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A Checklist for First-Time Virginia Real Estate Buyers

Multicolored Painted Brick Townhouses In A Row
Multicolored Painted Brick Townhouses In A Row

Multicolored Painted Brick Townhouses In A Row

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Here’s a guide to purchasing real estate for first-timers.

  1. Determine your housing needs
  2. With so many options in the market, you need to narrow down the search by determining your wants and needs. Decide how large or small your first home should be, and what kind of features it must possess. Be specific when it comes to the number of rooms, storage space, and even square footage.

    Location is another primary consideration – how far are you willing to drive to work or school? What kind of community would you like to live in?

    Virginia offers fantastic homes at all price points. Whether you’re searching for a starter home or your first luxury property, you’re bound to find something that suits your tastes.

  3. Get in touch with a local expert
  4. Work with a Realtor who can show you all your options in the market. Only a local expert can give you a bird’s eye view of cities like Newport News, Williamsburg, and Newport News. Let them walk you through VA’s finest neighborhoods.

    A Realtor can also present you with listings that meet your criteria. They can help you with the search, scouring their professional networks for properties that you might not have access to otherwise.

    Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville Real Estate (SRMFRE) would be happy to assist you. Call them at 804-288-2100.

  5. Visit the neighborhood
  6. When deciding which neighborhood to buy in, it helps to visit at various times of the day and week. This will give you a clear idea of how much traffic and activity to expect once you’re settled. Drop by during rush hour to see what your daily trip to the office might be like.

  7. Go to home viewings
  8. Your Realtor will inform you of any open houses that scheduled in the area of your choice. Decide which ones you want to prioritize and come up with an itinerary that will help you make the most of your time. If you’re in the market for a luxury home, the agent will request a private home viewing with the seller.

  9. Make an offer
  10. Once you’ve found the right home, you’ll have to put in an offer. As a rule, your first offer should be your strongest offer. It’s not just about offering to pay at or above the asking price. You can sweeten the deal by promising to close the deal fast, or by removing certain contingencies.

  11. Have inspections made
  12. Don’t skip the home inspection. It’s the only way to know if there are underlying problems with the home. A professional inspector will determine if you are truly getting what you’re paying for. Being aware of any issues with the home will help you make informed decisions.

    If you’re buying a luxury property, you might need to have separate inspections made for private amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts.

  13. Get relocation assistance
  14. If the deal goes through, the only thing that’s left to do is move into your new home. A reliable moving company can help you transport your belongings. Your Realtor can help you find one that serves the area.

Being a first-time homeowner is a rewarding experience. With this checklist in hand, you’ll get there in no time.

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