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DC
METRO REAL ESTATE
Serving
the Real Estate needs of the communities of
Manassas, Bristow, Haymarket, Warrenton, Gainesville
and Culpeper in Northern Virginia
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Dave
Scardina
Broker
/ Owner
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703-829-SOLD
866-909-0900
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Tips for Buying Bristow Homes and CondosBristow Real Estate Cycles
One problem with attempting to time your purchase to the business cycle is that even experts have problems accurately predicting the future economy. Even when they can, the Bristow market does not necessarily move in tandem with the stock market or the economy as a whole. Bristow is a unique situation.
When the economy is doing well, interest rates are generally higher. The result is that fewer people can afford houses, and Bristow is no exception. When the economy slows down, interest rates fall, the "affordability index" moves up and more people can afford houses. The Bristow market will take the lead.
Bristow Real Estate Cycles
What makes most sense is the "buy and hold" strategy. Buy a home you expect to remain in for at least seven years or more. Bristow is no different than most, although the Bristow market does have it's own special circumstances.
Want to get a clear and up-to-date picture of the Bristow real estate market? Call me at any time. I am happy to share my knowledge of the real estate market with homeowners and prospective homeowners who want to take advantage of market trends to buy and/or sell wisely.
Building Bristow Home Equity
A popular question from prospective Bristow homebuyers relates to building home equity. Buyers like to estimate how much a home may increase in value based upon past appreciation. One of the many advantages of home ownership is that appreciation is based on the home’s market value rather than on the actual dollar amount invested or the down payment so that a $100,000.00 home that appreciates 5% is now worth $105,000.00, especially in Bristow.
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 Bristow home equity faster by choosing a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan.
The Benefits of Selling Bristow
In order to sell Bristow as your personal residence, you must have lived in it for two out of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale of the property. This means that you can buy a second home and live in it as your personal residence while renting out your first home. If, in a couple years you decide to sell your first Bristow personal residence you can sell it and still benefit from the $250,000 to $500,000 Capital Gain tax exclusion. The law says that the home must be your personal residence for at least two out of the past five years.
Bristow ADVANTAGE
The advantages of buying in any particular city or area depend on the buyer’s individual needs. Factors include proximity to schools, work, shopping, recreation, cultural opportunities and health care. Affordability is another important factor. So your first step in considering Bristow or any other city is to determine which of your needs are met and which are not met.
Bristow SEARCH
The easiest way to start your Bristow search is to use the online search capabilities on this Website. This will give you a snapshot of all the homes that are available in your price range, with the amenities you require and the locations you might consider. Next, make contact so that a knowledgeable agent can help you narrow your choices and take you on a personal tour of your best options.
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