Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

Buying Alexandria VA homes for sale for the first time can be an adventure…and it can also be intimidating.  Making such a large financial purchase for the first time can cause more than a few sleepless nights for prospective Alexandria VA homes for sale buyers.

One of the biggest fears first time Alexandria VA homes for sale buyers have is “can we really afford to purchase a house?”  It’s a natural fear considering the amount of money involved.  Yet there are numerous programs available to first time homebuyers to make the process less stressful. 

Here are a few things first time Alexandria VA homes for sale buyers should consider:

• Pre-qualification
  An agent will usually have a list of lenders you can work with to get pre-qualified for a loan.  Doing so helps you know how much of a home you can afford and what your monthly mortgage payment will be.
• Money Down
  Most homebuyers are required to put a certain percentage down on their Alexandria VA homes for sale purchase.  As a first time homebuyer, you may be eligible for a very low to zero down payment.
   
• Interest Rate
  Depending on your income and credit rating, you may be eligible for a lower than average interest rate.  Or, if you choose to put nothing down, you may be paying a higher than average interest rate.  When you consider financing your Alexandria VA homes for sale, look at all the costs involved…not just the interest rate.  Be sure to discuss with your lender the closing costs associated with each loan and what the difference is between interest rates.  It may be worth it to get a loan with a slightly higher interest rate and lower closing costs; rather than it would be to go with a loan that has a lower interest rate, but higher closing costs.

Why Use an Agent?  The most valuable tool a first time Alexandria VA homes for sale buyer can have is an experienced REALTOR®.  Your Alexandria real estate agent should know all the areas and market trends including: Old Town, Arlandria, Del Ray, West End, North Ridge and Franconia. 

No matter which area of Northern Virginia you choose for your first home, my knowledge of the local real estate market  will make your first time home buyer experience a smooth one.  I’ll advise new Alexandria VA homes for sale buyers on all mortgage options available to them and will help you decide which option best meets your personal budget and needs.  Learn about the top 10 Buyer Mistakes you won’t want to make.

Alexandria Virginia has something for everyone.  Whether you’re buying your first home,  relocating to the Alexandria VA homes for sale area or looking for a second home, I would love to help!  Just drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me direct at 703-909-3939.  You’ll be glad you did! 

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

The day you’ve waited for has finally arrived.  A buyer has made an offer to purchase your Alexandria VA homes for sale and you’ve accepted.  You’re about to breath a big sigh of relief until your agent reminds you the offer is contingent upon an inspection of your home.  Your big sigh of relief quickly turns into panicked shortness of breath.

Let’s face it, home inspections have a way of getting a seller’s blood pressure up.  After all, an Alexandria, VA homes for sale home inspection can uncover hidden home defects that, in some cases, mean costly repairs.  Following a few quick and simple tips, however, can put your home in its best light and decrease your chances of a negative home inspection report.  

Before your home inspection:

1. Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary.
2. Make sure all appliances are in working order.
3. Remove pets from the home. 
4. Clean your home both inside and out, leaving the interior and exterior free of debris and clutter.
5. If you are no longer living in the home you’re selling, make sure electric, water and gas service is left on.  This will allow the inspector to perform the necessary tests.
6. Remove any hindrance to attic entrance, utility box, gas and water shut offs.
7. Make any necessary repairs you’re aware of before the inspection. 
8. Have a seller’s home inspection to give you a head’s up on any potential problems.

Home inspections can be unnerving but following these eight simple steps will help the inspection go smoothly and move your sale along, while letting you breathe that sigh of relief you so richly deserve.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a home or condo, I’d love to show you some great buys in Alexandria VA homes for sale.  Just drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me now at 703-909-3939.

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com   
703-909-3939

Don’t despair if a Fairfax County VA homes for sale relocation is in your near future.  Your to-do list may seem endless at times, especially if your move is long distance.  But, if you take a step-by-step approach, it will leave you more relaxed and anticipating the move.

The first thing you need to do is take advantage of technology.  The Internet will allow you to research your new home’s communities, such as Condos in Arlington VA or Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  You’ll learn about the communities and their lifestyle, culture, demographics, schools and churches… and so much more. 

If you can click on a mouse and do an online search for Fairfax County VA homes for sale, you’ll discover a world of information at your fingertips. 

Once you’ve done some relocation research, it is imperative that you find an experienced REALTOR®.  One who has the benefit of knowing Fairfax County VA homes for sale and homes or condos in Arlington VA. 

