Overview of the Process
Owning your own home is a smart decision. And, this is the best time to buy in the last five years. Prices are down, selection is up. It's time to make your move. We've put together this overview of the home buying process based upon our experience and from tips found on the HUD site.
Employ a Real Estate Professional
A real estate agent doesn't cost the buyer anything. A buyer's agent is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in the largest transaction most Americans ever make. A good buyer agent knows the area and can help match your dreams and needs with what the market has to offer.
Prequalify
After finding a banker or broker the buyer can trust, it's important to prequalify for a loan. It's impossible to shop for a property until you know what you can afford and what you are willing to pay.
Set Goals
It's not that hard to find your dream home, when you know what you are looking for. So, make a list of needs and a list of wants. After comparing your needs and wants to your budget you'll have a pretty good idea of where to start your search.
Visit Properties
It's time to start visiting properties after you've picked a real estate agent, prequalified you loan and set realistic homeownership goals. When you find your home, don't doubt your heart and your intuition. If a property feels right fear not. If a property feels wrong it probably won't work out.
Make the Offer
Your real estate agent can help by providing the documents necessary to make a legal and binding offer. Avoid oral negotiations whenever possible. In all negotiations, it's a good idea to keep a level of separation between yourself and the other party.
Home Inspection
If the offer is accepted or negotiated, it's time to inspect the property. Be aware that most buildings have some problems. The important thing is to distinguish between normal and acceptable wear and problems that can cost you a bit of money.
Closing
Going to closing is almost like delivering a baby. Some closings occur without a hitch. Some closings have problems to be overcome. Your real estate agent has been to many closings and often knows the best way to handle problems
Your new home
The best time to paint, replace the carpet or make improvements is before you move in. Prepare a checklist so you don't forget to activate all utilities (electricity, water, gas, cable, internet and phone). Notifying your local post office of your new address.
Will Nesbitt

Will Nesbitt is a long time resident and a real estate professional. Please contact him to inquire about buyer agent services or to learn more about the options available in Northern Virginia.

 

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  A forest in a city? Fort Hunt is a place of hardwoods and greenery but choice properties close Alexandria VA.
 
 

 

There is no better place in America to put down roots and raise a family than the communities surrounding Fort Hunt Road. The area is low-crime with a wide variety of community activities. The local youth sport leagues are thriving centers of activity. The schools are among the best in the country. The homes are well-built and well-maintained.

The residents of Fort Hunt area represent spectrum of American society. Our community includes government employees, technologists, military officers and enlisted, diplomats, political persons, journalists, retirees, lobbyists, academics and post-graduate degree professionals. Many of our residents are among the top of the field. Together we interweave a dynamic and closely connected community.

Check to see what's currently available in the area around Fort Hunt.

  • For sale — Live data on all condos for sale in 22307 zip code.
  • For rent — Live data on rentals in 22307 zip code.
  • Homes for sale — All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22307 zip code.
  • Homes for sale — All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22307 zip code.
  • Homes for sale — All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22307 zip code.
  • Homes for sale — All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22306 zip code.
  • Homes for sale — All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22306 zip code.
  • Homes for sale — All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22306 zip code.
Where is a great place to live? — A searchable database with information about area sales and rentals

Of course as a homeowner you'll now be responsible for maintenance and repairs on the house. You'll be a part of the neighborhood watch and the garden club. According to most studies, you're more likely to vote, and to participate in local government activities. You're now one of the landed gentry. According to the Rossi and Weber National Survey of Families, home owners possess significantly higher levels of self-confidence than renters.

Tax advantages are one of the biggest financial benefits of home ownership. The typical home owner that pays a $1,000 house payment will realize tax savings of about $120 each month. (As a general rule, most homeowners can deduct most or all of their interest payments on their home loan, property taxes and loan points, but check with your tax advisor about your situation.)

This increase confidence and wealth will have an impact on your family life as well. According to Boehm & Schlottmann, University of Tennessee, "Children of home owners are 59% more likely to become homeowners. Their children are also 25% more likely to graduate from high school and 116% more likely to graduate from college."

As an owner, you'll stop paying rent and you'll start building ownership equity. A survey of consumer finance by the Federal Reserve Board found that the median net worth of most modest-income owners is almost $60,000 compared to less than $10,000 for renters in the same income group.

In many cases, your home will provide you with more privacy than rental living. For some, this means a quieter living environment, for others it's the ability to have a grow garden, have a backyard barbecue or a build a garage. You'll have the freedom to make whatever changes or improvements you like. Now that you control your living environment, you can make adjustments as your family changes or just as your personal taste dictates.

In the end, the goal is happiness, not to have the most marbles.

Choosing the Right Condominium
Condomiums are found along Fort Hunt Road at River Towers and Belle View.A condominium is usually a housing unit or apartment in a multi-unit building in which each unit is individually owned, while common areas and the property in general is jointly owned by the residents and the owner of the building, or all of the residents together. Some people choose to purchase and live in a condominium because some condos are less expensive than a traditional single-family house. Additionally, many condo's have added amenities and facilities.

Before deciding to purchase a condominium, it is important to do your research into both the legal and practical aspects of owning a condominium. As with any home purchase, location, size and price are important. With a condominium you'll also want to understand the ownership scheme. This type of information is found in the "condo docs" or condominium documents. Most states, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, require condo doc disclosure before any purchase contract is finalized. The condo docs will contain detailed information on the ownership and property rights of the condo and its owners. Rhe rules of the homeowners association are generally explained in the condo docs in plain English (and not in legal jargo)? It's important to read the condo documents to understand the annual maintenance and upkeep fees, as well as to obtain a full understanding of exactly how much control the association have over the regulation of the property?

Condominiums can be found all over the country, with more being developed each year. Condominiums are quite common in Northern Virginia and the National Capitol area. Some condo's are new construction adn a few are apartment buildings that were rental apartments before making the switch.

In newly constructed condos, it's common to find a sales office onsite at the condominium. And whether your buying from a condominium owner or a condo office, it's a good idea to take a guided tour of facilities and the units that are available for purchase. Of course, many new condominium offices have staff that act as sales agents. Potential condominium owners can make an appointment to meet with a staff sales agent to discuss interest in condo ownership. However, when you're in the market for a condo, it's a good idea to employ your own real estate agent rather than rely on the services of the condominium staff. Your real estate agent will have an understanding of the condominium ownership structure and the condominium documents and the real estate agent can explain what this means to you.

Although there are various types of condominiums, the most common legal arrangements involve individual ownership of each unit, with joint ownership of the communal or common areas by all of the residents in the building. You might be surprised to learn the variety of sizes found in condominiums. Condos range from studios and one bedroom apartment, to a four bedroom penthouse apartment. Even condominiums with the same number of bedrooms can have different floor plans and different numbers of bathrooms and half-baths.

While some condominiums are located in large multi-unit buildings, others may be detached form each other and be located in a gated or planned community. Some condominiums may be located in resort or vacation destinations. Besides total cost of the property, you should also inquire as to the annual homeowners association costs. These fees are usually charged in order to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the common areas. Owning a condominium can be one of the largest investments you make, so make sure that the one you choose can accommodate your specific needs. Purchasing a condominium can be a great way to buy a property in the location you really want with all the amenities you seek.