There are five basic ground rules when it comes to buying a home in {Location_Name} and shopping smart, and they are:
#1 – Get your financing before measuring all options for real estate in {Location_Name}
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 {Location_Name}, 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]
When you put your house on the market, setting the price is one of the most important decisions you make. Many Realtors believe that pricing is can make or break your sale. Under-price your home and you might cost yourself tens of thousands of dollars. Overprice your home and you risk watching it languish on the market. But how can a seller know exactly what the best price is?
Can you rely on Zillow? Not according to Zillow. Even in areas where the software has the highest confidence, Zillow says their pricing varies by 5% to 10%.
You can rely on your Realtor. Nesbitt Realty's agents have years of experience pricing homes for sale and helping buyers and sellers. They combine this experience with proprietary real estate software to give you a valuation you can trust and to help you make your best decision possible.
[Learn more about selling your home in Northern VA]
Finding a rental in {Location_Name} is not always easy. Depending on occupancy rates in a particular area, it actually might be quite difficult to find available rentals that are also within your price range and meet all of your pre-determined requirements. However, even in areas where there is not a great deal of competition for the available rentals, renters may still have some difficulty finding the perfect home.
Figure Out Your Needs
The first step of any rental search should begin with the potential renter carefully identifying all of his/her needs in a home. This list of needs will be different for every renter. While some renters are simply looking for a place to eat, bathe and sleep other renters may be looking for a living space which will serve a number of purposes including working, entertaining and participating in leisure activities or hobbies. Do you need to be close to the Metro? Do you want granite counters? Do you need a washer and dryer in the unit? What is your budget?
It is important to prioritize your needs and distinguish between needs and wants because you will probably have to compromise.
Use Our Website
Once a renter has a good idea of the basic features he or she needs in a rental, it is time to use our website to identify neighborhoods, condos, and properties. This research will give the renter an idea of the types of properties available for rent in Northern Virginia. Many people are shocked by the prices and what is actually available.
Get Our Recommendations
Renters may also help themselves in their search for a rental by seeking recommendations from a rental agent. Our agents know the area and know the market. Once you have identified your needs and wants, we can probably take you directly to your best option. [Read more about rental agents.]
We appreciate the opportunity to serve and thank you for considering us to manage your rental property. We promise to give you our best effort every single day. We strive for perfection. On those very rare occasions where we make a mistake, we move swiftly to correct our errors and make the damaged party whole.
Learn more about what we do and the services we provide
From the minute you begin your search for a home until you close on one, Nesbitt Realty will be by your side. We'll also be there if you need any help beyond that.
