Steps in buying a home

1. Get a loan: Get a pre-approval letter from a lender before you shop for a home. You will have to present this to make an offer, and it will give you a realistic assessment of what you can afford.

2. Don't stress. Searching for a new property is exhilarating, but also stressful and time consuming. Screen properties online first to learn the market price where you want to purchase. Don't worry if the "perfect one" gets by you, new houses are listed every day.

3. Choose an Agent. Your Agent will research properties, guide you through the process of bidding and purchasing, and act as your advocate. Best of all, they are paid by the seller and are free to buyers.

4. Insure. As soon as your offer has been accepted, obtain homeowner's insurance. You will need proof of this for settlement, and it takes time.

More Tips»

Public Property Records

• DC Records - Find out what your neighbors paid for their property.
• DC Assessments - Find out the tax assessed value of any property
• Maryland Dept. of Assessments and Taxation
• Montgomery County, MD Property tax records
• Alexandria, VA - Property Records

News

• Mixed-Use Neighborhood Project Lands Recognition From Smart Growth Alliance
• Mortgage Bankers Association - News, lenders, interest rates, mortgage and market data, lender regulation, and more.
• Real Estate News - News and headlines from the Greater Washington Commercial Assn. of Realtors
  

Financing

• Mortgages
• Mortgage Calculator
• Rates
• News
• Lenders
• Prosperity Mortgage
• BF Saul Mortgage
• Other area lenders
• Laws Protecting Borrowers
• Federal Law Update
• RESPA - Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act - mandates a good faith estimate of settlement costs at the time of application for the loan, disclosure of the closing statement (Form HUD-1) one day prior to settlement, and more.