-
-
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!
Contact me at:
703.624.7848
MargieKMacDonald@gmail.com
Tag Archives: buying a home
Waiting for the bottom to buy a home may not be the best strategy
When will we know we have hit the bottom of the housing market when prices are at their lowest? Probably not until we can look back and see this bottom. If you “wait for the bottom” to buy a home, the reality is that you will probably be purchasing once prices are already starting to inch up. This chart explains why waiting is probably not the best strategy. Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
|
Tagged bottom of market, buying a home, buying a house, lowest housing prices, Northern VA, northern virginia
|
Leave a comment
Buying a new home from a builder? Why you need a real estate agent.
Clearly it makes sense for a buyer to be represented when they purchase a home, but does any savings a buyer might receive by not being represented outweigh the benefit of being represented? Removing the agent does not lower the price for the buyer; it raises the net price for the seller and leaves the buyer without an advocate. Continue reading →
How does the home inspection contingency work?
You’re so excited! After all the time and effort to get your home ready to put on the market, all the anticipation as each potential buyer views your home, you now have a ratified contract. You’re done, right? Unfortunately, not … Continue reading →
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
|
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
|
Leave a comment
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
|
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
|
3 Comments
Northern Virginia Housing Statistics March, 2011
They are in, and they are encouraging! The March 2011 housing statistics were just released. The number of homes sold each month finally started to trend up in March after a relatively steady decline since the summer. Inventory is also … Continue reading →
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
|
Tagged buying a home, buying a house, home buyers, home search, looking at houses
|
3 Comments
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 →
Think like a buyer when you sell your home
The internet, digital photography, satellite maps, and other new technology has totally changed the way buyers search for houses. How do sellers best reach a buyer? Continue reading →
Posted in Selling a Home
|
Tagged buying a home, buying a house, selling a home, selling a house
|
1 Comment
Townhouse versus Condo
The pros and cons of buying a townhouse versus a condo. Continue reading →
Posted in Buying a Home
|
Tagged buying a home, Northern VA, northern virginia, townhouse v condo, townhouse versus condo
|
Leave a comment
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 →
Why It’s a Great Time to Buy
If you are planning on purchasing a house and holding on to it for the long-term, now is a great time to buy! Continue reading →
Posted in The State of Real Estate
|
Tagged buying a home, Northern VA, northern virginia
|
Leave a comment
The Future of the Real Estate Market and Why
There has been a surge in buying activity & a decrease in inventory, but this doesn’t mean the real estate market is stabilizing…yet. Continue reading →
Posted in The State of Real Estate
|
Tagged buying a home, housing statistics, Northern VA, northern virginia, selling a home
|
Leave a comment
