The very first step in buying a home is making the decision that you’re ready to buy.  The next step after that is determining how much you can afford and what your financing options are.Getting pre-approved by a lender will help you accomplish both of those. It will also help set you apart from other potential buyers, showing a seller that you’re serious about buying and have the ability to get approved for a loan on the home.Now that you know you need to get pre-approved, you’re probably still left with some questions. What does pre-approval entail? How long does the process take? We will explain all the basics of getting pre-approved for a mortgage below. What Does Mortgage Pre-Approval Mean?You could guess that mortgage pre-approval means just that – you are pre-approved for a home ... 01/24/2023

Attention all buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia! Are you in the market for a luxury single-family home? Look no further! Christopher Companies has just announced the much-anticipated release of their new luxury single family homes located just across from Frying Pan Farm Park and in close proximity to the Silver Line Metro.These homes offer a variety of floorplans, ranging from 3400 sq ft to 6200 sq ft, providing options for families of all sizes. While the price ranges have not been officially released, as an almost 2 decades local Fairfax county real estate Realtor  I can guesstimate they will likely start at $1.5 million and above.In addition to the luxurious amenities and convenient location, these homes are also in close proximity to top-rated Fairfax school district  Floris ... 01/12/2023

Studies show that it takes a buyer the first eight seconds upon entering the home to make a decision whether to buy the said home or not. First impression matters in the shift of the market. In this buyer-driven market, this means sellers would have to make an effort designing and decluttering the home one of the top priorities among other things.Finding the right agent who understands the local market and pricing the home right from day one are very important, too. These will give them the reason to view the home in the first place. Aside from that, the shorter daylight makes things a bit darker than usual, so make sure that the home is warm and lighted. With that said, being more flexible with the showing is important, too - you're on a timer for each day, so make sure to be at the ri... 12/06/2022

When you're applying for a mortgage, you want to find the lender that will give you the best deal. 🕵️‍ But how do you know what that is? Check out our article that breaks down the difference between APR and interest rates to help you make the most informed decision! To get to a proper comparison, you have to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges, as the adage goes. So, to help you in that endeavor, we’re setting out to tackle the difference between APR and interest rate.What is an Interest Rate?The interest rate on your loan is the annual cost you’re paying to borrow money from your lender, shown as a percentage. It’s important to note that the interest rate doesn’t reflect any other fees, charges, or costs associated with your loan. What is APR?APR stands for annual percentag... 11/29/2022

JUST LISTED!📍Fairfax, VA🛏️ 3🚿 2/22,070 Sq. Ft.✔️ Remodeled kitchen✔️ Oversized bedrooms✔️ Walk out patio✔️ Large open recreation room✔️ Ample of storage space✔️ Convenient locationContact:📞 (703) 625-4949🌐 www.ritudesai.comFB: @ritudesai.realtorIG: @ritu_desai_realtorYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/RituDesai#newlisting #northernvirginia #forrent #leaselisting #ritudesai #samsonproperties #fairfaxva 11/11/2022

If the score you received from different sites looks different from the one you are used to seeing, this may be normal. We recommend you check the following: Score model: There are many scoring models, and they may weigh certain information in your reports more heavily than other factors. For example, one scoring model may put more emphasis on total credit usage than others. Because there are varied scoring models, you'll likely have different scores from different providers. Credit report: A credit score is calculated using information from a particular credit report. Each of the nationwide credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) collects similar information, but lenders can choose to report to one, two or all three agencies. Because of this, the information in you... 11/01/2022

Inflation has been in the news and on the minds of just about everyone throughout the past year. Now there’s a new concern emerging – the possibility of a recession.For some, the term recession evokes concern. You may be questioning what this will mean for your finances and for the economy as a whole. For others, this might be your first time living through the possibility of a recession and you may not know what to expect.First, it’s important to understand exactly what a recession is and how it’s measured. With that perspective, we will also cover how it typically affects mortgage interest rates, and what it means for the overall housing market.What is an Economic Recession?Economists evaluate many parts of the economy when assessing whether or not we’re officially in a recession. The... 10/27/2022

