22314 In Alexandria In 22314
Do you have a abode similar to 124 Roberts Ln #201 in Alexandria that hasn't sold? Did you know that in Fort Ellsworth:
Reviving A Stale Listing In Alexandria, Virginia In Alexandria
Do you have a property similar to 301 N Beauregard St #114 in the City of Alexandria that isn't getting any action? Did you know that in The Fountains:
If you are looking or even just thinking about buying a condominium home, it's perfectly natural to feel a little nervous. Buying a condo and owning your own home is a large, life changing purchase. Indeed, any individual thinking about buying a condo needs to know what to expect and how to prepare for those expectations. Below is a short list of 5 essential tips that any potential condo buyer would do well to consider throughout the process of finding a new condominium home. Happy hunting!
Royalton penthouse1) Look at Everything in Person
First, remember to look in person at any condo unit you are interested in. It is very important that you make sure to actually see the amenities, parking space, and condo facilities personally. This simple but critical task will avoid any confusion and disappointment later on and will ensure that you are satisfied with your condo purchase. If you absolutely cannot look at the condo in person than ask the seller if you can send a friend you trust to look at the unit instead. In addition, if you are located in a different city than where you are condo shopping, be sure to ask the condo seller or realtor to send you as many pictures as possible of the condo and the condo building before you make a decision.
2) Carefully review the Condo Association Fees First
Make sure that you know what exactly is included in your condo purchase. What amenities are included in the condo fees to make the condo right for the price? Or, on the other hand, are you going to end up paying for benefits you don't need? In addition, ask if there is any insurance included. Different condo associations may charge the same amount per month, but one may include some incidental insurance while others may require hefty fees for amenities you may not really need or want. Finally, check the condo association meetings and/or any printed bulletins that result from them. Look for any past or developing issues that you need to take into account.
Wooster Mercer Lofts3) Never Ignore the Documents that Accompany the Condo Purchase
Always review the condominium documents very carefully before you buy. In laymen's terms, don't ignore the fine print. Here, you should check the total price and property documents to make sure that they are reasonable for the area. Be especially cautious if the price is very low because this could mean you will need a special assessment of the unit, which could cost you a lot of money, later in the future.
4) Always Review Comparable Units for Sale in the Same Building
While every condo building is unique and features different amenities, styles, policies, and location, it is important that you look into other condo units that are for sale or have sold in the same building. Here, do not simply rely on the recent sale price of another unit in the building. Consider what another units' floor plan was, what views it had, or if it had any special upgrades. Depending on the view and floor of the unit, the price of a one bedroom can vary within a condo building.
5) Work with a Specialist
The condominium marketplace is often a very specialized type of real estate and as such, you should always consider working with a qualified realtor, and particularly one who specializes in condos. With the help of a realtor, you will have access to a greater condominium market which will enable you to find the best condo unit to fit your needs at a price that you can live with.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Help With Down-Payment For First-Time Buyers For A Residence In 22304 In Alexandria
Are you planning to buy a modest nice condo like this condo at 4862 Eisenhower Ave #164? Considering purchasing a home? Okay. Please rely on a professional like Nesbitt Realty to help.
First-Time Home Buyer Credit In The City Of Falls Church
Do you want a little help to purchase a $1,250,000 5-bedroom home in 22046? Has the time come to buy a your first home? Good. Nesbitt Realty am a resource that can assist.
Does Nesbitt Realty Offer A Down-Payment Assistance For First-Time Home Buyers Of $28,428 On 8417 Brookewood Ct McLean VA 22102?
Attaining your first home is an exciting milestone, and it's likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. So don’t jump into it without doing your homework. You can count on a personable ace like me to assist.
Can A First-Time Buyer Get A Rebate On A Luxury Detached Home Like 2510 N Columbus St?
Attaining your first home is an exciting milestone, and it's likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. So don’t jump into it without doing your homework. It's Nesbitt Realty's job to help. Do you want a very large luxury place in 22207 in Arlington County?
Help With Down-Payment For First-Time Buyers In 22015 In Fairfax County
Has the time come to purchase a a home? Alright! Nesbitt Realty is available help. Are you planning to buy a sprawling mid-market interior row/townhouse like this striking interior row/townhouse at 9514 Draycott Ct?
Are You Wondering How Much Your End Unit Townhouse At Belmont Bay In 22191 Will Sell For?
Data About Listings That Have Sold At Belmont Bay What's your home in Prince William County at Belmont Bay worth? Tez Green can help you find the market value of your home in 22191 for free. Phone Tez Green to learn more about his plan to market your end unit townhouse. He is also happy…
Comparing Value Based Upon The Average Price Per Square Foot In Prince William County?
How Much Does A Small Place Cost In 22191 in Prince William County? If you are a home hunter that believes the amount of living area that a home has is a predominant consideration, then you are pretty typical. Besides, a home hunter rarely completely ignores the amount of living area in a property. informs…
Current info about the real estate market 08/29/2024 in Woodbridge area Are you pondering purchasing real estate in Woodbridge area? There's a lot to learn about Woodbridge area real estate and we can help. As a matter of fact, even if you are not shocked by what is happening in Woodbridge area, you can benefit…
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