You’ve been prequalified … what now?

I met with a first-time buyer over the weekend. She was prequalified by her lender. Prequalifying helped frame her choices. It's a waste of time and energy to look at homes that are outside of the budget, so prequalification is the first step for any home buyer. Here are the steps that we'll be taking on the road to home ownership.3D Realty Handshake
  1. Tour properties --- We took a top level tour of some of the properties that are in her budget. This gives the client something concrete and real to think about so that she can decide whether this home ownership thing is for her or not. In addition to the units we saw, I can think of a number of places that would also fall within this client's budget and still offer a very reasonable commute to Ft. Belvoir. But I wanted to get her impressions of these places before going on a bit deeper.
  2. Revisiting --- We'll revisit those communities that hold the greatest interest and look at everything available in those communities.  (So far we just did a top level search.)
    • A few more choices --- If none of these really feel right, we'll find a few more to consider and continue with the search.
  3. Make an offer --- When we've found the property that stirs the soul, fits the budget and feels right, I'll write up an offer. At that time I'll collect "earnest money".
    • The earnest money is evidence that the seller is serious about the purchase and is held in escrow until the sale is completed. We'll submit a preapproval letter, a copy of the earnest money deposit and the signed offer for the seller to consider.
  4. Negotiations --- Sometimes there is a difference between the asking price and the selling price. The selling price is determined by negotiation. We'll pass drafts of the contract back and forth until the buyer and seller have agreed on all terms.
  5. Loan processing --- Julie at Condominium Mortgage will then collect documentation from the client. This documentation will serve the purpose of proving the representations made in the loan application process. The buyer will produce pay stubs, bank statements etc. Julie will also order an appraisal as required by all lenders.
  6. Settlement --- Settlement is the word used to describe the actual transfer of ownership. We'll settle on the property in a timely fashion on an agreed upon date. Settlement will occur at a title company's office and a settlement agent will ensure that funds are present as is marketable title.
  7. Ownership --- Here's where the fun begins ... as does the responsibility of home ownership.

Properties in Fort Hunt

1304 Gahant Rd

Gorgeous new construction home sits on a half-acre lot and is nestled among mature trees in the beloved NOVA Fort Hunt community in the sought after Waynewood Elementary School District. With over 5,000 square feet of above-grade living space, this one-of-a-kind home offers classic architectural features, lots of upgrades and a fantastic layout. Entering the home through the welcoming covered front porch you will immediately appreciate the beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors, 9 ft ceilings, oversized windows, and open airy feeling. On the right is an office (can easily convert to a formal dining room). On the left is a main floor bedroom with a full ensuite to keep your guests happy in their own private area. As you pass the beautiful staircase, you enter a light-filled expansive kitchen/dining/family room area with a large gas burning fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves. The oversized sliding glass doors of the family room provide lovely views of the tree-lined backyard. The kitchen features white shaker painted maple cabinets, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, large farmhouse sink, large island with seating for 4 and plenty of storage. Immediately off the kitchen, you will find a powder room and butler’s pantry with beverage fridge and storage. Adjoining the pantry is a large mudroom with custom built-in cubbies for coats, shoes &. backpacks with access to the garage as well as the front and back yards. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms plus a huge recreation room (or 5th bedroom with double closets and full ensuite). The owner’s suite, with views of the backyard, has 2 walk-in closets, a gorgeous bathroom with soaking tub, large glass-enclosed shower, and double sinks. Bedroom #1 has a private ensuite; bedrooms #2 & #3 share a Jack n Jill bathroom with a double sink vanity. Other second floor features include a laundry room with custom cabinetry, walk-in storage closet and even space for a future elevator! You'll never have to leave this beautiful home. But wait, there's another level! You have the option of customizing the 3rd floor. You can add another bathroom, maybe even a sauna-make it whatever your heart desires! Finally, let's face it, one of the most important spaces in anyone's dream home is a good-sized attached garage. This finished garage easily fits 2 cars and is wired to charge your electric car! This home features many upgrades such as 2 separate Carrier Heating/Air Conditioning zoned systems, tankless water heater with infinite hot water, CAT-6 wiring with multimedia outlets, Hardie-plank siding, lifetime architectural shingled roof with metal roof accents, and a dedicated natural gas hookup for grilling. WFB Companies Inc. and Crafted Architecture have designed a home you will not want to leave. But should you have to, you are a block away from the wonderful shops and restaurants of Hollin Hall Village, including the famous Variety Store and Village Hardware! The home is in the Tauxemont Village Community which is a Cooperative not an HOA. The Cooperative manages the well water system, 3 parks, nature trail and tennis court. Homeowners can also access the Tauxemont school playground. Cost is $700 annually which includes water. You can access Tauxement Park by a path just one house over. There is a path up between the hosues so no need to go on busy roads! Beyond that you will also find lots of parks, pools, and pickle ball courts nearby, including the wonderful Mount Vernon Park with pool, pond, tennis courts and pavilion. Bring your fishing rod. Even though you will feel far away from urban mayhem, you are minutes from the George Washington Parkway with its beautiful views of the Potomac River, biking and walking path, easy access to Old Town, Hwy 495, Reagan International Airport. Don't miss out on this truly special new home. [Tauxemont - $1,795,000]

