Basics Of Home Buying in Arlington VA

The most important investment you will ever make is probably the purchase of a home. Finding the right home in Arlington can be challenging but that's why Nesbitt Realty is here.
Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.

Know Your Priorities

One of our jobs as agents it to help the client organize their thoughts.  We like our clients to actually sit down with pen and paper and work through what features are most important. Equally important, on a new sheet of paper list all the features you absolutely do not want in a house. For example:
  • high-traffic area -- Some folks won't buy a home near the Beltway or along a busy road like Rt. 50 or Glebe Rd.
  • high noise area -- Some buyers love the convenience of Crystal City, so people can't stand the noise of the airplanes.
  • maintenance -- Are you willing take a fixer-upper?  Would you buy a home that needed major repairs?
As you look at houses, keep both lists in mind. Your lists may change over time as you do more looking. You'll want to add or remove features, or perhaps you'll become willing to make compromises. Realize that you most likely will not find the "perfect" home. Your agent might tell you, perfect homes are not found, they are made perfect through hard work.

Get Your Credit Report In Order

Prior to looking at properties, you must get your finances in order. This is the time to review your credit report and clean it up, if need be, to maximize your credit score. Many people do not realize how important it is to check your credit report periodically to make sure it is accurate. You should pay off any past due amounts, or negotiate a settlement price to close the debt. Get such agreements in writing, before paying any settlement. Keep all receipts for any settled items from your credit report since it may take months to get the debt actually removed.

Get Pre-Approved For A Loan

You're ready now to find a lender and get yourself pre-approved for the loan. Being pre-approved offers a number of advantages. It will clarify the price range you can afford. Also, once you find the home you want, you can place an immediate offer. If you have to wait for pre-approval, someone could buy the house right out from under you. Several special programs are often available from lenders, such as the FHA or Ameri-Dream, that can save you money in the closing. Ask the lender about any special programs before you decide on a loan.

Get Good Representation

Broker and Agents in conference room
Broker and Agents in conference room
It is wise for the first time homebuyer to work closely with a real estate agent, no matter what type of property you're looking for. A Nesbitt Realty agent will make your house-hunting much easier. Our Realtors know Arlington and we're trained to know how to negotiate the many details of your purchase. It's essential that you have a real estate agent working for you as the buyer, rather than relying on the seller's agent for the house you want to buy. The latter can involve a conflict of interest, which usually works to your disadvantage. These are just the basics of home buying. Contact us to get more details and to learn more about how we can save you thousands on your purchase. Newest Listings in Arlington
6617 Williamsburg Blvd

Experience the epitome of modern luxury in this to-be-constructed residence, situated in an ideal spot with convenient access to the Beltway, I-66, and key destinations like Tysons Corner, Washington DC, and Ballston. This home is a masterpiece of contemporary design, featuring an open layout, towering ceilings, and spacious, sun-drenched rooms with lavish finishes. Highlights include: Seven large bedrooms, most with a private ensuite bathroom. A fully finished loft, providing extra living space, an additional bedroom, and a full bath. A secluded lower level with its own entrance, comprising two bedrooms, a full bath, a cozy living area, and a well-equipped wet bar. Two strategically placed powder rooms for added convenience. High ceilings and large windows, fostering a bright and welcoming environment. Designed for those who value meticulous craftsmanship and the harmony of indoor-outdoor living, this home is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. Discover your dream home in a location that perfectly balances tranquility with easy connectivity. CALL THE BUILDER FOR AN APPOINTMENT, DREW LAWLESS. NUMBER IS IN SHOWING CONTACT. [Berkshire Oakwood - $2,785,000]

1300 N Hudson St

Bring your own Builder! This is a fantastic lot in one of the most desirable neighborhood in Arlington! Perfect canvas for any of your customizations. Everything in the home is original, six bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Plenty of indoor space nestled in the busy city of Clarendon. 2 blocks from the Clarendon metro located in Lyon Village. Paved parking lot for 7 cars. [Lyon Village - $2,750,000]

