Alexandria, VA is a populous area on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. Many people move to this area every year for various reasons. Because of its proximity to the nation’s capital, real estate in this area is higher than in many other areas of the country.
Those who want to move to this area may be unfamiliar with how to buy homes or what to look for during the home buying process. There are many personal and financial decisions that you will need to make when moving to this incredibly lively and diverse area.
How Much Do Homes In Alexandria Typically Cost?
It is estimated that a home in Alexandria, VA costs 44% higher than the rest of the nation. An average house in this area costs around $800,000. Additionally, Virginia has property taxes. The property tax for Alexandria is 1.130% which is just a little less than the national average of 1.2%.
The typical median existing-home income price for a home in Alexandria, Virginia rose to 19.1% from April 2020 to April 2021. This is lower than the national average. Properties typically remained on the market for 14 days. This is compared to about 17 days nationally in April.
When Is A Good Time To Buy A Home In Alexandria?
The Washington, D.C area is known for being very humid in the summer and consequently, many people avoid moving during the summer months. August, in particular, is one of the slowest months for the housing market. You will be able to get a much better deal during this time of the year. You may also have luck in January if the seller is motivated enough to sell.
What To Do Before You Buy A Home In Alexandria
There are many steps to take when buying a home in general, however, there are additional steps to take when purchasing a home in Alexandria. Some of the most popular actions that many homebuyers in this area take before purchasing a home are:
- Find the perfect location for your needs- Your home should be in an ideal location for you and your family. If you are considering relocating to Alexandria you may want to look into necessities for your family such as school systems, metro access, and what areas match your lifestyle.This doesn’t mean that it should be equidistant from your children’s school and your work and the grocery store. That’s asking too much of course. Instead, you should aim for a goldilocks zone. The area you choose should be close to those important places you frequent.
It should also be in a secure area. The area should also have easy access to nearby bus stops, parks, grocery stores, and bakeries. This is not going to be easy since you’re in a new area. However, that’s why Michael Gailliot Homes offers its services. That way, you can pick the perfect location for your home.
- Getting the home inspected- Home inspections are typical when it comes to buying a house as you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal and that the house is safe and up to code. Homes in Alexandria have to be able to withstand the extreme humidity so planning an inspection can show you what has been damaged or needs to be replaced in the house.
There are other things to inspect including any biohazards and any infestations. These aren’t things that are often readily apparent when you do inspections yourself. This is because there are signs of infection or biohazards which can be covered up. Only a professional can recognize the telltale signs which you will miss.
Then of course there are small things like the wiring, the carpentry, the upholsteries, and water damage, etc. These are things that can also be covered up. As with the biohazards, the professional home inspector will know how to recognize the damages.
If you hire a professional to inspect the house, ask them to check the home’s foundation, roof, electrical system, all of the appliances, and ask them to give you an overview of the entirety of the home and its structure. This inspection may reveal damages that you would have no idea about just by looking at the house.
- Figure out any additional dealbreakers- If you have any other deal breakers when it comes to your ideal home, take them into account and figure out an area that accommodates them.Figuring out the dealbreakers is very important. You may make a decision which you will regret later if you go with a dealbreaker. This is something you need to communicate to your home inspector as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up getting a deal you will dislike or even hate.
Tips for Selecting an Agent to Buy a Home in Alexandria
As you can see there’s a lot to buying a new home than just looking at it once over. You best hire an agent if you want to cross your T’s and dot your I’s. Here are some important things you should do before you select an agent.
Call Different Agents
It’s always good to deal with an agent that gets you. It’s more than about someone who knows the market. An agent should deal with the exact issues or problems you’re having and cater to your needs. You should hire an agent that will get you a house that suits you.
This is why communication is so important when it comes to agents. You need to relay your requests plainly and bluntly. If you can’t do this with an agent, you might as well go with someone else.
Ask These Questions
As you sit down with agents, you can ask them these questions to reveal their level of experience or their integrity:
- How Long Have You Been an Agent?
This is a natural question to ask. If they’ve been in the market for a good 3-5 years they will know what you like. If not, then they may suggest very generic options to you. A novice agent isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. You should be satisfied with their answers, however. Otherwise, you may not get what you bargained for. - How May Clients do You Work With at a Time?
This question is important since you want the agent to give you the right amount of time. If they have less time to get to your requests, they’ll end up disregarding information. That can be very bad for you.
Check Any References Available
You should also check any available references the agent has. This will allow you to get firsthand experience from people who have worked with them before. Ask them how their experience was, and whether they were helped or impeded in their search for a home. Also, ask whether they would recommend this agent to a relative or a close friend. These kinds of questions will help you gauge just how useful this agent will be to you.
Read the Reviews
Finally, read the reviews. You should always refer to the reviews of the agent or the website that they’re from. Make sure to actually read the reviews and not just go for the ratings. The latter only tells part of the story. Reading the reviews will also tell you if they’ve been faked or if they’re genuine.
Questions to Ask When Buying a New Construction in Alexandria, Virginia
This is specifically if you’re buying a home that has recently been constructed. These questions are well worth the hassle to ask and to get straight answers to.
What is the Builder’s Reputation?
If you’re going with a national builder, then you’ve probably seen their work before. However, it’s a good idea to go the extra mile and get a sense of their overall reputation. You can begin your search online and review any buildings which are close to you.
If this is not the work of a national builder, then you should ask for references or check out any projects they’ve done in the vicinity. That should give you an idea of their work.
Also, make sure to check whether the builder is licensed to operate in the state where the homes are being built. Also checking for a record of legal trouble may help you in the long run.
Do I Need a Home Inspection?
With existing homes, you can get a home inspection after the offers are accepted. At Michael Gailliot Homes, you can get homes inspected by professionals. Make sure to have the foundation and the skeletal structure inspected well before you agree.
Is this a Good Deal?
You may pay more for new construction than for an existing home. This is according to the National Association of Realtors. They say that the median existing home prices are nearly $240,000 to $284,000 higher for new constructions as of August 2016.
Get the Best Deal When You’re Buying a Home in Alexandria, Virginia with Michael Gailliot Homes
Michael Gailliot Homes will give you the best deal for your new, ideal home in Alexandria, Virginia. We’ll provide inspections and professional real estate agents with years of experience who will guide you. That way, you can make an informed choice which you will appreciate for many, many years to come. So come to Michael Gailliot Homes and let us find the home for you!