1209 Chadwick Ave

Welcome to this charming home nestled on a tranquil 1/2 acre lot where blooming crepe myrtles and fig trees enhance the picturesque landscape. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and natural beauty. Upon entering, you'll be captivated by the classic layout and exquisite details throughout. Gorgeous hardwood floors exude warmth, guiding you through the inviting spaces. To the left, French doors open to a formal living room adorned with beautiful moldings and a wood-burning fireplace, ideal for cozy gatherings. On the right, a more casual gathering space awaits, featuring a second wood-burning fireplace with an all-brick surround, perfect for relaxed evenings with loved ones. The heart of the home lies in the gourmet kitchen, boasting stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a breakfast bar that beckons you to gather and create memorable meals. Adjacent is a separate dining room, providing an elegant setting for formal dinners and special occasions. Glass sliding doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, leading to the stunning backyard patio, an idyllic place to gather with friends for a barbecue or simply enjoying peaceful evenings in the tranquil setting. Completing the main level is a home office, offering a quiet retreat for remote work, and a convenient half bath for guests. Upstairs, you'll discover four bedrooms with tranquil views from every window. The primary en-suite bedroom is a luxurious retreat, featuring a spacious bathroom and a walk-in closet, providing ample storage. A full bath services the other bedrooms and a pull-down attic offers additional storage space for your convenience. Outside, an attached two-car garage and a horseshoe driveway provide easy access and ample parking for you and your guests, ensuring convenience and comfort. Nestled adjacent to Collingwood Park, this home enjoys a prime location just one block from the GW bike path and GW Parkway. With this convenient positioning, residents have effortless access to Old Town, DC, Belvoir, the Pentagon, and Reagan National Airport. [Wellington - $1,079,000]

