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Welcome to my blog about all things Northern Virginia! Visit often to get my take on Northern Virginia real estate, information on buying and selling homes, local and national housing statistics, and life in Northern Virginia.
I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I do!
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703.624.7848
MargieKMacDonald@gmail.com Categories
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Category Archives: Buying a Home
So you’re thinking about buying a home? What an exciting time! There are very few things that are more important than home and very few things that are a more important investment than home. My goal is to make sure that each of my buyers buys the home of their dreams, and I am committed to putting in the time, effort, research, and knowledge to ensure this happens.
I am very good at discerning the kind of neighborhood, home, and environment each of my buyers is looking for. I grew up in Northern Virginia, lived in many different areas, and have shown and listed houses from the outer western counties to the immediate DC Metro area. I know the area well and am familiar with values and trends. I can help you find a loan officer and loan program that meets your needs, update you regularly as new homes come on the market, be available to show you these homes when it is convenient for your schedule. When the time comes, I will help you negotiate an offer that meets your needs and is in line with current market values and help you successfully navigate the steps from contract ratification to settlement when you receive the keys to your new home!
Below are articles that I have written to help buyers understand the buying process and current market conditions.
You can buy a home with a 3.5% downpayment
One of the things that often surprises my buyers is that they only need a 3.5% downpayment. That’s right…you do not need to wait until you have saved a 20% downpayment. The idea of purchasing a home can be daunting … Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
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Tagged buying a home, buying a home in Haymarket, buying a house, buying a house in Haymarket, Haymarket VA, Haymarket Virginia, home buyer, home buyers, home search, homes in Haymarket, house buyer, houses in Haymarket, looking at houses, Northern VA, northern virginia
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The steps to buying a home
The steps to buying a home include: finding out how much you qualify for, working with an experienced Realtor, starting the home search, making an offer, ratifying a contract, final loan approval, removing contract contingencies, and going to settlement. Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
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Tagged buying a home, buying a house, choosing a real estate agent, choosing a realtor, home buyer, home buyers, home buying process, home search, house buyer, house buying process, how to buy a home, how to buy a house, looking at houses, Northern VA, northern virginia
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Yes, Virginia, there are multiple contracts!
Any buyer trying to buy a home in Northern VA these days is running into an odd situation–multiple contracts and bidding wars. Remember those? The question is why. You’ve probably heard of the robo-signing issues that started to come to … Continue reading →
Should we get rid of the Mortgage Interest Deduction? (MID)
Mortgage Interest Deduction. I don’t know about you, but it makes a big difference on my taxes each year…in a good way! Before you keep reading, there are two things that you should know about me. 1. I have not … Continue reading →
Is it a good time to buy a home?
Now really, how do you think I’m going to answer that? I’m a Realtor®! Actually, I decided to write this post because I was pondering what advise I would give to my two sons who are almost 18 and 20. … Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
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Tagged buying a home, buying a house, home buyers, home search, looking at houses
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What is the difference between a Realtor® and a real estate agent?
I really never get this question, but it is a question that all buyers and sellers should ask! All Realtors® are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. In order to be a Realtor, a real … Continue reading →
Townhouse versus Condo
The pros and cons of buying a townhouse versus a condo. Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
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Tagged buying a home, Northern VA, northern virginia, townhouse v condo, townhouse versus condo
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Buyers: Plan on Having a Contract Ratified by March
I’m recommending that buyers have contracts ratified by mid-March in order to take advantage of low interest rates before they go up. Continue reading →
Don’t overpay just to get your $8,000 tax credit
The first-time homebuyer’s tax credit has created a buying frenzy. Buyers are in multiple-contract situations that are causing offer prices to go above list prices. Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
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Tagged first time homebuyer's tax credit, overpaying for a home, overpaying for a house
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