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purchaser: Moving out of Town? The Benefit of Asking Me for a Referral - 01/03/12 05:50 PM
Have you considered a real estate purchase out of town? Are you just going to find a Realtor on-line or in the phone book or paper?  
As a veteran agent, I have a lot of resources all over the country.  Let me find you a Realtor who fits your style, and your needs, and who you can trust will be able to help you amke that purchase.
I have done it for other clients, and I would like to do it for you. I can help you with more than just your Northern Virginia purchase.
Give me a call and … (1 comments)

purchaser: How Do You View Home Inspections? - 12/12/11 07:19 AM
I am not a Home Inspector, I am a Realtor. This is an important distinction as you read this particular post.
My clients always get Home Inspections. I have had one client--ever--waive a home inspection on a property (gee, good guess that it was during the crazy times) and we still did one the day of settlement (and I paid for it), just so she would know what she was getting.  In other words, I am a big believer in understanding as much as you can about a property. I was talking to another Realtor yesterday and we were talking about exactly what a … (20 comments)

purchaser: Waiting for the Letter... - 11/16/11 03:48 PM
If you have done any short sales, you know that the letter from the lender saying that the terms have been accepted is all-important.
Lately, the short sales I have been involved in are ones that have both a first and second trust.  This means, of course, two levels of approval.  These approvals have to happen sequentially so that the 1st has approved what the second will get and the second knows what their approval means to their bottom line. For two weeks now, we have had a verbal approval from the 2nd trust.  But no letter. In the short sale world, no … (6 comments)

purchaser: Buyers are Babies! - 02/23/11 06:56 AM
Okay, I admit to using a catchy title to get you to read this because I have noticed a shift in buyer thinking that concerns me. If you are a buyer, a seller, or someone that works with either, please read on... Yes, I am an Accredited Buyers Representative, and I work really hard for my buyers, but honestly Buyers of The World, it is time to realize that you are buying a house, not a custom made, one-of a kind piece of art.  Sure, you might have high expectations, and I believe we all should. But at what point do … (92 comments)

purchaser: What if I Change My Mind? Can I get out of a Contract? - 01/12/11 10:14 AM
Dear Holly,
I have been working with a Buyer's Agent and feel like we are getting close to writing a contract
 for my first home. I am very nervous about writing a contract--so much could go wrong! My sister says not to worry, I will be able to get out if it if I change my mind. That doesn't sound right to me.
How easy it to get out of a purchase contract for a home?
Sincerely,
First Time Buyer
The contract to purchase a home varies from state to state. As a Realtor practicing in Virginia, my knowledge of contracts … (39 comments)

purchaser: Things to consider when selecting your Realtor® - 10/27/10 11:09 AM
You have reviewed your financials, considered your needs, consulted with your trusted advisors (mom, dad, siblings, best friend, coffee barista) and decided that the time has come to become a home owner.Advice has been varied about how to make this happen. Some think that you should hit the pavement on Sundays and start going to Open Houses. Others think that you should spend a lot of time on-line figuring out what you want and searching for deals. Still others advise you to seek out a Realtor® and start the process with them doing the search.For most people, all three of these … (4 comments)

purchaser: I've figured out what kind of house I want...what is next? - 10/24/10 06:11 PM

In  yesterday's post, I need a new house...now what?, I covered information about the initial steps a buyer will take after deciding to buy a new house.
Now that those steps have been completed, the purchase process will move into 'Phase 2.'  In this phase, you will get up from behind your desk and begin going out to see homes. What are the search steps in this process?

Search Step #1: You will likely receive some on-line listings to review. Most will have pictures and video for you to consider.  You will continue to refine your criteria as you get … (2 comments)

purchaser: I need a new house...now what? - 10/23/10 09:04 AM
There is usually one event or problem that will launch you into home buying mode.For some it is a life-event. Maybe you have a new family member or the kids have all moved out. You may need to accommodate an older family member or be tired of walking your dog up and down a narrow sidewalk. For many people, it is simply a growing frustration with limitations of their current home (size, layout, location, etc.).One day, whatever the catalyst, you simply know that you must buy a new home.What should you do? How should you begin?  If you have a Realtor® … (1 comments)

purchaser: First Time Home Buyers--Who Will Be Living There? - 10/05/10 06:59 AM
In the Washington D.C. Metro area, and specifically Northern Virginia, the search for a first home can be a particular challenge. Single family homes are often out of reach for all but the most successful first time buyer (and even then, only those who are disciplined savers), which leaves the First Time Buyers with a choice of purchasing a townhouse or condominium.With the townhouse and condo options, First Time Home Buyers have to very clearly define their needs. Often this means figuring out who will be living in the property.Will you be living alone, with a significant other, or do you want the … (0 comments)

purchaser: What To Expect after Ratifying a Virginia Contract - 08/12/10 12:08 PM
I expect that most Virginia Realtors explain the process of buying a home to their clients before they begin to look at property. The excitement of 'househunting' often keeps many buyers from really focusing on the steps that come after the contract is signed. I thought it might be worth a quick review of what happens after you have a ratified contract. Keep in mind that, while most contracts follow a prescribed process, each contract is unique and can have different contingencies.So both parties have signed the contract and all negotiations--to this point--have been resolved. What happens next?



… (4 comments)

purchaser: Buyers: What Your Realtor Needs From You - 07/26/10 08:53 AM
As Buyer Agents, we commit to representing you in finding and purchasing your new home.  It is a huge commitment.  It often seems that Buyer Clients do not understand their part in this contract.  This is not a post intended to 'bash' buyers, but rather let them know what our expectations for them are during the transaction.1.    Please return our calls.  If we call you about a property that meets your requirements, please call back.  At least in my market, a well-priced home that meets all of your requirements (and probably the requirements of many other buyers) is not always easy to … (18 comments)

purchaser: A Fresh Look At Buying A Home, Part II - 08/25/09 07:48 AM
In my last post I listed some things for buyers to consider as they begin the process of looking for a new home.  In this post, you will find that list continued. Hopefully, the items I bring up here, and in my previous post 'A Fresh Look At Buying A Home, Part I,' will help you to narrow your focus and allow you to begin a more targeted search for your new home.

How do you picture your weekends? Are you a career-oriented single looking for a place with a great master bedroom and close-by work out facility? Or are … (0 comments)

purchaser: Don't Be Seduced By that Pretty House and All That Land - 06/05/09 06:31 AM
Today, I was talking to a friend at my son's class pool party. It was being held at a community pool surrounded by lovely homes on regular, suburban-sized lots. As we got to talking, she shared with me her mild regret that when they moved 'out'--further to the West--they opted for land over community. She said they have a wonderful house on 3 acres, but no one close by for their kids to play with and no where for the children to do swim team. The community where the pool party was being held really suited their family now--but not then.  … (3 comments)

 


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