Learn About Buying Manassas Real Estate

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

Learn About Buying Manassas Real Estate

Manassas Fixed or Adjustable?


The fixed rate mortgages offer Manassas real estate buyers peace of mind with predictable monthly payments. Taxes may go up but the principle and interest will remain fixed throughout the life of the loan. When interest rates were rising rapidly in the late 1970s, lenders came up with ARMs or Adjustable Rate Mortgages. With an ARM, the borrower assumes the risk of rising interest rates. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Fixed Rate Loans in Manassas


Advantages: As indicated earlier, predictability is the biggest incentive for choosing a fixed-rate loan for your Manassas real estate mortgage.

Disadvantages: Fixed rate loans usually come with higher interest than the start up interest rate on a fixed loan. Down payments for your Manassas on conventional, fixed-rate loans are usually higher than the down payment required for an ARM.

Manassas Real Estate Contract Options


Finally, the Exclusive Agency Listing allows an agent to list and market your Manassas real estate. The agent will earn a commission if he/she or any other agent sells the property but not if the homeowner finds his/her own buyer. Very few if any agents are willing to agree to spend time, money and know-how on promoting a home without the guarantee of a commission when the home sells.

Many people imagine that the agent who lists their home begins an immediate search for likely homebuyers for Manassas but this is not always the case. The real skill of a good listing agent is her/his ability to market your home to other agents. Usually as soon as your listing agent returns to the office, your home is entered into the MLS and is now available to hundreds, maybe thousands of other agents.


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.


Manassas BASICS


Location, location, location pretty much describes the basics of all real estate markets and the Manassas market is no exception. A lovely estate home next door to a power plant or on a hill where major sliding has occurred is not as valuable as that same home in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood. This is why most astute buyers tend to rely on real estate agents who are well versed in the community and know the area well.

Manassas GUIDE


One of the major benefits that experienced Manassas agents and brokers provide for prospective buyers is a thorough knowledge of the area and the real estate market. Whether buying in a specific school district is important to you or making sure the home you buy is close to shopping and transportation, a knowledgeable agent is your bust Manassas Guide.