First Time Homebuyer

Daseal · 07-09-2014, 12:10 PM

Dear Warpath,

You've always been helpful with life decisions in the past and I respect the feedback members of this community provide. Well, I'm officially starting my search for a home. We've picked a realator we trust and will start viewing properties shortly. We're looking in the competitive Northern VA market where our realators told us most houses don't make it past a 3-7 days, so moving fast when you like a house is critical.

I'm asking for any hints you guys have for any part of the process. It's an extremely daunting task and hope people can provide some tips on what I should focus on to make sure I don't make a mistake! Off the top of my head, if you have any help in the following areas I would be extremely grateful:

Visiting Properties. Outside basic features/layout/location, what should I look for when visiting a home?
Financing. Tips/Items to avoid.
Features. What do you love about your house, or realize you wish it had?
HOA pitfalls. I'm not a big fan of HOA's. I like them in theory to keep the neighborhood nice, but when they're dictating the 2 colors you can paint your house it's too far. What are some pitfalls you've seen in HOAs. (Note. Nearly impossible in our search area to find a house w/o an HOA.)
Renovations. We want a mostly move-in ready type property, but are okay with small renovations. I'm not super handy, but willing to work on it some. Most work would have to be done by a professional. What are some success/horror stories from your homes on items I should be willing to renovate vs. hire a professional vs. buy a house with that already taken care of.

Anything you can think of would be appreciated. We're currently searching for homes in Reston/Herndon/Sterling/Burke/Springfield/Centreville areas. We're open to other places. I work in DC and my girlfriend in Tysons. My commute's going to suck, but suck less than paying someone elses mortgage every month!

Edit: I'd be buying the home with my girlfriend. We've been together for almost 3 years now and will likely get married soon. But if anyone has done that before feedback would be appreciated. I know you can setup the loan to have both names and set ownership to 50/50. Would getting married after the home end up complicating that agreement?

07-09-2014, 12:10 PM	#1
Daseal Puppy Kicker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arlington, Virginia Age: 41 Posts: 8,341	First Time Homebuyer Dear Warpath, You've always been helpful with life decisions in the past and I respect the feedback members of this community provide. Well, I'm officially starting my search for a home. We've picked a realator we trust and will start viewing properties shortly. We're looking in the competitive Northern VA market where our realators told us most houses don't make it past a 3-7 days, so moving fast when you like a house is critical. I'm asking for any hints you guys have for any part of the process. It's an extremely daunting task and hope people can provide some tips on what I should focus on to make sure I don't make a mistake! Off the top of my head, if you have any help in the following areas I would be extremely grateful: Visiting Properties. Outside basic features/layout/location, what should I look for when visiting a home? Financing. Tips/Items to avoid. Features. What do you love about your house, or realize you wish it had? HOA pitfalls. I'm not a big fan of HOA's. I like them in theory to keep the neighborhood nice, but when they're dictating the 2 colors you can paint your house it's too far. What are some pitfalls you've seen in HOAs. (Note. Nearly impossible in our search area to find a house w/o an HOA.) Renovations. We want a mostly move-in ready type property, but are okay with small renovations. I'm not super handy, but willing to work on it some. Most work would have to be done by a professional. What are some success/horror stories from your homes on items I should be willing to renovate vs. hire a professional vs. buy a house with that already taken care of. Anything you can think of would be appreciated. We're currently searching for homes in Reston/Herndon/Sterling/Burke/Springfield/Centreville areas. We're open to other places. I work in DC and my girlfriend in Tysons. My commute's going to suck, but suck less than paying someone elses mortgage every month! Edit: I'd be buying the home with my girlfriend. We've been together for almost 3 years now and will likely get married soon. But if anyone has done that before feedback would be appreciated. I know you can setup the loan to have both names and set ownership to 50/50. Would getting married after the home end up complicating that agreement? __________________ Best. Player. Available.

First Time Homebuyer

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