7901 Wellington Rd

Open Sunday 4/28 from 1-4 pm. Step into the extraordinary at 7901 Wellington Road! This exceptional residence offers an impressive array of features, including 5 bedrooms (with an additional den/6th bedroom on the lower level), 4 full bathrooms, and a sprawling 3,600 square feet of living space, all nestled on a picturesque 0.3-acre corner lot. Welcoming you with craftsman appeal and timeless charm, this home boasts an open floor plan highlighted by newly finished hardwood floors (2024) throughout the main and upper levels. Entertaining is a breeze with the spacious living room featuring a gas fireplace and a large picture window, while the adjacent great room dining & kitchen area dazzles with slate flooring, upgraded black stainless Kitchen Aid and Bosch appliances, and a peninsula perfect for hosting gatherings or family meals. The dining room charms with bead board ceilings, custom windows, and a built-in window seat with plush custom cushions. Upstairs, three spacious bedrooms await, along with a convenient laundry room complete with a butcher block folding table. The primary suite is a serene retreat, boasting His and Her walk-in closets and a spa-like primary bathroom with a soaking tub, double vanities, and a glass door shower. The lower level offers an entertainment haven with a spacious family room, two large storage rooms, an additional versatile room ideal for a den or 6th bedroom, and another full, updated bathroom. Outdoor living is a delight with options including a covered front porch and an expansive back deck in the fully fenced backyard, both offering views of county parkland. The deck's pergola with lights sets the perfect ambiance for gatherings. Conveniently located within walking distance to Hollin Hall Village Shopping Center and Mount Vernon Park Pool, and zoned for Waynewood Elementary, this home offers a lifestyle of convenience and luxury. Don't let this opportunity slip away—schedule your showing today! [Hollin Hall Village - $1,329,000]

8620 W Boulevard Dr

WATER VIEW! Beautiful, Unique All Brick 4,566 SF Mansion with View of the Potomac. Spacious 5 bedroom plus Den, Huge Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, 6 full baths, 5 Car Garage, Extra Kitchen + Suite home in Alexandria area. Minutes away from Fort Belvoir, US Coast Guard Base, Metro, Coffee Shops, Restaurants, as well as Old Town Alexandria. Very easy commute to Washington DC and Pentagon via scenic George Washington Parkway. About 15 miles to Pentagon or Bolling AFB. Rare Corner Half Acre lot with Huge Backyard and Direct View/Access to the Potomac River and GW Parkland Trail. No better Location for DC & Ft Belvoir! Must See! -- [Waynewood - $1,650,000]

7829 Schelhorn Rd

3 level single family features 6 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, dining area, family room, kitchen with breakfast area, fully finished basement, 2 car garage with circular driveway. It is conveniently located, near Hospital, Schools, Shopping Centers, and more. [Hybla Valley Farms - $1,190,000]

8103 Kane Ct

Welcome to 8103 Kane Court, a thoughtfully designed and meticulously maintained home centered in Fort Hunt Alexandria. This is not your average split-level home; it exudes professionally planned, like-new quality both inside and out! This exceptional property boasts bright, natural light that accentuates the soaring ceiling, fresh paint and hickory hardwood floors. The attention to detail is evident throughout, with tailor-made features including upgraded systems and fresh cosmetics. This single family presents a custom home office with built-ins and pocket door, offering a perfect space for remote work or study. The permitted garage and great room addition seamlessly blend function and comfort, featuring a gas fireplace and mini-split temperature control for added convenience. The renovated kitchen highlights cabinets with glass doors, stainless steel appliances, neutral backsplash and gorgeous granite countertops. Across from the kitchen is a central dining area for enjoying home cooked meals. You’ll rest well in one of three bedrooms on the upper level situated next to the remodeled full bath. Downstairs is the den/fourth bedroom, second full bath and a useful laundry room. The property's quality extends outside, with a hardy board exterior, new roof and windows, a fenced flat backyard complete with a patio, play set, playhouse and a generous storage shed. This home is located in the desirable Waynewood school district and is just minutes away from Old Town Alexandria, DC, Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon and Mount Vernon. For nature enthusiasts, the scenic George Washington Parkway and Fort Hunt Park are nearby, offering the ideal escape into nature. Upgrades: New Kitchen 2018*Great Room w/ Fireplace Addition 2022*New Main Bath 2019*New Lower Level Bath 2020*New Shed w/ Bike Storage 2020*New Hickory Hardwood Flooring, Baseboards, Trim & Crown Molding 2020-2022*New Solid Wood 6 Panel Doors 2020-2022*Upgraded Electrical Service & Break Box 2022*All New Windows 2021*New Lighting & Hardware Fixtures 2021*New Garage 2019*Regraded Backyard & Landscaping 2023*New Patio 2023*New Hardy Board Siding, Soffits & Trim 2022*New Roof 2022*New A/C 2020 (approx)*Upstairs Landing Halfwall, Railings & Stairs 2023*Basement Storage Area Concrete Floor & Drainage 2020*Built-In Custom Home Office 2023*4th Bedroom/Den & Closets 2019*New Kitchen 2018*Great Room w/ FP Addition 2022* New Main Bath 2019*New LL Bath 2020* [Kirk - $879,900]

