5 Steps You Need to Take If You're Buying a Home in the Next 12 Months!

If you are considering buying a home in northern Virginia within the next 12 months, here are five important steps you need to take right now. 

1.      Establish a relationship with a real estate agent now.  That’s right!  Even if you are not planning to buy a home for several months, find a REALTOR® who is willing to work at your pace and begin building your relationship now.  This will afford you a tremendous opportunity to gain insight into the northern Virginia real estate market.  You can also feel comfortable asking questions and getting a timely response from a single source that you know and trust.  In addition, you will have immediate access to all the resources and tools needed to make your home search simple, easy, and convenient.  

2.      Evaluate your purchasing power now.  No, of course it’s not too early!  There is nothing more frustrating than planning to begin your house hunting activities in November and finding out in October that you do not qualify for the loan amount that you were expecting.  To avoid this unsavory experience, find out how much house you can afford now.  This process is quite simple!  Just ask your REALTOR® for assistance. 

3.      Know how much cash you need to close the deal.  This is a great time to evaluate your cash flow.  Yes, it is still a buyer’s market!  However, this does not guarantee that your entire closing costs will be paid by the sellers.  Even if the sellers agree to pay your closing costs in full, you still may need cash for your down payment, home inspection(s), home warranty, minor repairs, moving expenses, utilities, and so on.  To ensure that you have enough cash to close the deal, evaluate your cash flow now.  Your REALTOR® can guide you through this process quickly and easily.

4.      Understand the housing options available to you.  In the northern Virginia real estate market, there are multiple options available to most home buyers.  These options include regular home sales, short sales, foreclosures or REOs, HUD homes, FSBOs, new construction, and rent-with-option.  Find the housing option that’s right for you by consulting with your REALTOR®.  The purchase process and requirements vary for each of the home choices listed.  Begin working with a real estate agent today to find the choice that’s right for you. 

5.      Get to know your community of choice.  This is a great time to discover what community amenities are most important to you.  Are you most concerned about nearby schools, access to neighborhood shopping, recreational and exercise facilities, transportation access?   What aspects are most important to you in selecting your new housing community?  Regardless of your preferences, now is a great time to narrow down your selections and find the location and community that is right for you.  Search northern Virginia communities now.

If you are thinking of buying a home in northern Virginia within the next 12 months and would like to get started on these five important steps, please contact me for assistance!  Regardless of your timeframe, I am happy to share my knowledge of the real estate industry and help prepare you for your future home purchase. Why Wait?  These services are all complimentary! 

Feel free to contact me at 703-298-6546 or Lisa@LisaDunham and let’s get started today. Search northern VA homes for sale now.


If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com