2770 11th St N

Welcome to 2770 11th St, where modern elegance meets urban convenience in Clarendon's latest development, Row 11. As one of only two remaining new townhomes, this residence epitomizes contemporary living at its finest. Step inside to discover a seamlessly integrated open-concept layout across four levels, featuring soaring 10-foot ceilings on the main level, hardwood floors, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The kitchen showcases sleek quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy the convenience of a private 2-car garage, ensuring parking is always hassle-free. Retreat to the luxurious master suite boasting an oversized walk-in shower, offering a spa-like experience right at home. Designer finishes throughout the home add a touch of sophistication to every corner. Ascend to the rooftop deck to unwind or entertain while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood. Interior construction just completed, setting the stage for a move-in-ready experience, with full occupancy available within the next 30 days. Positioned just 3.5 blocks from the metro, commuting is a breeze, while being mere steps away from Clarendon's vibrant dining and shopping scene ensures endless entertainment and convenience at your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this sleek urban retreat your own. Schedule your viewing today and experience the epitome of modern living at 2770 11th St. Exterior/site work/Landscaping to be completed by 4/13. [Clarendon - $1,549,900]

2760 11th St N

Introducing 2760 11th St, where contemporary sophistication meets urban ease in Clarendon's latest development, Row 11. This exceptional townhome, one of only two remaining, embodies modern living at its finest. Step into a seamlessly designed open-concept layout across four levels, featuring lofty 10-foot ceilings on the main floor, hardwood floors, and ample windows that flood the space with natural light. The kitchen is a sleek haven with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. Parking is hassle-free with your own private 2-car garage. Retreat to the luxurious master suite with its oversized walk-in shower for a spa-like experience. Designer finishes throughout elevate the space with understated elegance. Head up to the rooftop deck to unwind or entertain while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood. With interior construction just completed, move-in is a breeze, with full occupancy available within the next 30 days. Located just 3.5 blocks from the metro, commuting is a breeze, while Clarendon's lively dining and shopping scene is just steps away, offering endless entertainment options and everyday conveniences. Don't miss the chance to call this sleek urban retreat your own. Schedule your viewing today and experience modern living at its best at 2760 11th St. [Clarendon - $1,549,000]

2915-E S Woodstock St #5

This bedroom 2 bath condo in Courtbridge has so much to offer. Ideally located on S Woodstock St, easily accessed via 29th St S in Fairlington. Parking on S Wakefield St is ample, and it's just a few steps down to the beautiful, open brick courtyard shared only by your nearest neighbors. The covered front porch welcomes you inside to the spacious entry - with separate living and dining areas, kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, fireplace, large windows, and a courtyard. Courtbridge in the Shirlington/Fairlington area is a lovely community - with great neighbors, a beautiful pool, and many, many parks and playgrounds nearby - and just steps to the awesome W&OD Trail. One-of-a-kind Shirlington Village - with shops, restaurants, theaters, library, grocery, dog park, and more - is just minutes away. So are the brand new West Alex development, convenient Bradlee Shopping Center, and Fairlington Centre, as well! Plus easy access to I-395, and less than 15 minutes to DC, Clarendon, Old Town, Del Ray, and more. [Courtbridge I - $475,000]

1709 N Monroe St

*Coming Soon: 1 of 2 Neighboring Custom Craftsman Homes in Cherrydale* Discover Cherrydale's newest treasures, from local builder Enhanced Homes. Anticipated for completion in Summer 2024, these homes offer a unique opportunity to claim your slice of Cherrydale's charm. Set on a generous 11,247 square foot lot, 1709 Monroe offers ample backyard space, with total lot depths exceeding 215 feet. Embrace privacy and endless possibilities in this expansive outdoor retreat. Step inside and experience a level of refinement that transcends expectation with 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, and over 6,100 square feet of space across three levels. Designer finishes and details throughout. Ready to make these homes your own? Schedule a consultation with the builder and his team to walk the project and explore the customizable options still available. Your dream home awaits in Cherrydale—act now to make it a reality. [Cherrydale - $2,849,000]

2004 (unit 1) N Nelson St

1 of 2 New Semi-Detached New Construction Homes Coming Soon in Cherrydale. 5 bed, 5,5 baths and 3,900 finished sqft per unit over 3 levels. 5,000 sqft fenced in yard. Delivery expected spring 2025. Schedule a meeting today with the builder to learn more about the design/build process and how to fully customize all finishes in your new home. [Cherrydale - $1,700,000]

Arlington, Buying, First Time Homebuyers, Home Buying, Residential

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.