RSS Feed
Twitter
Did you know there’s something called a final walk-through prior to closing? It is just like it sounds, a final opportunity for the buyers to go through the property to make sure everything still works (or is in substantially the same condition as the home inspection), that nothing was damaged or taken during the move, and that [...]
Archive for the ‘First-Time Buyers’ Category
An Overview of the Final Walk-Through Before Closing
April 24th, 2012 
Laura 
Posted in Arlington, First-Time Buyers 
Tags: arlington real estate, buyers, real estate process, walk-through 
No Comments »What Days Do Most Properties Become Active for Sale?
April 19th, 2012 Laura Every agent has their own idea of when and how to market new homes for sale. So answers obviously may differ, but I am often asked: “What days of the week do most properties get listed for sale?” Here’s the answer and more importantly, why: Answer: Wednesday, Thursday and lately Friday Here’s why: 1. Broker’s Open: Every [...]
What You Need To Know About Buying A Flip
April 12th, 2012 Laura Flipping properties is still going strong in the DC Metro and Northern VA areas. While some are very pretty inside, and usually priced well to sell quickly, there are still some things you need to know when looking into buying a flip: 1. If you’re getting a mortgage, find out what the guidelines are for [...]
When Can I Shop Around for Mortgage Rates from Different Lenders?
March 28th, 2012 Laura This is a question I get often, usually in the beginning of the process – at what point do you shop around to see which lender can give you the best interest rate on your mortgage? The answer? When you have a contract or are close to one. In the beginning, you’ll get pre-approved for [...]
Buyers Who Received The $8,000 Tax Credit….When Can You Sell?
March 8th, 2012 Laura For those of you who first-time buyers who bought a property during 2009 and 2010 when you were eligible for the $8,000 tax credit, there are some things you need to know as you approach that 3 year mark. The credit was yours to keep if you maintained the property as your principal residence for [...]
Why Are So Many Condos For Sale in One Building?
March 5th, 2012 Laura I was holding an open house yesterday at my listing in Courthouse at 1800 Wilson (1800Wilson.com). Currently, there 5 units there for sale (either active or pending), most within the last 2 weeks. A gentleman came in and asked me a great question, he said “I noticed a handful of new condos up for sale [...]
FHA To Increase Mortgage Premiums (Again) As of April 1, 2012
February 29th, 2012 Laura Due to a decline in capital reserves, the FHA will be increasing premiums again to FHA buyers who will be obtaining a loan as of April 1, 2012. Here’s your Need to Know info: You must be under contract by the end of March 31, 2012 to avoid the rate hike. Down-payment requirements remain at 3.5% Loan [...]
The Psychology Of An Offer In Today’s Real Estate Market
February 28th, 2012 Laura You’ve heard me saying that inventory levels are incredibly low but now I can actually relate it in terms many of you will understand better: inventory levels haven’t been this low since January 2005! What does that mean? It means we’re out of the buyers market and into a sellers market! Looking for some pointers [...]
Dealing with Tenants During a Purchase Transaction
January 23rd, 2012 Laura This post is Virginia specific, because laws governing tenants in DC and MD are very different. When you’re looking at properties that are tenant occupied, you’ll have to keep a few things in mind: 1) Tenants have the right to say there through the end of their lease, whether you buy it before then or [...]
What Is A Pocket Listing?
January 9th, 2012 Laura Occasionally I watch HGTV shows, mostly Property Brothers and Income Property, surprising I am sure since I live those shows every day! Last week I watched the season opener of Selling LA, just to tease myself with the gorgeous ocean views we don’t have here in DC. Somehow the Potomac River just doesn’t have the [...]
Posted in Arlington, First-Time Buyers Tags: pocket listings, real estate jargon, selling No Comments »
