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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. 137
Each home type trades space, cost and upkeep differently. Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison to help you choose with confidence.
Keep reading: Condo vs. Townhouse vs. Single-Family Home: Which Fits You?Daniel ParkNo. 136
Most financed purchases in Northern Virginia close in about 30 to 45 days, cash deals faster. Here’s the week-by-week timeline and the things that actually cause delays.
Keep reading: How Long Does It Take to Close on a House? A Realistic TimelineDaniel ParkNo. 135
PCS orders put your home decision on a clock. Here’s how to choose between selling and renting, plus a timeline and the military tax rule many families miss.
Keep reading: Got PCS Orders? How to Sell or Rent Your Northern Virginia HomeDaniel ParkNo. 134
Showings are where buyers decide how a home feels. Here's how to handle pets, kids, valuables, cameras and feedback so your home shows well without taking over your life.
Keep reading: Home Showing Tips for Sellers: Pets, Kids, Valuables and FeedbackDaniel ParkNo. 133
FHA loans open the door with 3.5% down and flexible credit rules, but the mortgage insurance is different from PMI. Here’s the full cost and who benefits.
Keep reading: FHA Loans Explained: Down Payment, Mortgage Insurance and Who Should Use OneDaniel ParkNo. 132
A lease doesn't end when the house sells. Here's how Virginia landlords can sell an occupied rental, keep tenants cooperative and choose the right buyer.
Keep reading: Selling a Home With Tenants in Place in VirginiaDaniel ParkNo. 131
Contingencies let you exit or renegotiate a contract under certain conditions. Here’s how the common ones work, and how to use them without weakening your offer.
Keep reading: Contingencies Explained: The Safety Nets in Your Home Purchase ContractDaniel ParkNo. 130
Seniors, people with disabilities and 100% disabled veterans may owe little or no real estate tax in Northern Virginia. Here are the 2026 limits and how to apply.
Keep reading: Property Tax Relief in Northern Virginia for Seniors, People With Disabilities and VeteransDaniel ParkNo. 129
Inheriting a home comes with paperwork, decisions and emotions. Here’s how the sale usually works in Virginia, plus the stepped-up basis rule that can save taxes.
Keep reading: Selling an Inherited Home in Virginia: What Heirs Should KnowDaniel ParkNo. 128
Selling and moving at the same time is easier with a plan. Here's a week-by-week, 60-day timeline for Northern Virginia sellers, from repairs and disclosures to movers, utilities and settlement.
Keep reading: The Seller’s Moving Timeline: 60 Days From Listing Prep to Settlement