When buying a home you’re bound to encounter some things that you don’t know anything about. They are things that outside of the home buying process you won’t ever run into. And since the average homebuyer only goes through this process a few times in his or her lifetime, it’s understandable that these things would…
Category Archives: Buyers Tips
I don’t want a Buyer’s Agent…
I have had two different home buyer’s tell me this week; when they inquired about a listing I have on the market. Â These people say they don’t want or need an agent. Â Why? One person said; they will get a better “deal” working directly with the listing agent. Â Why do they think that? For those…
Cash Buyers Can sometimes get a GREAT Deal…
Cash Buyers : Not something we run into everyday. But some folks save and save and save; others have sold a home and are down-sizing – and buying with cash. While Home Sellers always want to maximize their return and get their places sold for TOP DOLLAR; they also want to minimize the hassle. Not…
The joys of Zillow
Many home buyers and sellers like to use Zillow in order to set a price for the home they are buying or selling. Â I have seen more and more buyers and sellers trying to heavily rely on Zillow to determine market value. Now; this is not to speak poorly of Zillow. Â I do think they…
The Condo (or HOA) Document Review Period
We have many condominiums here in the Washington DC Real Estate market. Â All of these condos have various rules, regulations, and financial conditions within the association itself. One of the very important real estate contract contingencies; is a period of review for the buyer to review the condo documents. Â (The same holds true if there…
FHA Loan Limits – Why should I care?
There has been talk about raising FHA loan limits. Â Well what does that mean and why should most – or any – people care? Congress to working to re-instate the FHA loan limit back to $729,750 (only in high-costs cities like Washington, DC). Â It fell back to the former limit of $625,000 on October…
Is the Sq Footage Correct?
Many Real Estate agents in the Washington DC area; have for years; not listed the square footage in their listings. Â No one wants to take responsibility if they are wrong. Last year; our Multiple Listing Service started to auto-populate the square footage; pulling from the sq ft from the Tax Records. Â Realtors can still put…
You can’t shop without knowing how much money is in the Checkbook…
I am often asked by new clients to show them property for sale. Â Well I always ask; Have you been Pre-Approved? While many buyers have in fact done this important 1st step; many others say; I have good credit – I’ll be fine; just show me some homes. Well my answer is: NO. Â You really…
Rushing into a decision….
We once had the opportunity to work with some great clients. Â These buyers were “going to buy this weekend!”. Â So one Friday afternoon we showed them property; they found something and wanted to “sleep on it”. Â Nothing wrong with that. Then at 5pm Friday the Listing agent informs us there is another offer coming in…
Getting Pre-Approved? It’s all about your Credit Score !
For those buyers who are getting a Pre-Approval or preparing to purchase a home; one of the most important factors is your credit score. Yes; you need to have a job and some income – but your credit score will dictate  if you CAN get pre-approved and what your INTEREST RATE will be for the…
