On the surface everything about this home looked good.  Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, beautiful bathrooms, large lot, great price.  What's not to love?  Turns out this little gem was in reality a "pig in a poke." 

A check of the Fairfax County Building Permit site found permits issued and all of them with an incomplete status next to them.  Out of the permits that were pulled by electricians and plumbers we couldn't find any that said the remodeling work had passed inspection.  Since the property is being sold "as is" chances are that it might not even have an occupancy permit for the new owner to be able to move in.

It is an issue that buyers in Northern Virginia face everyday when they look to purchase a foreclosure or short sale.  Since most of these properties are sold "as is" you don't have many outs when it comes to discovering major defects.

If you see a home that is in the middle of a major remodel take a few minutes and check for building permits and inspections. 

Alexandria City

Arlington County

Fairfax County

Prince William County

If you have questions most of the city and county government agencies are more than happy to answer them for you.

Before you buy a "pig in a poke" in Northern Virginia check to make sure that what you are buying won't be better as a tear down than a place to call home.  If buying a new home in Northern Virginia is in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213.  Let me help you navigate the murky waters of our current market.  No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time to buy a new home.