Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

September 10, 2008

How to Buy Distressed Alexandria VA Homes for Sale

Filed under: Alexandria VA homes for sale — Fairfax County VA Real Estate Agent @ 8:43 pm

Distressed Alexandria VA homes for sale means the owner urgently needs to sell.  Distressed property isn’t necessarily a fixer upper, but the owner probably hasn’t kept on top of maintenance issues.  This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how much maintenance is required and how well you (or your real estate agent) negotiate.

There are several tips that can help you buy the right distressed Alexandria VA homes for sale at a great discount:

  1. Be patient – This is not a process where you can just go out and buy the first distressed home you see.
  2. Be financially ready for the purchase – Look into lenders and mortgages before you find the right home.
  3. Get your credit score in order – Review your credit report and fix any problems that you might have.
  4. Write down your goals – Are you looking for a home to live in, a long-term Alexandria VA real estate investment, or something to fix up and sell?
  5. Look in the right locations -   Your goals influence the needed location.  If you plan on living in the home, ensure it has the features you want: security, near your job, schools, etc.  If you’re looking for it as an investment, be sure it is in an area that will give you high rates of return.
  6. Ask your real estate agent for advice – A professional real estate agent knows what distressed properties are available in the area and which will meet your goals.
  7. Follow HUD sales in your area – Look in the paper under the real estate section for sale prices and conditions of homes.
  8. If you look at homes that are for sale by owner, work with a real estate agent who can help you negotiate the transaction.  Real estate agents can help you negotiate the best price and terms for a home even when that home is for sale by owner.
  9. Though you may not be looking for a fixer upper, learn about the cost of repairs in case you have to get into that.

Finding distressed Alexandria VA homes for sale is not that difficult, especially in today’s market, but you need to know what you’re doing.  Research the purchase and do your homework to get that great buy.

Let me help you find that distressed property you are looking for. Call me at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now! 

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

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