Moving to a new area, buying a home can be scary. How do you know who to trust, where to go? How do you do it all in a week? The key is to do your homework. Yes, homework!
Currently there are so many tricky situations in real estate in 2009 heading into 2010 that could potentially cause you the relocating buyer a great deal of stress." No longer can a relocating buyer just show up in town and take a look around at houses and pick one and move in 30 or 60 days without a lot of preparation."
What kind of preparation?
Well let me share with you that the world of Real Estate here in Prince William County Virginia is fast and furious. It reminds me of how it was in 2005 and 2006. All those bidding wars and those escalating princes. Well it's happening again. The only thing that is different, is prices are more affordable. What you need to know is not all homes are equal when it comes to relocating buyers. I know that sounds harsh but it's true. This is especially true for Military folks who have sepcific time lines! Did you know that in Virginia,New Home Builders have up to two years to build you a new home? Will that happen? Realtors can help you figure that out. Then there are Short Sale Homes For Sale. If you get caught in one of these situations, you may be moving here, looking for a temporary rental while you are waiting the homeowners bank to tell you if they will let you buy the home. Then there are the Foreclosure Homes. When a buyer submits an offer lets say on the third day of your trip hoping you have an answer by Friday before you leave are shocked to learn,that the answer may take a week or more. It's always good to have a Plan B just in case. This is why it's critical, that you align yourself with a Realtor who is proficient in helping Relocating Buyers maneuver through all the challenges the current real estate market has to offer.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK before you just show up in town!
Homework:
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Google the area, check to see what Buyer Agent works the area you are relocating to and contact them. For example in Woodbridge VA this is the result
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Get pre-approved. Tip:One of my recent relocating buyers intended to use NAVY Federal Credit Union.However he learned he would have to pay $250.00 up front for the mortgage application fee and he was told, if you plan on using FHA Financing then Navy Fed's policy is we need 45 to 60 days to close the loan. I love Navy Fed, I'm a member. Just know their limits of what they can do.
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Keep in mind, here in Prince William County VA the market is extremely competitive market. A 30 day delay in closing can be the difference in you winning the bid or not. If another buyer bidding on the same home can close in 30 days,your offer will not win. Time is money to sellers (especially banks!)
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Interview Realtors and pick one before you arrive in town. (this is critical to your success)
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Take the time to sit down with your Realtor of choice and spend time learning the lay of the land, and spend time on the MLS with your agent.Virtually you can eliminate a lot of homes that do not meet your needs right in the office. Erick Blackwelder give buyer "The Talk"
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Plan on staying in or very near the place you plan to house hunt. Woodbridge VA Hotels
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Make sure you bring your checkbook.This is very important!
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If your plan is to select a home, plan your move and go door to door. An experienced Realtor can coach you on all your options and help you avoid a potential stressful situation.
Remember a local Real Realtor who knows the area well, who works full time and is able to start sending your homes for your review prior to your arrival is your best choice. Someone who will listen to what you want and who knows right where to find your dream home and knows how to help you get it. You want someone who will help alleviate your stress, help you use your time wisely and who will show you everything that is available in your price range. Take a look at how I recently helped a relocating buyer decide where to buy. If you would like my help, feel free to contact me.
Our Family Real Estate Team Has Been Helping Families Relocate For Decades.
When it's time to Relocated, give us a call at 703-590-2252 or contact me by email
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Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we serivce Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's
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