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The Alexandria Fire Department has received a grant of over $2.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grant will be used to improve staffing as well as health and safety for personnel. Continue reading
Nesbitt Realty helps first-time home-buyers realize their home-buying dreams.
Insurance is usually the last thing people worry about when they are buying a new home. According to the Insurance Information Institute, that's a mistake, because it will be an expense a buyer will have as long as they own the property.
Here are some key issues that the institute urges every buyer to consider:
What is the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems? Older and poorly maintained systems cost more to insure.
How far is the home from the fire department? A location close to the station usually means lower insurance costs.
Does the property meet current building codes? Up-to-date properties are safer and also cheaper to insure.
What about wind damage? If insurance against windstorms is required, is private insurance available or will the buyer have to rely on a state-run program? If there a windstorm deductible, how high is it?
Is the home vulnerable to flooding? Floods aren’t covered under a standard homeowner policy, although most major insurers will provide it through the National Flood Insurance program. How much the insurance costs depends on where the property is. More information is available at FloodSmart.gov.
Is there earthquake risk? Earthquake insurance requires an endorsement or a separate policy.
When buying a home it is often best to use a systematic approach as this is often the best way to be sure that all decisions are based on information and reason, not on impulse or emotion. Buying a home can be an emotional process, nevertheless, it is imperative to keep your emotions under control and not let them cloud your judgment.
Your Realtor can provide an objective opinion unclouded by emotions and yet guided by experience. Our agents are locals with in-depth knowledge about the market and what it will bear. Best of all we can save you thousands on your purchase, while providing you with a home-town small business experience.
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These neighborhoods have that special mixture of luxurious homes with a desirable location. Many of these neighborhoods are served by the area's best public schools.
Arcturus -- Along the Potomac River near George Washington Parkway