I Think I’m Ready to Buy - What Now?
April 30th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, First Time Buyers Club, McLean Dirt, Northern Virginia Home Buying, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt, Real Estate 101, Reston Dirt
Oh boy, I hear this all the time - and it’s music to my ears. It means 
another new face will soon be added to the list of happy, satisfied customers of mine! But I guess I’m getting a little ahead of myself.
It can certainly appear to be a complicated process and one that doesn’t present itself as straight forward as it actually is. I got an email the other day from a reader indicating that he’s ready to start the process and looking for direction on where to start - so here are a few easy steps to begin with.
Lender
This is the first and MOST important place to start – interview a few good, solid local lenders – individuals that will stand beside you during this process - answer questions, walk you through specific scenarios where rates and/or points are adjusted with various what-if situations. These people will not let you down - their reputation hangs on how well they perform each and every time. Also, you must know that no loan is too big or too small. Many lenders offer unique programs or are well versed with a particular type or style of loan (maybe VA or VHDA or FHA or jumbo) – so that’s why I recommend talking with a few.
Property Characteristics — Location, Amenities, Size, etc…
OK, now that you know what you can afford, the next thing to do is to prioritize what it is you’re looking for. Sometimes this is easy because perhaps your budget already lines up with expectations. Other times, sacrifices must be made. Through a simple process, we can easily work together to narrow down some good possibilities for you. I can also make suggestions on neighborhoods that I might be aware of that might be a good compromise and/or buildings that might offer you some built in amenities to save costs elsewhere (gym memberships, parking at work if you’re on metro, etc…).
Hit The Road
Then it’s time to hit the road – by this time we’ve gone back and forth with
priorities, budgets, etc… and it’s time to actually go and see some of the front runners. Often times, once we’re out together, certain priorities will shift – perhaps a commute that was once thought do-able becomes suddenly unbearable – but that’s ok, this is the discovery phase! Perhaps you fall in love with a place that wasn’t want you had in mind at all to begin with!
Eventually we come across a place that makes your heart skip a beat and it’s the one that you find yourself imagining making coffee in, or decorating with your “colors” or walking down the street to one of your favorite haunts! Then we know we’re on to something.
Finding a great place to live can be a fun and rewarding process. I always say if you surround yourself with good people you will position yourself for outstanding results! It’s true – if you’re thinking about beginning the process, give me a jingle. I can point you in the direction of some excellent local resources and we can get started today! No time like the present!
Happy Tuesday
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! Spring is HERE!
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