There are several key steps that your Virginia Licensed Real Estate Agent will help you through. Knowing what these are in advance can help you not be surprised later on:

• Know your budget, consult with a financial institution about what you can be pre-approved for.
• Know your needs, including:
  • Number of bedrooms
  • Location
  • Walking distance to a bus stop
  • Walking distance to a metro stop
  • Price
  • Property condition
  • Age of the property
  • Garage Parking
• Amenities (for condos)
  • Indoor/Outdoor pool
  • Putting Greens
  • Tennis courts
  • In unit washer/dryer
  • Utilities included in condo fees
  • Basketball courts
  • Bowling
  • Concierge service
  • Controlled access
• Realize that something will have to give to get what you want, prioritize your needs so that you can get the most important features.
• Budget time and money:
  • Finding any home is easy. Finding the right home requires time invested in looking at properties.
  • Money for downpayments and closing costs can vary from a couple percentage points to a cash purchase where you provide the entire amount up front.
  
  

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  About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.