May Home Maintenance Tips
Happy May! We welcome spring flowers, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and the unofficial start of summer-Memorial Day. We endured big rain storms in April
Congratulations to my client Jillian on buying her first home. While this experience wasn’t the perfect House Hunter storyline, it was her story. I’m happy to have gone through the process with her. I’m proud of you Jillian.
In early February, Jillian asked to see two properties. One was a townhome and the other was a condo in a complex. Up until now, she was visiting open houses to see what sparked her interest. After only touring the living room, she stopped, looked at me and said,
“Is it crazy that I’m in love with this house?”
No, it is not crazy, and this is how it happens sometimes. She asked if we could skip the condo tour, but I suggested we keep our appointment. The other tour would have her decide if the townhome really was her future home.
The condo was less than spectacular to her. It was nice, but the townhome had more square footage and the layout made more sense. She decided after the tour she was ready to put an offer on the townhome. “Wonderful, it is a beautiful home!”
After a client decides to buy the house, I will call the listing agent to see what is going on with the property and if they have any offers in hand.
From my call with the listing agent, I learned there were 2 offers and the sellers were leaning toward one that waived all contingencies and was above the asking price. The agent didn’t disclose what price range everyone was offering, but she mentioned the sellers were looking to close quickly. The sellers had been through a rough prior transaction where they were under contract and about to close, this same property when the buyers never showed up to closing. The sellers were skeptical after that experience and wanted a smooth and quick transaction to sell their beloved home, which they had taken beautiful care of.
Jillian’s lender was certain she could close in just 21 days, making her a new homeowner on February 28th. How exciting! I put together the offer. It was a strong offer combined with a fast closing, just as the sellers wanted. Out of 5 total offers, ours was picked after a final adjustment to our purchase price. We were under contract!
Jillian was thoughtful as she executed the next 21 days. Lining up questions, raising concerns with the correct parties involved, and preparing her renovation list with excitement and nervousness. Again, this was her first home.
On the morning of her closing, February 28th, we entered the property for our final walk-through to find the sellers had graciously left instructions about the workings of the home, every home has its own quirks. They left her a bottle of champagne and the house started to feel like home. We waived a home inspection in her contract but opted to do it on the final walk-through. She wanted to know how her new home worked and where everything was.
I recommend Doug of Advocates Home Inspection because he is knowledgeable, calm, and he treats his inspection report like a homeowners manual and tells the new buyers where everything is in the house. From the inspection, the house had very few items that needed addressing, all were simple and small, nothing major.
We all walked into closing excited.
Jillian was now a homeowner.
Congratulations again Jillian!
I helped set her expectations with a comprehensive buying guide which walked her through the process and how each step works. I was available to answer her questions or point her in the direction of who could answer them for you.
This comprehensive guide is available for you too if you choose to work with me to buy or sell your home. Please complete the questionnaire to receive yours.
Not ready to buy and sell yet? No worries, I have a simplified guide for you to download below.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it helped you. Please share it or pin it to your Pinterest board for future reference.
– Andrea Jean
Here is a printable version of the 5 steps to buying a home.
By submitting this form the guide will automatically be loaded on the next page. Your email address will be added to the newsletter that will give you local information, market update, personal updates, and more.
Hi, I’m Andrea Jean. I am a real estate agent with Fairfax Realty Select serving the Alexandria, Vienna, and Clifton Virginia areas. Follow along as I help my clients buy and sell their dream home…or build it.
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Congratulations to my client Jillian on buying her first home. While this experience wasn’t the perfect House Hunter storyline, it was her story. I’m happy
Here is a printable version of the 5 steps to buying your home.
By submitting this form the guide will automatically be loaded on the next page. Your email address will be added to the newsletter that will give you local information, market update, personal updates, and more.