Facts About Manassas Real Estate / Buy and Sell Wisely

DC METRO REAL ESTATE

Serving the Real Estate needs of the communities of Manassas, Bristow, Haymarket, Warrenton, Gainesville and Culpeper  in Northern Virginia


Dave Scardina  
Broker / Owner

703-829-SOLD

866-909-0900

Facts About Manassas Real Estate / Buy and Sell Wisely

Manassas Home Inspection


The purpose of a thorough home inspection is to ensure that Manassas home buyers know exactly what a home’s condition is prior to completing the transaction. A good Manassas home inspection should include an evaluation of the foundation, framing, roofing, site drainage, attic, plumbing, heating, electrical system, fireplaces, chimneys, pavement, fences, stairs, decks, patios, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, floors and built-in appliances. All significant or pertinent findings should be reported in writing to the prospective Manassas homebuyer. The home inspection report gives the Manassas homebuyer the information he or she needs to determine whether to buy the property as is or to ask the seller to make repairs.

In most cases, when an Manassas homebuyer makes repair requests, sellers usually agree to some if not all of the conditions.

Manassas Real Estate Contract Options


Less common types of agreements include what is known as a “One Time Show,” and “Exclusive Agency,” and an “Open Listing” agreement. The One -Time Show and the Open Listing are similar and are often used by homeowners who wish to sell their Manassas real estate on their own but will agree to pay a commission to an agent who brings a qualified buyer for the home. A Manassas homeowner may agree to an Open Listing with several agents and also agree to a One-Time Show to any agent who has an interested buyer.

Manassas Homebuyers Quandry


First time Manassas homebuyers have their issues to deal with and homeowners who want to move up, down or sideways have an entirely different set of problems. A homeowner’s first task is to counteract human nature. Humans must be genetically programmed to find their next home and then scramble to sell the one they have so they can afford the one they want. The Manassas market is no exception. Of course, this is contrary to good sense but since most people will go ahead with the Buy then Sell approach.

Buying Manassas Real Estate...Will it Pay?


With a typical 30-year loan, most of your monthly payment goes toward interest payments with only small amounts going to the principle in the early years. Only half the principle is repaid in the first 23 years of the loan. You can build equity in your Manassas faster by choosing a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan.

As a Manassas real estate owner you have the right to pay more towards the principle loan amount each month. Let’s say your monthly payment is $700.00 a month and $100.00 a month is being applied to the principle. If you choose to pay $900.00 instead of $700.00, the $200.00 overage will be applied entirely to the principle. Thus, instead of gaining $1,200.00 a year in home equity, you gain $3,600.00. Investing in Manassas can be a very good idea.


Green Remodeling Your Manassas


If you are planning to remodel your Manassas, keep home resale in mind and consider going green. Green remodeling is becoming more popular as homeowners consider health issues, skyrocketing energy costs and Earth’s natural resources. And, when it comes time to sell your home, your energy efficient and Earth saving remodeling may help you sell your Manassas quickly and for top dollar.


When Manassas Does Not Sell


Here is where your agent’s expertise and diligence comes into play. A top agent will consider what similar Manassas have sold for within the last 3 to 6 months and compare those homes condition, features and location with your home. If there are no comparable sales in the area, which is often the case with custom or one-of-a-kind properties, the agent may suggest that you obtain a formal appraisal.

A homeowner who must sell and sell quickly needs to price their Manassas at or slightly below market to ensure a quick sale. A different homeowner may want to sell but has time and wants to get the top market price. These homeowners will often price the home slightly above current market prices and expect interested buyers to offer a lower amount to start the negotiation.