What goes through your mind when you see the term "as-is" in a property listing in Arlington?
While some people may see this as a warning, others like real estate investors may see it as an opportunity. But what exactly does "as-is" mean?
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Ready to move into your new home in Arlington? Awesome!
But before you unpack your boxes, there are some important improvements that you'll need to tackle. Yeah, we get that home improvement is probably the last thing on your mind right now, but, trust us on this. Some of these tasks are easier to do before setting up your furnishings, whereas other things are essential for your safety.
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After your offer for a home in Arlington has been accepted, there's a process that lasts for a few weeks before you finally close the transaction. This is the time when buyers are often advised to "do their due diligence" on the home they soon hoped to own.
But, what does "due diligence" mean anyway? In legal terms, this simply means "do your homework" before buying a property.
Renovated Cape Cod in Lee Heights, Arlington VAContinue reading
If you are a newbie buyer, a home inspection can seem like a terrifying process: What if your dream home in Arlington has some major issues hidden beneath that shiny fresh coat of paint? But there is no need to panic just yet.
Here are three important things that you need to know about home inspection and how it can protect you from a really bad deal.
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You can't deny that no matter how much a buyer likes the property you have in Alexandria, a home inspection that reveals problems with the property may turn off a buyer. Buyers from Alexandria are even allowed to walk away from the deal if they have a contingency clause in place.
A lot of sellers hope for a successful home inspection in Alexandria. One does not simply reveal issues with their home's major systems and physical structure. A lot of experts recommend that an inspection be performed before putting your home on the market.
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From time to time, sellers ask us how you can prepare for a home inspection.
Bob Murphy is a home inspector
Leave appliances clear: Don’t leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher or laundry in the washing machine or dryer. This is because the inspector will need to test the appliances, and he doesn’t want to have to pull out dirty clothes in front of everybody. The same is true for your oven and stovetop. The inspector will need to test them without moving your food or pots around.
Make things accessible: Ensure the location of the attic and crawlspace are identified and easy to access. Don’t make a home inspector move your belongings in order to gain access. Strategically placed bundles and belongings can imply that the seller is trying to hide something and can cause the buyer to get nervous and the home inspector to get very thorough.
Check the lightbulbs: If a lightbulb isn’t working, the inspector will need to determine if the fixture is inoperable. Save them time by making sure all the lightbulbs in the home operate, including those in the crawlspace, attic, and furnace rooms.
Note shut off valve: Sometimes the location of your water shut-off valve is not obvious. You may want to label this to make it more obvious.
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
entrance to Midtown Alexandria Station condos
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
Julie Nesbitt
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
9. Check out Nesbitt Realty. Our search tools and tips are among the best you'll find in Northern Virginia.
Do you know what "HOA Fees" are?
HOA stands for Homeowners Association, which is an organization that sets by-laws and restrictions in some neighborhoods. The fees associated with this, called homeowners fees, are usually paid annually and cover certain services and amenities associated with a neighborhood. These fees may include services such as landscaping, maintenance, and water and sewer; or amenities such as pools, fitness centers, neighborhood recreational areas, and valet parking. HOA fees usually range from $100-$1000, depending on the location of the home, and can be changed yearly.
A board of directors is usually voted in, and they decide the cost of the fees. Specific by-laws and restrictions are also associated with an HOA. These rules vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and are meant to keep your neighborhood safe and beautiful. Understanding all the by-laws and restrictions before purchasing a home is important so that you know that they are rules that you can live with.
Condominiums are found in all shapes, sizes, prices and types. Are you looking for a high-rise condo, a mid-rise or a garden-style condo? Maybe you'd prefer a townhouse?
The term "garden-style" condo usually refers to a condominium residence in a building that has less than three stories. Most garden-style condos have balconies or patios for each residence. Many garden-style condos have a main entrance that opens to a common-area hallway. Additional common areas include the green space and "gardens" surrounding the structures. If you're interested in garden-style condos you'll have a lot of options in {Location_Name}.
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You can't deny that no matter how much a buyer likes the property you have in Alexandria, a home inspection that reveals problems with the property may turn off a buyer. Buyers from Alexandria are even allowed to walk away from the deal if they have a contingency clause in place.
A lot of sellers hope for a successful home inspection in Alexandria. One does not simply reveal issues with their home's major systems and physical structure. A lot of experts recommend that an inspection be performed before putting your home on the market.
