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Practical advice on buying, selling, renting and investing in Northern Virginia, plus the money side of real estate. Search by topic, see what readers find most useful, or start with the latest.
Daniel ParkNo. 97
The right loan can save you thousands. Here’s how conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo loans compare, plus the 2026 loan limits that apply in Northern Virginia.
Keep reading: Conventional, FHA, VA or Jumbo? Choosing a Mortgage in Northern Virginia (2026 Loan Limits)Daniel ParkNo. 96
When one agent or one brokerage works with both the buyer and the seller, Virginia law requires written disclosure and consent. Here's how dual and designated agency work and what you give up.
Keep reading: Dual Agency and Designated Agency in Virginia: What Buyers and Sellers Should KnowDaniel ParkNo. 95
The new federal tax law raised the SALT cap and kept the mortgage interest limit. Here’s what Northern Virginia owners can deduct, with a worked example.
Keep reading: Homeowner Tax Deductions: What You Can and Can’t Write OffDaniel ParkNo. 94
Small changes like lighting, grab bars and lever handles go a long way. Here's a room-by-room plan for making a Northern Virginia home work for decades.
Keep reading: Aging in Place: Home Modifications That Make a House Work for DecadesDaniel ParkNo. 93
When a home appraises for less than the contract price, someone has to cover the difference. Here’s how appraisal gaps work and how to protect yourself.
Keep reading: What Is an Appraisal Gap, and How Do You Handle It?Daniel ParkNo. 92
A Falls Church address can be in the independent City or in Fairfax County. Here's how that changes taxes, schools and services, plus homes, Metro and parks.
Keep reading: Living in Falls Church: The City vs. the Falls Church AddressDaniel ParkNo. 91
When the Fed changes rates, mortgage rates don’t always follow. Here’s how mortgage rates are actually set, and how to make smart decisions without trying to time the market.
Keep reading: Does the Fed Set Mortgage Rates? What Rate Decisions Really Mean for YouDaniel ParkNo. 90
Kingstowne puts you near the Franconia-Springfield Metro and VRE, while Lorton adds Laurel Hill, Mason Neck and the Occoquan River. Here's how the two compare for housing, commutes and weekends outside.
Keep reading: Living in Kingstowne and Lorton, VA: Southern Fairfax for Commuters and Outdoor LoversDaniel ParkNo. 89
A few hours of prep now can prevent frozen pipes, ice dams and high heating bills. Here’s a simple 12-point checklist for Northern Virginia winters.
Keep reading: Winterize Your Home: A 12-Point Checklist for Northern VirginiaDaniel ParkNo. 88
Older homes can be great buys if the bones are sound. Here’s how to separate cosmetic issues from costly ones in Northern Virginia’s older housing stock.
Keep reading: Buying an Older Home: How to Tell If a House Has Good Bones