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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. 13
Spring is the busiest season to sell in Northern Virginia, but the right month for you depends on your home, your next move and how ready you are. Here's how the seasons really play out.
Keep reading: The Best Time to Sell a Home in Northern Virginia: What Seasonal Patterns ShowDaniel ParkNo. 12
A rental property can build long-term wealth if the numbers work. Here’s how to evaluate cash flow, financing and landlord rules before you buy.
Keep reading: Buying Your First Rental Property in Northern Virginia: A Beginner’s GuideDaniel ParkNo. 11
Buyers meet your home online first. Here is the photo, video and marketing package that earns showings in Northern Virginia, and the rules to follow.
Keep reading: Listing Photos, Video and Marketing: What Actually Sells Homes OnlineDaniel ParkNo. 9
Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William? Use this five-step checklist to narrow your search around your commute, budget and lifestyle.
Keep reading: How to Choose a Neighborhood in Northern Virginia: A 5-Step ChecklistDaniel ParkNo. 8
The 15 questions I would ask before hiring a listing agent in Northern Virginia, what strong answers sound like, and a simple scorecard to compare agents.
Keep reading: 15 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Listing AgentDaniel ParkNo. 7
A pre-listing inspection lets you find problems before a buyer does. Here’s when it pays off, what to fix and what to leave alone.
Keep reading: Should You Get a Pre-Listing Inspection Before You Sell?Daniel ParkNo. 5
A furnished rental can command higher rent, but it also brings furniture costs, more turnover and more management. Here is how I help Northern Virginia owners compare the two side by side.
Keep reading: Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals: Which Earns More in Northern Virginia?Daniel ParkNo. 4
A stronger credit score can mean a lower rate and a smaller monthly payment. These six steps can help you get mortgage-ready, even in a few months.
Keep reading: 6 Steps to Build Your Credit Before You Buy a HomeDaniel ParkNo. 2
Northern Virginia closed 2024 with firm prices, very few listings and a late-year burst of closings. Here's what the data showed and what I'm watching in 2025.
Keep reading: Northern Virginia Housing Market: 2024 Year in Review and What to Watch in 2025Daniel ParkNo. 1
Closing costs in Northern Virginia often run about 2% to 3% of the price, on top of your down payment. Here’s what makes up that number, with a worked example and ways to lower it.
Keep reading: What Do Buyers Pay at Closing in Virginia?