Buying a Home in Northern Virginia

Fredricksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford,Dumfries, Woodbridge, Dale City, Alexandria,Fairfax and Arlington.

Whether you are buying a home, obtaining a mortgage,   or relocating to the area, having an experienced Northern Virginia  REALTOR® to  act as your buying agent can help you to find the best deals, and more importantly, keep you from making some of the most common mistakes. Johnny can help you to create a buying strategy that will get you into the   neighborhood that best suits your  lifestyle. He can connect you with the right people to get the most   favorable mortgage  for you and guide you through  the process of inspections,  appraisals, title  insurance,  and  closing costs. Take a few moments to browse the topics below and see how Johnny can help make a difference

  

HEART AND MIND

 

Over the years I have discovered that most people let their heart find the home they love and then try to justify their purchase afterward.

My goal is to help you find a property that not only wins your heart, but makes good investment sense as well. When you call, you'll be tapping into a wealth of information and market experience. I am accustomed to working with a variety of clients - from the first-time Buyer to veterans of multi-million dollar real estate transactions. Regardless of your level of experience, I will answer questions with straight talk and facts.  Heres where you start.

Survey the Landscape


Drive around and get a feeling for Northern Virginia and its many neighborhoods. Then, meet with me for about an hour to discuss your plans, time frame, "wish" list and "have to have" list. At that meeting we will also discuss how we will be working together, as well as some of the legal aspects of purchasing real estate in Virginia.

Search For Your Dream Home


After our first meeting and a review of our "game plan", it will be time for us to go out and preview some properties. Since we will have done our homework and selected the most likely candidates, we won't waste your valuable time looking at homes that are not suitable. It's likely that once you've shared with me all of your requirements, we could find you the right home in a single afternoon. However, occasionally the first day becomes a familiarization tour and it takes another day to narrow down choices. Once you've fallen in love with a home and have made a decision, we'll write up the contract on a Northern Virginia Association of Realtors approved form, negotiate the purchase, and you'll be on your way.

Get "The Whole Picture"


Just a word about searching through the  Multiple Listing System (MLS). On SARKISREALESTATE.COM, you have access to ALL of the listed properties for sale in Northern Virginia Counties! and some This is different from some agents who only want to show you houses that are in their inventory. Since this gives their client a partial picture of the available market, it could possibly result in them not getting the best chance of finding their dream home. I show all listings in the Northern Virginia MLS (Fredricksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford,Dumfries, Woodbridge,Dale City,Alexandria,Fairfax and Arlington) regardless of who has them, and sometimes show "For Sale By Owners" and unlisted properties. In other words, I will do whatever it takes to find you what you want.


Negotiating Your Best Deal


In spite of the current economic climate, ours is  a market where you acquire property for a Good deal.  I'll provide the facts about recent sales and if I am representing you, I can help you determine the best offer to make which has a realistic chance of succeeding. My specific advice will be based upon years of experience and successful transactions.

With that in mind, here are some general tips:

  • Make your offers clean and simple, with the fewest contingencies possible.
  • Have "vision" beyond the obvious. Many Buyers can't see the potential in a property that doesn't present itself well. If you can, there may be an opportunity for you.
  • If you are not paying cash, pre-qualify with a local lender and submit the letter of approval with your offer.
  • Write a letter (or I can do it for you) to the Seller explaining why their home is the perfect choice for your family. We'll send it with the offer, because personalizing your offer can sometimes have a huge impact.

Financing, Title Work and Other Details


Most Northern Virginia Buyers secure financing through locally based mortgage brokers. If you don't know a good loan broker, I can help you find one. Most homes under $1 million can be financed at 75-100% of value. Terms for loans over $1 million are determined individually, as are loans for construction and vacant land. Upon sale. the Buyer customarily pays for title insurance fees and recordation fees fees. Escrow fees typically varies. You can review financing costs with your lender.

 

Long Distance Purchases


Thanks to the convenience of technology and overnight delivery, some closings are handled long distance. If you are an out of town buyer, I will oversee the completion of inspections and appraisals, as well as maintain day-to-day communications between the Seller, the Buyer, the lender and the title company.

In Closing...


I am committed to remaining your primary source of information and assistance, even months or years after closing. I don't believe our relationship is a fleeting one, but rather an opportunity to establish a lasting working relationship. I understand that the greatest praise I can receive for a job well done is the referral of your friends and family. I look forward to meeting them!

 


 


Johnny Sarkis (Long and Foster Real Estate ): Real Estate Sales Person in Woodbridge, Prince William County, Virginia