Top 10 Tricks to Help You Navigate the Process of Buying a Home in Alexandria, VA
The City of Alexandria brings historic charm with the nearby conveniences of city living in DC as well as the natural beauty of the Potomac River. If you are looking to visit open houses in Alexandria, VA, follow these tips to make the most of your time and find your dream home sooner.
1. Do some preliminary research.
Peruse listings in the newspaper and online to check out past and current sales (and rentals) in the area. This will give you a general idea about price, home styles, and amenities available in the various neighborhoods of Alexandria City. Preliminary research will help you make the most of the time with your agent!
2. Talk to a real estate agent who specializes in the City of Alexandria or Northern Virginia.
Agents have access to listings that aren’t available to the general public. Using an agent can help you make the most of your search and point you in the right direction of the Alexandria open houses that best your needs.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Alexandria, VA? Contact me at DarrenRobertsonHomes@gmail.com
3. Get to know Alexandria versus Alexandria City.
It can be quite confusing that there are two separate places referred to as “Alexandria.” Alexandria is located in Fairfax County, while Alexandria City is its own county. Old Town Alexandria is located within Alexandria City. That’s a lot of Alexandrias! Check out a map with your agent to be sure you are zeroing in on your desired area.
4. Keep an eye on your travel time.
Because traffic in the greater DC area around rush hour can be tricky, leave a buffer time to travel from one open house to another. If you have open houses in both Old Town and Fairfax County, make sure you leave enough time to travel to both.
5. Prepare a list of questions.
When you’re searching for open houses in Alexandria, VA, use your research to draft some key questions. For example, how long has the house been on the market? In what year was the house built? If you have young children or pets, you might want to know if there are parks nearby, or if you can buy in walking distance of the Potomac River.
6. Consider the history.
Old Town Alexandria is notably historic. Building dates and history can bring resale value (and charm) to your new home. It’s also important to know how recently the foundational aspects of the house, such as plumbing, have been updated. Having your questions ready could save you time and effort in the long run.
7. Research the schools.
Knowing which public schools you like, and which ones have programs that interest your children, can help you determine which areas to focus your search. It’s important to remember that The City of Alexandria is served by both Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. In addition, The City of Alexandria is in close proximity to a number or private schools. It may be worth researching and scheduling private school tours beforehand so you can know which options might fit your family’s needs.
8. Consider and plan your work commute.
Are you planning to work in DC? You may want to consider living near DC’s efficient and quick Metro line. The Blue and Yellow Metro lines go from various places in Alexandria (King Street, Braddock Avenue, and Eisenhower Avenue) into downtown DC. Try out the commute to get a realistic picture of what your daily commute will feel like.
9. Make a solid first impression.
Alexandria City and the surrounding DC metropolitan area are competitive markets. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward. Be polite, ask questions, and even dress the part! You’ll likely be walking through many rooms as well as up and down stairs, so dress comfortably yet classy.
10. Learn what you can get for your money.
When searching for open houses in Alexandria, VA, it’s important to remember that this expansive area boasts a lot of variety, for better and for worse! There are many different types of houses and locations to see. For example, if you’re looking for Potomac River waterfront views in Old Alexandria, your money will spend much differently than in a residential neighborhood in Fairfax County. If you’re new to the area, ask your agent to show you houses in a few different neighborhoods so you can see what’s available at your price point.