Fredericksburg Real Estate FAQ

Q: HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT AGENT?

A: That's a great question. There are many great Fredericksburg real estate agents. The first thing a home buyer or seller should do before choosing a real estate professional is to do your research. How many sales did the agent have last year. What type of service do they specialize in? I am considered a Fredericksburg real estate expert with both buyer and seller representation. I even took my service to my clients a step further and obtained a VA Brokers License. My goal is to provide a service to my clients that is far more superior than that my competitor provides. My record speaks for itself. If you track my past property sales in Fredericksburg, VA. they will notice that I have a very high number of successful transactions with both buyers and sellers. Those past clients posted reviews on their experience with me. There's a great feeling for a home buyer or seller to rest assured and leave their worries to an experience Fredericksburg Realtor to take them every step of the way.

Q: WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?

A:  A home inspection is a contingency in a contract that allows the buyer to hire a home inspector to view the property for potential problems. It is always a great idea to have the home checked out before you purchase it. The home inspector will gain access to areas we can't see easily like the attic, crawl space, electrical systems and HVAC ducts. My clients usually address the larger home inspection items and items that deal with health and safety. Once the buyer has decided which items they want the seller to fix, the agent inserts the items on a Home Inspection Contingency Removal Addendum. The seller can agree, counter or deny repairs. The buyer's security takes place if the home inspector finds numerous problems and the buyer wants to walk away from the transaction.

Q: HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME SELL FASTER THAN OTHERS IN FREDERICKSBURG?

A: The first step you need to take is to hire a home listing expert. Listing homes is in my area of expertise. Your home needs to look better than the competition. Expert photography is a must. The world is looking. Exposure is the key. The agent needs to market your home to the world. Century 21 has one of the world's largest networks for exposure. Your home needs to be priced just right. Let your REALTOR determine the market value based on comparatives. This professional needs to also have their own website to use as a tool to market your listing. 

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUY A FREDERICKSBURG HOME?

A: The time it takes to purchase a home depends on your mortgage lender. Cash transactions may take only several days to get title work back. Conventional financing usually takes about 30 days as long as the appraisal comes back and your lender is caught up. FHA and VA loans take about 45 days to close. These take a longer period to process and appraisals take longer to come back. The longest period may be with the USDA Rural Development loans. These have to go through the conventional loan process, then funds are dispersed by HUD. This may take several months.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO TOUR A HOME?

A: There is a right way and a wrong way to tour a home for sale in Fredericksburg. The home buyer needs to consider certain things while touring the home with the agent. A writing tablet and pen will work great for taking notes on each property.

• How's the neighborhood? How close is the neighbor's home? 
• Where's the nearest school? Does the system offer great academics?
• Is there enough space for now and in the future?
• Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Is the home in good condition? If not, what will it cost to get the condition to the point that makes you happy?
• Does the electrical components work? Test switches. You may notice electrical problems. Check the heating and air unit by setting the thermostat to different temperatures. How old is the unit. Are the filters clean. If you notice very dirty filters, this could be an indication that the system is not maintained properly. Most systems last for up to 15 years or more if well maintained, inspected and cleaned. Also check all appliances. Make sure they are working properly.Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?
• How large is the yard? Is there room for the kids to play? Will you have room for your pet? Can you have a family gathering or barbecue?
• Do you like the home layout? Does this home have a traditional plan with lots of rooms or a open floor plan? Which plan is better for you? Open floor plans seem to work better for families that entertain.
• Does this home have room for furniture. Will your dining room table fit? Will you have to budget for new furniture for this home?
• Will you need ample storage space. Does this home offer that space?
• Visualize this home in all seasons. What are the direction exposures? Where will the sun rise and sit? Will you be happy with this home all year?

Please tour all homes with your REALTOR. Take as much time as you need to make an intelligent decision on each home you tour. Ask you agent any questions that you may have about each home. Score the home on your notes from 1 being bad to 10 being best. I want you to enjoy your Fredericksburg real estate experience.Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.

Q: HOW MANY LISTINGS SHOULD I TOUR BEFORE PICKING ONE FOR CONTRACT?

A: There's no perfect number of houses you should see before you make an offer. You should see as many as it takes. You will know it when you find it.  On average, home buyers see 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you're looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time. A great real estate agent will shorten your search based on the criteria you advise. I've had many home buyers write on the first day out and sometimes after seeing only several properties. You don't want to tour properties that don't meet your needs. Tour homes with a Fredericksburg real estate agent that is a showing specialist like myself.