2504 Sherwood Hall Ln

PRICE ADJUSTMENT!!! Welcome to an extraordinary property in Alexandria. Nestled on over three quarters of an acre behind a gated entrance you will feel tucked away with lots of space to live, entertain and relax in. The home is almost 6,000 sq ft of expansive elegant living. Walking inside the front door you are greeted with vaulted ceilings and a grand staircase. The main level features formal living room and dining room, office and gourmet kitchen with island open to a vaulted ceiling family room with gas fireplace. Step out side the sliding doors to one of the most amazing yards in Alexandria. There you find a huge pool, hot tub, putting green, gazebo, tiki bar with out side kitchen. The yard is wired for music and beautiful lighting. There's still lots of room to add a pool house, or an auxiliary living unit. So much space! Back in side, the upper level has 4 bedrooms including a primary ensuite with gas fireplace, sitting area, double closets and large bathroom. Heading down to the lower level there is another gas fireplace, lots of room for a pool or pingpong table, plus a theatre room, another bedroom and workout/extra room. The oversized two car garage is set up for electric car charging. Located in the highly sought after Fort Hunt community, you have access to great youth sports programs, community centers, including the Mount Vernon Community Center which is currently receiving a multi-million dollar renovation that will feature two ice rinks, swimming pool, fitness area. Just south of Old Town Alexandria, it's great for commuting, just a couple of miles from hwy 495, it's also just a short 20 minute drive Reagan International .Airport. During the summer months you are steps away from a farmer's market for fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Also located close by is the Sherwood Hall Library. Come see this hidden gem for yourself! It's really a one-of-a-kind property. [Hybla Valley Farms - $1,949,000]

8905 Camfield Dr

! An even better value now! Elegant & chic renovation last month at this charming Fort Hunt neighborhood home. Bay windows in the living room & eat in kitchen, primary bedroom w/ en-suite overlooks the pool. Lower level:all above ground living space. Water proofed durable flooring to handle pool traffic coming in from the backyard. Spacious in-law-suite/guest areas, office/library has built in wall units plus a huge 'crawl space' for extra storage. Also perfect for a kid's rainy day play space, live-in au pair, with its own private entrance/exit to the backyard & pool. Sun room (floor-water proofed durable flooring to handle pool traffic) addition leads to the brick patio & to the peaceful pool area. Fabulous for cooking & entertaining in the fully fenced in private corner lot. Calling all dog lovers: Fort Hunt Park neighborhood back-trail/path is just a few houses away, George Washington Parkway/bike path/walking trail 3 blocks, Mount Vernon Estate & Fort Belvoir just down the road in this all Single Family home community with no HOA. [Potomac Valley - $849,000]

2310 Wilkinson Pl

Nestled in the peaceful Kirkside subdivision in Alexandria, Virginia, this split-level home at 2310 Wilkinson Place has been meticulously renovated to offer contemporary living at its finest. The hardwood floors have been beautifully refinished throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The main level boasts a spacious living room with a cozy gas fireplace, a formal dining room that seamlessly flows into the well-designed kitchen. The kitchen features tranquil gray cabinets, quartz countertops, a five-burner gas cooktop with a range hood, wall oven, a microwave drawer, a farmhouse sink, and stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator with water and ice dispenser. Stepping out from the kitchen to the backyard, you'll discover an expansive stone patio complete with a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and an above-ground lap pool surrounded by privacy screening. Additionally, there are two sheds for extra storage. As you ascend to the bedroom level, you'll find three bedrooms and two full baths. The master bedroom has been enlarged to include a spacious walk-in closet and a luxurious master bathroom with a double sink and a sizable shower stall. Heading down to the basement, you'll encounter a generous family room with a another gas fireplace, an additional bedroom or office space, a full bath with a shower stall, a utility room with laundry facilities, and ample storage space. Situated on a serene cul-de-sac on Wilkinson Place, this home offers a peaceful retreat just minutes away from the GW Parkway, Fort Hunt Road, shops, restaurants, schools, Old Town, the national airport, and major transportation hubs. [Kirkside - $945,000]

