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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. 157
Your loan rate is fixed, but your payment just rose. Here’s how escrow accounts work, why shortages happen and how to avoid a surprise every year.
Keep reading: Why Did My Mortgage Payment Go Up? Escrow Accounts ExplainedDaniel ParkNo. 156
Reston was planned around paths, lakes and village centers, and it still works that way. Here’s what living there looks like: homes, Metro, trails, dues and the questions to ask before you buy.
Keep reading: Living in Reston, VA: A Local’s Guide to Homes, Trails and Daily LifeDaniel ParkNo. 155
The right agent saves you time, money and stress. Here are ten signs of a great REALTOR®, plus questions to ask before you hire one.
Keep reading: What a Great REALTOR® Looks Like: 10 Signs You’ve Found the Right AgentDaniel ParkNo. 154
A renovation loan lets you finance the purchase and the repairs in one mortgage. Here's how FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HomeStyle and other options compare for Northern Virginia buyers.
Keep reading: Renovation Loans Explained: FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HomeStyle and Other OptionsDaniel ParkNo. 153
Virginia is largely a buyer beware state, which surprises many buyers and sellers. Here’s what sellers must disclose and how buyers protect themselves.
Keep reading: Virginia Seller Disclosures: What “Buyer Beware” Really MeansDaniel ParkNo. 152
Virginia Housing offers low down payment loans, grants that never need repaying and a second mortgage for the down payment. Here's how each works and who qualifies.
Keep reading: Virginia Housing Programs for First-Time Buyers: Loans, Grants and Who QualifiesDaniel ParkNo. 151
An ARM can save you real money in the early years, or cost you later. Here’s how caps, indexes and resets work, with a worked example on a $600,000 loan.
Keep reading: Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Explained: When an ARM Makes Sense and When It Doesn’tDaniel ParkNo. 150
A Manassas address can be in the City of Manassas, Manassas Park or Prince William County. Here's how that changes taxes and schools, plus homes and commutes.
Keep reading: Living in Manassas, VA: City, Park and County ExplainedDaniel ParkNo. 149
Buying your first home is easier when you know the steps. Here’s a clear, 10-step roadmap from budgeting to closing day in Northern Virginia.
Keep reading: First-Time Home Buyer Roadmap: 10 Steps From Savings to KeysDaniel ParkNo. 148
A rate lock protects your mortgage rate between contract and settlement, but the details matter. Here's how lock periods, float-downs and extensions work, and how to time your lock in Northern Virginia.
Keep reading: Mortgage Rate Locks Explained: When to Lock, Float-Downs and Extensions