Skip to main content
  • Sub Banner Image 1

The Buyer Agent

Choose a Topic Below for Important Buyer Information

The Buyer Agent Springfield Real Estate

The entire real estate process seems mysterious to many, and in fact, has changed lots in recent years. In the past, we relied on real estate agents to find new listings, do all the research and tell us what a home is worth. With the availability of hundreds of internet home search sites, buyers can do a lot of the up-front work themselves – they can now find houses for sale, find out about schools and transportation. and even research past and current sale prices of homes nearby. TV reality shows abound with tips on flipping homes and making millions. So why use a real estate agent at all?

The Seller is represented by an agent, so why shouldn’t you be?

In most sales these days, one agent represents the seller (listing agent) and one represents the buyer. The job of your Buyer agent is to:

  • Explain the buying process to you
  • Share their knowledge of neighborhoods, homes and trends with you
  • Ensure you understand your financing needs and are prepared to buy
  • Show your homes, answering your questions about each one
  • Prepare an offer based on fair market price, suited to your financial position and goals
  • Negotiate the contract to represent YOUR best interests!
  • Represent you throughout the contract until settlement – explain and preserve your contingencies: home inspection, community document review, financing, appraisal and others
  • Final walk-thru with you, and settlement

An experienced buyer agent:

  • listens carefully to their client to understand their motivation for buying and their wants and desires – and can craft a home search tailored to fit their specific needs
  • knows the market for homes in the neighborhood – recent sales, current sales, and potential for rental income
  • is familiar with home maintenance issues, and trends in home improvements, and provides the buyer with advice about repair and upkeep with each home they show their client
  • knows how to craft an offer to win out against other offers, and how to negotiate with a seller’s agent to get the best possible terms.
  • understands the sales contract thoroughly and is prepared to represent their client’s best interests in the event of a dispute, default or other contract difficulty.

Be prepared with an Experienced Buyer agent before you start.

Our agents know the Northern Virginia market inside-out and we’re ready to take as much time as needed, and give you all the personal attention you deserve, to ensure you are able to make the very best decision when it comes to buying a home. Face it – this is one of the biggest purchases you may make for many years! Let us help you combine your ideas, thoughts and dreams with our expertise and experience to make your new home one you’ll be proud of for a long time.

When you are ready to get started, call us at 703.913.1300 or complete this short form and one of our agents will be in touch.

Other Things To Consider

Get Your Financials in Order

Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability. Large purchases or loans can affect your credit and balance sheet in a way that can limit your buying options. Your credit score will hold a significant impact on the type of property you can buy, your interest rate and overall property price. We can work with one of our preferred lenders to get an updated credit to know exactly where it stands. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. We are happy to recommend seasoned, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.

Organize Your Finances

When it’s time to make an offer, you’ll want to know you’re fully prepared to close the deal. In order to avoid delays, bidding wars, or conflicts, preparing your finances is crucial.

  • Bank accounts
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Check Your Credit Rating
  • Financial statements
  • Investments
  • Tax returns for two years
  • Credit cards
  • Auto and other loans
  • Copies of leases for investment properties
  • 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information

Prequalify

Pre-qualifying for a loan will help you with the following:

  • Finding the ideal price range you can afford
  • Determining what your monthly payment will be
  • Understanding the different loans you qualify for
  • Estimating the down payment and closing costs

Get In Touch

Tips For Buying The Perfect Home

Don’t Max Out Your Budget icon

Don’t Max Out Your Budget

Just because you’ve been approved for a max amount, doesn't mean you should spend it all on the home's sale price. You will want to set some of that aside for closing costs, taxes and potential home repairs or remodeling.

Get To Know The Area icon

Get To Know The Area

Make sure the neighborhood works for you and your family - are you close to schools and is shopping conveniently located?

Inspection icon

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

Inspections are worth their weight in gold and will draw attention to problems you may not otherwise see, giving you peace of mind and letting you make more informed decisions about your purchase.

Pre-Approved icon

Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved by a lender lets the seller know you are serious and ready to purchase a home and that you are not just window shopping.

List of Deal Breakers icon

Make a List of Deal Breakers

Know what you can live with and what you cannot live without and also those things that can be taken care of with a simple remodel. If you need a 4 bedroom home, don't buy one with 2 that requires a massive addition which can break your budget.

Check Appliances icon

Look At The Age Of Appliances & Other Systems

Some of the most expensive features of a home are Appliances, HVAC, Hot Water Heater, Septic/Well, and Roof. You should pay attention to their age and whether they have required service. You may even be able to get the seller to add a home warranty.

Check For HOA Requirements icon

Check For HOA Requirements

Most neighborhoods have HOAs that govern what you can and can't do - be sure you know what the rules are for your neighborhood, and the fees associated with having an HOA. They are usually listed as annual fees.

contact support icon

Questions?

Give us a call at 703.913.1300 or fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.

Contact Us

What Price Range Can I Afford?

Resources For Springfield Home Buyers

The journey to homeownership starts by understanding how much you can afford. One major thing to consider is your down payment, if any. Many consumers believe it's impossible to buy a home without at least 20 percent down. But thanks to various government-sponsored programs, many people can now buy a house with as little as 3.5 percent toward a down payment. Veterans of the U.S. military have zero-down programs available.

Finding a knowledgable Mortgage Loan Officer is key to recieving the most up-to-date information on available lending options. Feel free to check out or vetted list of preffered lenders below - or, if you just want to run some quick rough numbers, check out our free mortgage calculator.

Mortgage Calculator

Areas We Serve

  • Springfield
  • Vienna
  • Arlington
  • Fairfax
  • Alexandria
  • Fair Oaks
  • Burke
  • Falls Church
  • Fairfax County
  • Annandale
  • Loudoun
  • Manassas
  • Woodbridge
  • Fairfax Station
  • Ashburn