Welcome to the Del Ray home buying market in Alexandria VA! This is an exciting time to be purchasing a home, with an array of new homes coming onto the market these is some excellent value to be found. All it takes is a little time and effort in looking and you can find your dream home for a dream price. But you should always be a smart buyer. There are those out there that will take advantage of someone who is eager to buy so, if you do your homework; the deals will follow.
If you're looking to buy in Del Ray, the first thing you should do is get your finances in order. This involves finding out your credit score, fixing any outstanding issues affecting your credit, ensuring that these are properly released from your report, and finally securing your mortgage before you start looking. When I say secure your finances I mean try to get a full pre-approval, this is different from a pre-qualification in that a pre-qualification does not "secure" you any amount of money, it is simply a judgment of whether or not you qualify to receive a mortgage.
Next, start working with a Realtor that knows Del Ray. This is a huge step so be prepared to move from merely wanting a home, to actively looking for one. Sit down with your Realtor and make a list of things you require in a home. This is a list of those things that you can absolutely not be without. Once this is compiled, then list the things that you would like. With these lists ready, its time to start looking at homes. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with a complete list of homes that fit your criteria, and some that come close. Also, they will be able to guide you to properties that fit your pre-approved mortgage amount.
Once you find the right home, your Realtor can help you prepare and submit an offer to purchase. Your Realtor can guide you through the negotiations and once the contract is settled, it's time to have a licensed inspector take a thorough look through the home. The inspector will check the home from top to bottom. The home inspector will prepare a list of items that need attention and your Realtor will either negotiate to get these taken care of or get you out of the contract. In addition to a home inspector, you lender will arrange to have an appraiser come to assess the value of the property. This insures that you haven't paid too much for the property.
Buying a home is a huge process and one that you must be careful to handle with all due care and attention. Such an important investment can benefit you financially for years to come as well as providing safety and financial security. Don't sell yourself short on what you buy as your home. After all, your family deserves the best don't they?
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Will Nesbitt
View posts by Will NesbittWill 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.