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