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

8905 Camfield Dr

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 backyard. Warm refinished hardwood floors on the top two levels & fresh Benjamin Moor paint using designer fixtures/lights throughout. Bright all above grade living space in the lower level has water proofed durable flooring. Perfect for a kid's play space or live-in au pair area has separate own entrance/exit. Spacious in-law-suite/guest areas or use as library/office has built in wall units plus a huge finished 'crawl space' for extra storage. Sun room (floor-water proofed flooring) addition leads to the brick patio. 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]

7608 Southdown Rd

Just WOW!! Exquisite, 3-level Mediterranean style villa with Spectacular River views of the Potomac. Enjoying a private and elevated hillside position, 7608 Southdown Rd reflects the gracious ambiance of French architecture with its soaring ceilings, 2-story foyer, 3 Juliette balconies, Saltillo tile floors, stone fireplaces, an abundance of arched windows and doors, meticulously tended terraced gardens with side patio and wine cellar! This custom-built 3 Bed, 4.5 Bath home not only offers luxurious family living space, but a home that makes entertaining a true joy. Main level offers a 2-story foyer with its majestic ceiling and a sweeping curved staircase. The Library, Grand Salon/Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Kitchen/Family Gathering Room (with casual dining area) all have direct access from this floor to stunning views from the expansive stone 64 'x 14’ river terrace balcony. The 3 Upper-level bedrooms also face onto the glorious river view. The spacious primary bedroom suite has a huge walk-in closet, large double vanity bathroom with separate tub and enclosed luxury size glass shower. Bedrooms 2 & 3 come with triple closets, and ensuite bathrooms with separate showers & large tubs. The lower mezzanine level has been totally transformed with the addition of a fully finished banquet room for up to 22 diners, a caterer's kitchen and dedicated temperature controlled wine cellar (2 wine coolers convey, sadly the wine does not)! One more level down takes you to a huge 27' x 23' light filled family/office/ bonus room with cavernous closet space. Currently used as an office/additional guest bedroom. This floor also offers a full bath, laundry room, and very large storage room with access to a heated/cooled 2-car garage, (note total of 8 parking spaces available). The Mount Vernon trail & bike path is outside your doorstep which is protected land as part of the National Park Service. Old Town Alexandria is less than a 4 mile hop away from your Tuscany idyll! Don't let this opportunity pass you by! *Improvements incl: wine cellar/caterer's kitchen/dining room added to mezzanine level, new appliances in main kitchen in 2020, updated HVAC systems, heated/cooled garage, repaved driveway, new furnace unit for upstairs zone, replacement of attic insulation (2023), paint exterior (2022), repaired & replanted terrace garden & drip irrigation system, installed EV charger, electric stair chair, privacy fence installation between home and walking trail, & carpet replaced with bamboo wood flooring in main bedroom and more ... [Arcturus On the Potomac - $2,395,000]

7901 Wellington Rd

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 - $1,280,000]

7831 Southdown Rd

Available for the first time in a generation, this one-of-a-kind property provides the most captivating waterfront views in the Alexandria riverfront area. Built with marine steel, brick and concrete, and 166 feet of river frontage, this 5,500 square foot house rises above the river, enabling sublime views from every corner of the land and the house. A deepwater pier with slip and two boat lifts, privacy, quality nautical elements throughout, and separate guest house bring vacation living to you 365 days a year. Multiple garage and covered parking spaces, private drive and southern border abutting the wooded land of River Farm add to the ambiance. A private oasis just a 4 mile drive to Old Town via the scenic George Washington Parkway and just 10 miles to Washington DC. [Wellington Villa - $11,500,000]

1501 Shenandoah Rd

Here’s your opportunity to own one of the most prominent, turnkey 3 level, custom modern farmhouse homes in Hollin Hall on a beautiful .24 acre corner lot. The current sellers have added $50,000 in thoughtful upgrades - including reinforced basement waterproofing and drain system, upgraded landscaping, custom Shade Store window treatments, custom bench cushions, Ring security cameras, ADT security system, garage floor epoxy finish, fully fenced yard, and stained decking and fence. In 2019, this home underwent a near complete tear down and rebuild to present this like new custom build. The unique corner lot floor plan showcases 4 sides of direct natural sunlight, keeping this home bright and airy all day long. The first floor features 9’ ceilings, wide plank hand scraped hardwood floors, an expansive chefs kitchen with island seating for 6. It opens up to a vaulted ceiling family room with gas fireplace and half bath. Home chefs will appreciate the stainless steel appliances - commercial grade 36” Bertazzoni Gas Range with 6 burners, Bertazzoni refrigerator and dishwasher, microwave drawer, mini wine fridge, along with 2 sizeable pantry closets. The separate formal dining room seats up to 10 comfortably (Host for the Holidays!). A main level bedroom with a full bathroom provides optionality for guests or home office space. The oversized mudroom off the garage includes washer & dryer, a laundry chute coming down from the owner's suite, built-in coat rack storage and outside deck access. The additional covered side deck has a gas line ready to connect your outdoor grill. Upstairs includes 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, 9’ ceilings, an expansive luxury owner's suite with vaulted ceiling, a custom built out walk-in closet and remote controlled window treatments. The attached bathroom includes a 7' x 4' shower, separate deep soaking tub, wide closet with shelving, and double sink vanity. Down the hall you have 4 bedrooms and 2 additional full bathrooms. The fully finished basement includes built in custom bench seating with custom made cushions and built in entertainment shelving. The basement utility closet can be used for a large storage space or converted into another full bathroom (framed out and plumbing access ready). The high ceiling garage comfortably fits 1 vehicle and leaves room for shelving and storage. The yard is fully fenced in with a wrap around deck for your outdoor enjoyment. This home was built for comfort by including 2 HVAC zones and tankless water heater with constant hot water. It comes complete with an ADT security system, Ring Camera system, and Verizon Fios fiber optic high speed internet. This residence is conveniently located in the wonderful community of Hollin Hall Village in the Fort Hunt Area. It is across the street from playgrounds, baseball fields and park for all to use. Walking distance to coffee shop & bakery, grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, bank, clothing stores, hardware store, the famous Variety Store, and neighborhood pool Mount Vernon Park Association with 3 pools, 4+ acres of park area, private fishing pond, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball. Just minutes from Old Town Alexandria, Belle Haven Country Club, Mount Vernon Estate, The picturesque Mount Vernon bike trail that runs from DC to Mount Vernon and easy commutes via the picturesque George Washington Parkway along the Potomac River to Downtown DC, The Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, and Amazon HQ2. Located in the coveted Waynewood Elementary School district and available to move in immediately [Hollin Hall Village - $1,569,000]

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]

1209 Chadwick Ave

Saturday Open House, 04/27 from 2:00-4:00pm. 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]

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]

1100 Morningside Ln

PRICE IS FOR LAND ONLY. Prime location off the George Washington Parkway and Morningside Lane and in the Waynewood School district. See attached documents for information on subdividing the land into TWO LOTS. Just 3 miles to the heart of Old Town, 5 miles to Mount Vernon, 6 miles to National Harbor, 8 miles to Crystal City and 10 miles to Washington DC. [Wellington - $1,295,000]

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.