condo: Common Questions When Buying a Condo
- 02/15/17 12:44 PM
Common questions when buying a condo is a pertinent Active Rain published blog that is relevant to Real Estate. To see the entire blog, scroll down.
Common Questions When Buying a Condo -
For those buyers who are considering a condominium purchase, there are some common questions I get from buyers. Condominium buyers many times are buying their first condo and transitioning from a single family detached home. There's a process for condo buyers in many instances because there are nuances to condos which can mean some major lifestyle changes. Buyers want to be comfortable that there are ways that … (0 comments)
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condo: What can I expect from my real estate agent?
- 09/15/16 04:22 AM
When listing a condo in Alexandria, VA what can I expect my real estate agent to do to help me in the sale?
Your agent can help you:
Prepare the property for sale. Help you determine its fair market value. List your property to help you reach buyers quickly and competitively. Assist in price negotiations with buyers. Help complete your sales agreement and close the sale. As a buyer you can expect many of the same services, tailored to your needs finding a condo, these include:
Deciding on the benefits of renting vs. owning Preapproval for your mortgage Selecting the right location Finding and … (1 comments)
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condo: Should I Rent or Buy?
- 11/30/15 04:26 AM
Is it time to take the plunge into the home buyers’ world?
If the idea of purchasing your first home or just buying the next home is on your mind, I have some thoughts to add to the collection you’ve already been making in your own mind. Sometimes moving seems like an exciting experience and other times just a nuisance. The act of actual moving is totally irrelevant, though when it comes to actually achieving movers happiness.
In order to gauge the level of success you’ve achieved from a move some factors must be taken into account. The first that I’ve noticed when … (1 comments)
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condo: On Community Center Master Plan Reviewed by Residents of Montebello
- 11/23/15 03:34 AM
Montebello’s thirty year old Community Center was the focus of the town meetings that took place on September 8th and 12th, according to Barbara Boykin (2013). The Community Center Master Plan (CCMP) is comprised of 19 possible
improvements that range in cost from $1000 to $852,305 (Boykin 2013). “Residents were asked to review the CCMP and indicate their priorities, as part of the ongoing development of the plan” said Boykin.
“President Doug Kennett or Vice President Greg Bender, Planning and Design Committee Chair Ford Chinworth, Thomas Kerns of Kerns Group Architects (KGA) gave an overview of the plan’s contents” said Boykin (2013). The … (0 comments)
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condo: On what a resident should ask about condos?
- 11/16/15 12:30 AM
What matters in a condo varies by the person, but questions tend to draw from the same pool of questions:
What amenities are included? Is there a pool? Tennis court? Exercise room? Are pets allowed? Are there areas I can walk my dog? Are there any size or breed restrictions? Is heat electric or gas? Is the heat included in the condo fee? Do condo fees include utilities? Electricity? If there is carpet, are there hardwood floors underneath? Is the washer and dryer in the unit? On the same floor? In the basement? If buying, what are the condo fees and … (6 comments)
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condo: On pre-approval, before home shopping
- 11/16/15 12:26 AM
Obtaining pre-approval from a bank is a daunting process. It is time consuming both due to the delay and because of the amount of paperwork required to satisfy a lender of your credit status.
It is, without a doubt, the most pressing matter before beginning your home search. Proceeding without this step can lead to angst and lost time, energy and opportunities. Without pre-approval you’ll be facing the following pitfalls very quickly:
Offers will be rejected in favor of lower offers by pre-approved buyers. Delays can result as you await approval by your bank. Too late you may find the home you … (2 comments)
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condo: On What Home Buyers Really Want
- 11/16/15 12:21 AM
Home buyers want energy efficiency, according to a new study released by the National Association of Home Builders titled, “What Home Buyers Really Want.” Four of the top-ranked home features involve saving energy.
For example, 94 percent of buyers surveyed say they want energy-star rated appliances. Ninety-one percent said they want the whole home to boast an energy-star rating. What’s more, 89 percent said they wanted energy-star rated windows and 88 percent desire ceiling fans, according to the survey.
Home buyers are also paying more attention to the laundry room in homes. Fifty-seven percent consider a laundry room “essential” in a home and … (3 comments)
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condo: On Five Home Renovations That Can Deter Potential Buyers
- 11/16/15 12:05 AM
Luxury upgrades: Avoid trendy and frivolous renovation expenditures. Simple and relevant renovations are more likely to pay off in the long haul.
Garage conversion: Converting a garage to a family room can turn off potential home buyers. Some people want a garage and not a family room. Consider if you plan on selling in the future before you make the change. Adding a swimming pool: Unless you live in a place that is warm year round, a pool might not the the best idea. Pool maintenance can prove to be very costly. Some home buyers will factor in this cost and … (1 comments)
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condo: Why prefer a condo?
- 11/15/15 11:58 PM
There are many types of condominiums. Some condos look like houses or townhouses; most look like high-rises or garden-style apartments. Even though a condo can look look like a townhouse or house, owning a condo differs from owing a fee simple property in many ways. There are aspects of condo living that some may view as advantages or disadvantages, and you should be aware of these before you buy.
Here are a few basic benefits and considerations of condo living to help you make your decision.
The CityBusy folk who love being close to the action often choose a condominium because condo … (0 comments)
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condo: Buying a home near the highway?
