TIPS ON BUYING A HOME IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA(JEDI STYLE)

 I realize there are probably more than 1 million and one (counting mine), tips on the internet as to how to buy a home. However, I ‘m going to take a leap and assume there are no tips given from a Jedi? (In order for this to work you must "use the force" and pretend anything in italics is spoken from the ultimate Jedi himself, Yoda.  Please don't think I am saying I am the equivalent to Northern Virginia Realtors Yoda, for I am much taller and green is not my favorite color)

"To the point I must get!"

 1)  Develop Patience-Depending on the type of property you are buying in Northern Virginia (short sale, foreclosure, or regular sale) or the loan you are using, the process of getting a contract ratified and to the settlement table can vary and there will a lot of hoops to jump through until you walk through the threshold of your new home! Be patience and be thorough!

"Realtor must your guide be before house you can find"

2) Use a Realtor in Northern Virginia - Buying a home is one of the biggest steps of your life so it's best to protect yourself. Always interview with a Realtor to see if they are a match for you and vice versa (it's really an interview for the both of you). They should then also have a network of lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and insurance agents to refer you to as the need arises through this exciting process. Buying a home is fun!

"The limit you must know or time you will waste"

3) Talk with a lender- There are a lot of different loan programs out there (FHA, VA, USDA, and CONVENTIONAL to name a few) and speaking with a lender about your finances is step number 1 before you should ever start your search.  Know your limit!

"Cents and sense a Jedi must have"

4) Search smart- When searching for homes for sale in the MLS of NOVA, make sure you know what you want out of a house, condo or townhome. It's my job as a Realtor to help you figure that out.  The best thing I can do is LISTEN to you and set expectations as to what type of home you will find with your expectations. What matters most? Location and commute time?  Schools system?  Move in ready? Do you mind fixing up a home?

"Do or do not... there is no try."

5) Be decisive: Once you've looked at a good amount of homes, which is about 15-20 (note- sometimes the more homes you look at, the harder it is to make a decision), weigh the pros and cons and be quick to decide, for the average days on market in NOVA as of MAY 2010, was only 40 days.

"Employ an inspector you must"

6) Get inspections: Always employ an inspector to check the house and also an inspector to check for pests. A contract should always be contingent upon these and to your satisfaction. Always keep in mind that it's an inspector's job to find things wrong with the house. There could be a lot of small things but that's to be a given with a house. Don't panic!

"Fret over only what you can control you must"

7) Hurry up and wait! After inspections, we then wait for the bank to move. Depending on the bank and those behind the scenes (underwriters and processors), this is going to be one of the most trying phases of the buying process.  Once the appraisal is ordered and if comes back with no issues, you are almost home!

8) Get insurance- Find a good insurance agent to represent your needs.  The key to remember when looking for insurance is to find a "satisfactory" policy on your new home (I always like to write this is in my contract as well for you never know when there might have been a claim against the house causing your "unsatisfactory" policy to be through the roof. No pun intended!)

"The force you must use to power your house"

9)  Plan to get utilities turned on- Once you're past the last hurdles of appraisal and title work, it would be safe to say you can plan to get the utilities turned on for your expected move in date. Click here to get started!

"House? There is no house if you not settle"

10. Settlement- Always use a Title Company to review the title of the property to make sure it is free and clear of any liens or defects.  From there,   they will also act as your escrow agent to disperse ownership and funds to the seller. Exchange keys and you're home!

Remember that this is only a brief synopsis as to how the process of buying a home in NOVA is supposed to play out. It certainly is a lot more complex than 10 simple steps, but with the right Realtor to help you find homes for sale in Northern Virginia, "a happy home you will find and may the force be with you always!"