Guide

Buying a Home in Northern Virginia: The Complete Guide

Buying a home in Arlington and Northern Virginia goes more smoothly when you know the steps before you start: get pre-approved, understand the costs, tour with a plan, make a strong offer and use the inspection well. This guide collects every article we have written for buyers into one place.

We help buyers across Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, Washington, DC and parts of Maryland. A buyer consultation covers your budget, your timeline and what you want in a home, then moves to the home search, offer strategy, negotiation and closing support.

Read the sections in order if you are just starting, or go straight to the one that matches your question. Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 to talk through your own plan.

First-time and move-up buyers

Your first purchase and your next one raise different questions. These articles cover first-time steps, costs and programs, and how move-up buyers line up a sale and a purchase.

Mortgages, credit and down payments

The loan you choose sets your monthly payment and the cash you need up front. These pieces explain pre-approval, credit scores and low-down-payment options in plain words.

Closing costs, earnest money and affordability

Price is only part of the cost of buying. Here is how earnest money, closing costs, taxes and insurance fit into your budget.

Condos, townhouses and detached homes

Each type of home has its own costs and tradeoffs. These articles compare them and list the questions to ask about a condo.

Offers, inspections and appraisals

A strong offer and a well-used inspection protect you. These pieces cover what goes into an offer, how to read an inspection report and how to choose an inspector.

Planning your home search

These articles help you organize a search, from a short list and radon testing to buying in winter and renting versus buying.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first when buying a home?

Talk with a lender about pre-approval and your budget, then talk with us about the kind of home you want and your timeline. Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884.

How much do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan. Our articles explain low-down-payment options and what lenders look for, and a lender can run the numbers for your situation.

What are closing costs?

They are the fees paid at settlement on top of the price. See the closing costs and earnest money section for how they add up in Virginia.

Should I buy before I sell?

It depends on your equity, your lender and how comfortable you are carrying two homes for a short time. The move-up articles compare the options.

Do you help buyers in Washington, DC and Maryland?

Yes, we serve buyers across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and parts of Maryland.

The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.

Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.

The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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