- 11/09/15 04:55 AM
In an area crisscrossed with high volume commuter routes and heavily-trafficked Interstates, it’s inevitable that some folks are going to live in close proximity to a highway. It’s great to be near the Beltway or Route 66 because this can take a serious bite out of your commute. But the downside is that the highways can generate a lot of noise. In most areas, there are towering concrete walls to dampen sound in the neighborhoods in close proximity to the Beltway, I-66, I-395 and other highways.
In the picture above the wall has been taken down as work crews expand the road. … (0 comments)
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condo: Real Estate tips for picking the right neighborhood
- 11/05/15 03:35 AM
When considering a potential new residence it’s important to think about the neighborhood and surrounding amenities that are close by. Make a list of all of the amenities or services that are nearby or close to the neighborhood and track how long it takes as well as what routes you might use to get to each. You can also check the Walk Score of a neighborhood for a short-hand look at convenience.
Next, decide what the best characteristics of the neighborhoods are and determine what you like about them. Making a list of each neighborhood you are considering can be particularly helpful … (2 comments)
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condo: Surprising Facts about FHA 203k loans
- 10/05/15 07:06 AM
FHA 203K Loan – Eligible PropertyTo be eligible for the FHA 203k mortgage loan, the property must be a one- to four-family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year. The number of units on the site must be acceptable according to local zoning requirements. All newly constructed units must be attached to the existing dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible.
Homes that have been demolished, or will be razed as part of the rehabilitation work, are eligible provided some of the existing foundation system remains in place.
In addition to typical home improvement loan projects, the FHA 203-k mortgage loan … (0 comments)
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condo: Why do people love wood floors?
- 10/05/15 07:01 AM
Step onto any wood floor and you’ll appreciate the warm and inviting tones and colors. As one of the world’s most versatile floor coverings not only do you get traditional beauty but also practical advantages:
Looks great and that great look endures; Hardwood resists stains, including wine and food; Wood is warm to the touch; Wood floors are easier on your feet and knees than concretes and ceramics; Wood flors are easy to clean; Real wood floors are fully restorable; Hygienic and dust free, especially good for allergy sufferers. … (1 comments)
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condo: 8 Tips to Guide Your Home Search
- 09/28/15 06:11 AM
1. 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.
2. 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. Is walkability important to you? How about proximity to the Metro? Perhaps you want your new home to … (10 comments)
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condo: Simple Steps to Buy a Home
- 09/28/15 05:43 AM
I’m going to buy a home, what’s the process?
Go to your bank or lending institution to obtain pre-approval. As part of this you will discover what amount it is willing to lend. This is important both to know your budget and to ensure that your offers are accepted. Failure to pre-approve can ruin your chances for success later. Sit down with a Realtor to see what’s available, what meets your needs, and to discover the hidden dangers in home buying. Once you have found a property you wish to buy you can proceed with an offer. Your Realtor will provide … (0 comments)
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condo: Young Professionals Survival Guide to Condo Ownership and Growing-Up
- 09/28/15 05:32 AM
Although there are numerous benefits to owning a condo which include the lifestyle that such ownership entails; individuals living as single, young professionals who are just starting out, are arguably the most notable beneficiaries. The economic benefits that condo ownership provides for this particular demographic are two-fold. First, owning a condo is certainly less expensive than owning residential property insofar as the material upkeep and residual costs that homeownership necessitates. Second, most contemporary condo buildings offer a host of wide-ranging amenities that would command a considerable cost to an individual homeowner but which can be enjoyed instead at a significantly reduced … (0 comments)
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condo: Single Women, Condo Living and Everything In-Between
- 09/21/15 01:50 AM
Recent studies suggest that single women currently make up approximately 47 percent of the condominium buying market in the United States. The reason is pretty obvious, if you think about it. Condominiums are an increasingly popularly housing choice for single women because of the various benefits that condos offer including convenience, security, and often virtually maintenance-free living.
For starters, security matters. For single women living alone in large, urban areas, one of the many benefits of living in a condominium are 24-hour concierge and security desks, video and security cameras in hallways and stairwells, and gated or enclosed parking areas. So if … (3 comments)
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condo: Want to know simple tips for selling your home?
- 09/21/15 01:32 AM
It’s hard to tell exactly what will sell your home. But it’s fairly easy to spot things that will prevent your house or condo in Northern Virginia from selling. Whenever possible, follow these tips for the maximum impact.
1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep … (0 comments)
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condo: Five Important Tips for Condo Buyers
- 09/21/15 01:18 AM
If you are looking or even just thinking about buying a condominium home in or around Northern Virginia, it’s perfectly natural to feel a little nervous. Buying a condo and owning your own home is a large, life changing purchase. Indeed, any individual thinking about buying a condo needs to know what to expect and how to prepare for those expectations. Below is a short list of 5 essential tips that any condo buyer would do well to consider throughout the process of finding a new condominium home. Happy hunting!
1) Look at Everything in Person
First, remember to look in person at any … (0 comments)
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condo: Twelve ways a Realtor from Condo Alexandria can help you
- 09/17/15 05:47 AM
1. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a Nesbitt Realty Realtor® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices.
2. Your Nesbitt Realty Realtor® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent … (5 comments)
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Common questions when buying a condo is a pertinent Active Rain published blog that is relevant to Real Estate. To see the entire blog, scroll down.
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