Tips for Choosing a Realtor
February 20, 2012 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
The Washington Post had a great article in this weekend’s Real Estate section called “Buying a Home? Here are a few tips.” In addition to addressing financial items like checking your credit score and getting a pre-qual letter from a reputable lender (not just any lender…a reputable lender), the author had a section on selecting [...]
Choosing a Retirement Living (Assisted Living or Independent Living for Seniors)
January 30, 2012 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
Not long ago I was searching for a retirement community in the metro DC area for a family member. I was stunned at the amazing array of choices in community types, amenities, and costs. I hadn’t realized there there were several different financial models (e.g., renting, owning, or a ‘buy in’ fee). As I began [...]
Buying a Home in 2012?
January 16, 2012 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
Is buying a home one of your 2012 goals? It can be a long process, but it doesn’t have to be complicated if you do a little prep work. Get started by attending a free, no obligation first time home buyer class at Arlington Central Library on February 29 at 7:00 pm. Our first time [...]
Senior Living Communities in the Metro DC Area
December 19, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
“Retirement homes” have come a long way, baby. Navigating the world of senior communities–from independent “active” communities, to assisted livings, to continuing care communities, to nursing homes–can be daunting. I know. I just spent an amazing amount of time researching and touring communities in our area. If you think it’s hard finding a place for [...]
Tips for Couples Buying Their First Home Together
December 12, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
Buying a home means starting a new phase of your life. It’s big, it can be scary, and it’s tough to make decisions. Add a second person into that mix and it can be overwhelming! Here are a few tips to get started if you and a significant other are buying your first home together: [...]
Washington, DC, Delinquencies and Shadow Inventory
December 5, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
The Mortgage Banker’s Association reported that the seasonally adjusted delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties fell to 7.99% in the third quarter of 2011, the lowest level recorded since the fourth quarter of 2008. While any decrease is good news, don’t get too excited just yet– it’s a decrease of just 45 [...]
FHA Loan Limits in DC Metro Area to Return to $729,750
November 15, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
Good news for our area: FHA is on its way to increasing their loan limit from $625,500 to $729,750 (its ‘temporary’ level prior to October 1, 2011). The measure would be in place through 2013. According to Reuters, a bipartisan panel of Congress agreed on a measure yesterday that would increase the limit. The increase [...]
DC Real Estate Market Update – August 2011
August 30, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
What’s shakin’ in the real estate market, you ask? Well, the actual real estate is shaking, of course. Or at least it was yesterday. Hope you all got through unscathed! Speaking of the earthquake, please do a careful once-over on your properties. FYI, most home insurance policies do NOT cover earthquake damage. Here’s a handy [...]
Can I make an offer now if I don’t want to settle for several months?
March 21, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
It’s a tricky thing to time a home purchase with the expiration of a lease. Often buyers ask me: Can I make an offer on a house I like now even though my lease isn’t up until later this year to minimize the overlap? Typically contract to close will be 30-60 days. There are several [...]
I Got My Condo Docs – Now What??
March 14, 2011 by Katie Wethman · Leave a Comment
In Virginia, buyers of condominiums and properties within a homeowner’s association have a three (calendar) day review period to review the “resale package” or “condo docs” following a ratified contract. In the District buyers have three business days. (Typically these are not available in advance because associations charge a fee, and most sellers are reluctant [...]
