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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 [...]
Archive for the ‘First-Time Buyers’ Category
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 »How Much Cash Do We Need To Buy?
December 14th, 2011 Laura I have conversations every day that remind me to go back to basics when you’re talking about real estate transactions. With that in mind, I’d like to go over the basics of a mortgage and how much you actually need to buy a house in the DC area. Now, I am NOT a loan officer, [...]
The Home Buying Process from the Realtor Perspective
December 9th, 2011 Laura I have been in hundreds of homes in just the past few months, all over Northern VA and DC. I know the general layout of the house before I even go into it, just by seeing the outside. I usually know if my clients are going to hate it before we even step foot into [...]
Is There More Value In A Newer Home or Older One?
October 13th, 2011 Laura Many people ask about buying new construction versus an older home, and which one is a better value. This is a multi-faceted question since there are so many things to consider. In general around the Arlington area, you’re going to pay more for a new property than you will for an older home. The average [...]
Who Attends A Home Inspection?
October 11th, 2011 Laura Once you have a ratified (binding) contract, you’ll schedule a home inspection to occur within a specified number of days. Many people ask who can or how many people attend an inspection, so let me clear up this issue: Anyone you want.* *Within reason Normally, the people in attendance for an inspection include: 1) The [...]
Posted in Arlington, First-Time Buyers Tags: arlington real estate, buyer, home inspection No Comments »What’s The Difference Between A Home Warranty and Homeowners Insurance?
October 4th, 2011 Laura When you buy a home, inevitably something will break or need repairs, even if you do a home inspection. So when you’re getting ready to go to settlement, you’ll be faced with a few questions: do you want a home warranty and how much coverage should I get under my homeowners insurance policy? Do I [...]
Buy Your Home for 50% Off If You’re A Teacher, Firefighter/EMS, or Law Enforcement Officer – HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Program
August 31st, 2011 Laura Did you know that HUD has a Good Neighbor Next Door Program that allows certain people to buy HUD homes for 50% off? There are some hoops and some requirements, properties are hard to find, but if you can find one, this program is a great opportunity! Who Qualifies: Teachers Law Enforcement Officers Firefighters/Emergency Medical [...]
We Hate Everything We See: How Do We Find The Perfect House?
August 19th, 2011 Laura Not to be debbie downer, but the perfect house doesn’t exist (or it’s $500k over your budget). There’s ALWAYS something you want to change, whether it’s a big thing or a small annoyance. For me…the refrigerator opens into the wall and every time I open the fridge I bang it into the wall. For others, [...]
What Is A Seller Required to Repair on a Home Inspection?
July 6th, 2011 Laura When a buyer does a home inspection, the findings can be grouped into two categories: 1) Required Repairs and 2) Requested Repairs. When determining whether an item falls under one category or the other, use this a guideline: Required Repairs must be in accordance with Paragraph 7 of the VA Regional Sales Contract, which reads: [...]
