Real Estate Buyer’s Guide
Buying a Home in DC, MD, or VA? Call Coakley Realty!
Because a house is probably the single largest investment you’ll ever make, the home buying process can be exciting, but also stressful. Whether you’re shopping for a new primary residence or the perfect vacation home, use this real estate buyer’s guide as a starting point.
Do you have questions about purchasing your new home or investment property? Contact the experts at Coakley Realty by calling 301-340-8700.
Define Your Goals and Start Researching
Understand why you’re buying, what kind of home you want, and what you can reasonably afford. Even with just tentative answers to these questions, you’re ready to start researching your housing and mortgage options and create a timeline for moving forward.
Secure a Reliable Real Estate Agent from Coakley Realty
Once you have definitely decided to buy a home in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, turn to Coakley Realty to help you handle the immense complexities of buying a home. You’ll receive expert advice on navigating the local market, finding the perfect neighborhood, and negotiating the right price. With more than 23 years of experience helping home buyers reach their goals, you know you can rely on our proven track record.
Seek Pre-Approval for a Loan
It’s recommended that you pre-qualify for a loan before you start looking at houses seriously. The process involves meeting with a lender who assesses your current finances and credit history to determine what size loan you qualify for and whether you are eligible for special programs that could make home buying more affordable. This, in turn, tells you more precisely what kind of home you can afford. It also helps sellers take you more seriously when you make an offer. At Coakley Realty, we have a number of reliable preferred lenders that can help you through the pre-approval process.
Tour Homes and Make Your Selection
View online listings and narrow down the homes you want to see in person. Provide your Coakley Realty agent with specifics about the type of home you’re looking and use their knowledge as another useful search tool. When you visit homes in person, bring your sharp-eyed realtor along to help. Keep in mind the average buyer searches for 12 weeks and tours 12 homes before making a final decision.
Check out our interactive map to find listings »
Make an Offer
When you find the right home, work with your real estate agent to make an offer. The real estate agent presents your offer to the buyer or the buyer’s agent who then has the option of accepting, rejecting, or countering your offer to initiate the negotiation process. It’s incredibly beneficial to have an experienced real estate agent by your side during this process.
Secure Financing
Once your offer is accepted, revisit your lender and finalize the mortgage details, including down payment, interest rate, payment schedule, and other conditions.
Close on the House
Closing should be a positive experience with no surprises. You should get a title search to ensure there are no claims against the property; conduct a final walkthrough; and go through the settlement process, which involves signing paperwork along with paying closing costs, legal fees, transfer taxes, and property adjustments. Before long, you’ll receive the property title, copies of all home-buying documents, and the keys to your dream home!
If you’re looking to buy a home in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, please contact Coakley Realty today at 301-340-8700.
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Residential 223 W Montgomery Ave,
Rockville, MD 20850This home, also known as the Old Episcopal Rectory, was built in 1875 with six additions to follow over the years. This six bedroom, two and one half bath home is privately situated on a premium 17,900 sf lot which also includes a two car garage and a Summer Kitchen.
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Residential 23400 Woodfield Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20882Mitchell & Best Home on gorgeous 2+ acre lot in Watkins Preserve - a subdision offering 5 additional lots! 5,700 SF (3,934 fin above grade) incl. 4 bdrms, 3.5 baths, 2 car gar, & a full W/O bsmt. 1st fl features office, formal liv& dining rms, gourmet kitchen w/ cntr island, brkfast area & lg family rm w/ FP. Enjoy the gorgeous sunset views from the spacious deck!
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Residential 1021 17th St NE #2,
Washington, DC 20002SPECTACULAR! ! Brand new construction - 5 other units available. This luxury unit features 1 bedroom plus den, two full baths, gourmet kitchen with quartz counter tops, center island, gas cooking, GE appliances, keyless entry and more! Bay windows offer an abundance of natural light. Parking available for sale. Great city location, next to the US National Arboretum and the historic Langston Golf Course, this condo is close to the H Street Corridor. Photos are from Unit 4.
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