As your Fairfax County, Virginia real estate agent, I’ll listen to you and find out what type of home or property you’re looking for.  This will help you narrow down your search and make relocation much more enjoyable.  Learn more about details of your house hunting trip, and we’ll plan a schedule for looking at homes of your choice in the area. 

And remember, when you are buying a home long distance, as your REALTOR®, I’ll be there for you every step of the way. 

Planning on relocating to Fairfax County, VA homes for sale, Alexandria, VA homes for sale, or home and condos in Arlington, VA?  I would love to help you with all your relocation needs.  Just fill out the relocation form and I’ll send you a customized relocation package of the area of your choice.  If you need more information or assistance, please call me direct at 703-909-3939 today, or send me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.     

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com 
703-909-3939

Oscar Wilde once said:  “These days man knows the price of everything but the value of nothing.”

This is especially true when it comes to selling your home.  You have an attachment to the place.  Maybe you helped your dog give birth to puppies in the garage or watched your daughter take her first steps in the kitchen, but now that you are ready to sell, it’s time to put on emotional blinders on and focus on finding your Fairfax county VA homes for sale  true monetary value. 

Here are five helpful hints to on-target pricing that will bring a quick, close-to-asking price sale:

1. Have your REALTOR® pull a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) comparing your home to similar homes that have been sold in the area.  This report figures in things like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms to help determine a competitive price.
2. Narrow your comparisons to homes that have been sold in the last two months.  If you pull in home sale prices that are over six months old, the comparison may be skewed by economic factors.
3. Remember that Time is Money.  Do you have to sell quickly due to relocation or a contingency on another property?  Consider pricing your Fairfax County, VA homes for sale at the lower end of the market analysis.  Not in a hurry?  It may be worth your while to list higher and wait for a willing buyer.
4. Consider supply and demand.  Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?  A Fairfax County, Virginia real estate agent will help you consider these important factors when determining a listing price.
5. Don’t forget what makes your house special.  Home improvements like updated kitchens, bathrooms and mechanicals appeal to buyers (these are big ticket items that they won’t have to undertake!) and justify a higher list price.

Your home will sell if you do your homework, and in no time you’ll be making memories and finding true value in a new home.

Do you have Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  As a trusted Fairfax county, Virginia real estate agent, I’d be happy to provide you with a FREE Market Analysis of your current homes worth.  I’ll send you a FREE book or CD about home selling.  Email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me now to get started at 703-909-3939.  I’d love to hear from you! 

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com 
703-909-3939

Whether you’re looking for Alexandria VA homes for sale, condos in Arlington VA or Fairfax County VA homes for sale you’ll need an experienced REALTOR® to help you through the process. 

Like a guardian angel, your REALTOR® should always have your best interest in mind.  When you take the time to find the ideal buyer’s agent, you’ll have someone looking over your shoulder to shepherd you through potential real estate pitfalls.

Here are a few things your REALTOR® can (and should) do for you:

• Lead You Down The Right Path:  an agent will help you take stock of your assets and liabilities and put you in touch with a trusted lender to handle your Alexandria VA homes for sale. They’ll listen to your desires and steer clear of time-wasting showings.  They will know about neighborhoods that have great schools or senior centers or a great garden club… depending on your needs.  Did I mention that they will understand your needs because they LISTEN? 
• Offer Divine Intervention:  a REALTOR® should not depend solely on the MLS, but also use their contacts with other REALTORS® to zero in on listings in Fairfax County VA homes for sale, that may be right up your alley.  They’ll pull neighborhood comparison reports to help you determine whether the asking price is right. They’ll inform you about necessary inspections and fill you in on things like property taxes and utility costs.
• Steer You Away from Danger:  in the world of buyer’s agents, you should feel that your agent is almost all-knowing.  An experienced REALTOR® will recognize red flags that you may not see and give you the unbiased facts of a property.  They’ll answer all the questions that will allow you to make confident decisions.  That heavenly agent will make sure that all your i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed and guide you to a smooth closing on your Fairfax County, VA homes for sale or condos in Arlington, VA.

When searching for the perfect home or condo, finding a real estate agent that you trust is key!  I have valuable expertise in buying and selling Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  You might not see my halo, but you’ll find a match made in heaven when you hire me as your REALTOR®.  Give me a call now at 703-909-3939 or send me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.     

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com 
703-909-3939