Real estate agents are an essential part of the home buying process. They know your local area, they have connections that can win you the house you love, and their negotiation skills will help you stay within your budget. Use these tips to help you choose an agent who will be your real estate superhero.There are many reasons why you should buy your home with a real estate agent. They know the ins and outs of the industry and your local market, they have connections that can win you the house you love, and their keen negotiation skills can help you stay in line with your budget.Although you may already be sold on the benefits real estate agents can bring to your home purchase, you might not know exactly where to start looking for one, much less what qualities you should be looking for.W... 10/25/2022

If you're looking for a home that has a huge space, updated appliances, great community, and a very convenient location, then this home is for you.This home at 13700 Barksdale Dr, Herndon, VA 20171 is now open for rent and is in a prime location, in the center of all the nearest convenient places Northern Virginia has to offer.The main level offers a gleaming hardwood flooring with a living and dining room combo, renovated kitchen with updated appliances, sunroom, breakfast room, and a deck with great views.The upper level has a primary suite with a private bath and a walk-in closet, along with two secondary bedrooms and a full bath.Great flexible space awaits at the lower level with its huge recreation room, an extra bedroom/office space that you can utilize especially in these times, ... 10/21/2022

Your appraisal coming back lower than your offer does not mean that it is time to press the panic button. With some creative solutions from your loan officer, you should still be able to get the deal done. Appraisals are an important part of the mortgage process, mainly because they ensure that you’re paying a fair price for your new home as a buyer. Appraisals also act as a safeguard for all parties involved, from the seller to your mortgage lender.If it’s your first time buying a home, you might wonder how exactly appraisals can help protect you and your new investment in real estate. Beyond that, in a market with home values on the rise, there’s the possibility that your appraisal may come in low, leaving you to figure out your next steps.We will cover how appraisals work, why you ha... 10/20/2022

Why are “Credit Karma scores” so different than the scores you pull as a lender? Credit Karma uses Vantage scores and Lenders use FICO scores. Bottom line, they calculate the scores differently. Major Differences are Late payments over 2 years (not scored in Vantage), Medical collections (not scored in vantage), Collections under $100 (not scored in vantage ) Debt utilization is about 50% of the vantage credit score it is about 30% of the FICO credit score.Credit Karma is mainly used by credit card companies, it gives you a free credit score and credit report in exchange for information about your spending habits. It then charges companies to serve you targeted advertisements.  The scores and credit report information on Credit Karma come from TransUnion and Equifax, two of the three ma... 09/23/2022

One of the ways to "reduce" cost in buying a home is to waive contingencies. But does it really save you money, or actually cost you more in the long run? Here's the truth about waiving contingencies in the home buying process that you should know.Need recommendations when it comes to inspections and repairs? Let's talk - DM me and I'll make sure you're in the right hands! 09/22/2022

Prepare to be amazed at how much like a detached home this well-appointed end-unit townhouse feels!As you enter, note the two-story family room with fantastic light and a fireplace for cozy nights in front of the fire.  Access the deck from the family room, too, for great flow. The spacious dining area has room for a full-sized table. Brand new hardwood flooring in the main living area is gorgeous!The kitchen is fully updated with soft close white cabinetry, granite counters, stainless appliances and a gas range. The tile floors provide a visual interest to the space and custom blinds provide privacy. There is tons of storage in this kitchen, room for a table, 2 skylights and access to the lovely deck.The primary bedroom is also located on the main level—almost unheard of in a townhome!... 09/09/2022