8406 Brewster Dr

Welcome to your dream home! This METICULOUSLY UPDATED 4BR/2.5BA detached home, featuring all levels finished and a 1-car attached garage, in the coveted STRATFORD ON THE POTOMAC community, is a true masterpiece! Situated on .29 acres with a fenced, level lot, enjoy a serene and private backdrop of mature trees and an EXPANSIVE outdoor patio ('21)--perfect for entertaining! Stroll along your inviting stamped concrete walkway (Aug '22) to your covered front porch. Step through the stately double door entry to find a welcoming Foyer with modern tile flooring ('21) and a FULLY UPGRADED INTERIOR! The Main & Upper Levels showcase refinished GLEAMING HARDWOOD floors throughout (newer HDWDs in Kitchen--Aug '21), enhancing the spacious ambiance! Your COMPLETELY RENOVATED (Aug '21) Chef's Delight Kitchen is a culinary haven, featuring ample 42" shaker-style cabinetry, QUARTZ countertops, trendy tile backsplash, a large CENTER ISLAND with barstool overhang, and stainless appliances (Aug '21) -- seamlessly opening into your SUN-FILLED Dining Room, accented by a custom wainscoting accent wall! Retreat to your spacious Family Room featuring a charming brick fireplace with gas insert, handcrafted built-in shelving & a SUNLIT sliding glass door to your Backyard Oasis! The conveniently located main level Laundry/Mud Room is adjacent to the garage and has a washer/dryer (July '16), utility sink (March '24), and ample built-in cabinets! The main level PRIVATE STUDY offers a quiet space to work. Enjoy your Owner's Bedroom Retreat with its spacious layout, complete with double closets and a NEWLY REMODELED (April '24) Private Owner's Bath with a new raised vanity, separate shower & DESIGNER FINISHES. Additional Upper Level Bedrooms 2, 3 & 4 are SPACIOUS in size -- Bedrooms 2 & 3 have walk-in closets. The Hall Bath, fully updated (April '24), features new tile flooring, a raised vanity & tub/shower with tile surround. The FINISHED LOWER LEVEL offers a versatile space, including a convenient WALK-OUT STAIRS ELEVATION and large Exercise/Recreation, and Storage/Utility Rooms! Tons of storage in the floored attic or lower level Storage/Utility Room! ADDITIONAL UPGRADES: Neutral paint throughout, ALL BATHS UPDATED--April '24, replaced A/C and furnace cleaned (Aug '17), ceiling fans in bedrooms ('21), newer paved driveway (June '21), additional recessed lighting throughout ('19), Exercise Room tile in lower level ('19), red oak HDWDs refinished ('16), extensive tree work ('22), professional landscaping, waterproofing and sump pump ('18), cedar fence portion ('22) & more! Conveniently located near MAJOR commuting arteries, our Nation's Capital, Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, Fort Belvoir & more! Sought-after school pyramid! TRULY a MOVE-IN ready home--make it YOUR home! **Be sure to check out: 3D & video tours!** [Stratford On the Potomac - $975,000]

For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

Stuart Nesbitt

View posts by Stuart Nesbitt
Stuart Nesbitt is a Realtor® licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His office is located in Fairfax County near the City of Alexandria in Belle Haven. He was born and raised in Northern Virginia and attended Fairfax County schools. Call him at any time to discuss your real estate needs.