Buyers Often Overlook Insurance Costs

first-time buyer
Nesbitt Realty helps first-time home-buyers realize their home-buying dreams.
Insurance is usually the last thing people worry about when they are buying a new home. According to the Insurance Information Institute, that's a mistake, because it will be an expense a buyer will have as long as they own the property. Here are some key issues that the institute urges every buyer to consider:
  • What is the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems? Older and poorly maintained systems cost more to insure.
  • How far is the home from the fire department? A location close to the station usually means lower insurance costs.
  • Does the property meet current building codes? Up-to-date properties are safer and also cheaper to insure.
  • What about wind damage? If insurance against windstorms is required, is private insurance available or will the buyer have to rely on a state-run program? If there a windstorm deductible, how high is it?
  • Is the home vulnerable to flooding? Floods aren’t covered under a standard homeowner policy, although most major insurers will provide it through the National Flood Insurance program. How much the insurance costs depends on where the property is. More information is available at FloodSmart.gov.
  • Is there earthquake risk? Earthquake insurance requires an endorsement or a separate policy.

Home buying in Northern Virginia?

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These neighborhoods have that special mixture of luxurious homes with a desirable location. Many of these neighborhoods are served by the area's best public schools.

  • Arcturus -- Along the Potomac River near George Washington Parkway

  • Arlington Ridge -- Overlooking the capital's river valley

  • Belle Haven -- An established neighborhood of distinctive homes

  • Chesterbrook -- Elegant homes on quiet streets in Mclean

  • Clifton -- A place to find your micro-mansion

  • Great Falls --- Impressive residences with large lots

  • Langley -- Great schools, quiet neigbhoods

  • Rivercrest -- Stately homes on the Arlingwood bluff

  • Seminary Hill -- Impressive homes on large lots close to town

  • Yacht Haven -- Boater's paradise on the Potomac

Here are some Ghost Tours tour guides

There is a certain charm to a historic neighborhood that you cannot find elsewhere. Many of these neighborhoods date to the colonial era.

Julie Nesbitt checks out at Lotte

It's fun to live close to shops and restaurants.

  • Aurora Hieghts --- Near the Pentagon at the center of the region

  • Ballston --- Ballston Common Mall is at the center of this community

  • Clarendon --- Market Common Clarendon has many shops and restaurants

  • Fair Lakes -- Home of the Fair Oaks Mall and many nearby restaurants

  • Old Town --Well-known for boutiques, shops and restaurants

  • Pentagon City -- The Fashion Center at Pentagon City is a multi-level indoor mall surrounded by shops and restaurtants

  • Springfield -- Springfield Mall is being renovated and replaced by a brand new shopping center

  • Reston -- Reston Town Center is one of many shopping attractions here.

  • Tysons Corner -- Home to Tysons Corner Mall and the upscale Tysons II Galleria

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Are you looking for a home or condo near a metro station? Use our site to find properties close to Metro stations.


real estate for sale near metro stations.

Will Nesbitt

View posts by Will Nesbitt
Will is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. He is licensed in anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but focuses on those communities found in and around Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Springfield/Franconia. Will has been involved in real estate management, sales and investment for more than twenty years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the army, he studied Russian at Monterey's Defense Language Institute. He is also a "veteran of the dotcom wars" and built most of the sites associated with NesbittRealty.com Will currently resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Old Town, overlooking New Alexandria. He is a former president of the Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association and founded the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group. Will is the author of BattlestorM, a tabletop fantasy game, which was published by Ral Partha Publishing in the late '90's, and Arthur's Realm, a boardgame available at the Gamecrafter.