Looking for a place to move in to Northern Virginia? This just might be the home for you -- in the heart of NoVA lies the beautiful suburb of Herndon , where this one-of-a-kind home awaits.With 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths, 2,612 square feet of living space, and 2 car garages, this is such a steal! An open floor plan layout with designer finishes welcomes you all throughout, with wood flooring in all four levels.Main level offers: mudroom, bedroom/recreation room with recessed lights comes with a full bath for your comfort.  The first upper level has a family room, a dining room space along with a convenient powder room, and a contemporary gourmet kitchen including white shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops, backsplash, and all upgraded appliances.The second upper level offers... 08/23/2022

Take a ride with us as we go on the Burke Lake Park Miniature Train.The train is a 1/3 scale Central Pacific Huntington steam engine. The current engine is a replica of the original that was in service from 1967 to 2005.The track is 1.75 miles and it does a loop around and the start and end depot is the same.Along the way, the train passes by a replica of the old Burke train depot complete with a water tower and a windmill.Enjoy this train ride with us. 08/10/2022

Within the past almost two years, the furniture industry has come to a slow crawl and it’s not due to a lack of furniture buyers. Many customers have placed orders only to be told it could take 6 months to a year to receive their orders. While other companies may have furniture items in stock, you could still end up not only waiting a long time for your item to be shipped, but pay a ton in shipping costs.  Instead, you may be able to look in your area and find exactly what you need. Second hand storesIf you have places like Goodwill or Habitat Restore, you may be able to find the pieces that you need for your home. This is a great place if you don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease to restore a piece back to its former glory or if you want to change the look all together. The only ... 08/10/2022

Are you interested in moving to Northern Virginia and want to know more about Burke?So who was Silas Burke? Was he famous? A landowner? Politician? Who were the Coffer’s? We’re going to find all this out when we explore Burke VA.For a complete list of parks, shopping centers and things to do in Burke, please click here: https://forms.gle/wET91HBcgV3pKsnb6. Fill out the form and we'll get back to you ASAP!In 1728 Francis Coffer was given a land grant of 378 acres in the area that is now Burke.In 1824 Silas inherited “Woodbury” and married Hannah Coffer - Francis’ great-great granddaughter. He was a farmer, merchant, and politician. Silas brought the Orange and Alexandria Railroad to the area in the 1840s and the whistle stop was called Burke’s Station.Original Burke’s StationBurke's Stat... 08/03/2022

Maybe you’re getting ready to move for a job or to be closer to family. Maybe you need more space, so you’re moving up to a bigger house. Maybe you just want to take advantage of the rising value of your home. Whatever your reason is for selling your home, these tips will help you start the process with confidence.There are steps you can take to help bring in more offers and get your house sold faster. We will cover the best tips for selling and advice for how to decide what should you spend money on so that you can get a higher offer on your home. Research Your Local Housing MarketThe first step to selling your home is to be sure it’s the right time to sell your home in your market. Every area is unique and has its own nuances when it comes to real estate. Just because you hear the hou... 07/29/2022

There’s been a lot of talk about mortgage interest rates over the past few years. Throughout 2020 and 2021, rates dropped to record lows, linked mainly to the economic uncertainty felt worldwide amid a public health crisis.As the coronavirus became more manageable with vaccines and precautions in place, the economy started to rebound. Now, interest rates have started to rise as financial markets have rallied around that economic recovery.All of these ups and downs might leave you wondering – what factors really play into how mortgage interest rates are determined? It’s an intertwined combination of market factors, your personal credit profile, and your loan program. We break it all down for you here.Market Factors That Affect Interest RatesThe biggest contributors to mortgage interest r... 07/28/2022

So, you’re ready to start investing? You’ve probably saved some money, and you’re well aware that you’re better off investing that capital than letting it sit in a bank account. But the struggle is figuring out the right strategy for you.How can you be sure you’re making a smart investment? What should you know about the industry before diving in? These are questions many new investors ask themselves about any venture they’re considering.Many of us have heard that you can’t go wrong investing in real estate. But you might wonder if that’s true and why that is. Is it really a wise bet for your money? We will break down why real estate investment is considered one of the best ways to build generational wealth, how you can get started in buying property, and what you’ll need to plan for to... 07/14/2022