FAQ: Closing Costs in Virginia & DC

September 1, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Many buyers are aware that they have fees related to the purchase of a new home—a rough guide is 2.5%-3% of the transaction value–but what are these fees, and are there ways to minimize them?
First, a few clarifications. Both buyers and sellers have closing costs in a transaction; the sellers’ are [...]

Home Buyer Credit Extension for Military Personnel Serving Overseas

April 7, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Even though the $8000 first time buyer credit and $6500 repeat buyer credit are about to expire April 30, 2010, members of the military serving outside the U.S. have an entire extra year to buy a principal residence and still qualify!
The IRS has stated that eligible taxpayers must buy, or enter into a binding contract [...]

$8000 First Time Home Buyer Credit & $6500 Repeat Buyer Credit

January 16, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

It’s officially passed the House and Senate, and is now awaiting the President’s signature. Along with the extension of the $8000 First Time Buyer credit (now applies to any buyer under contract by April 30, 2010 and settling by June 30, 2010), there is now a new credit category: long-time residents of the [...]

What’s the cost of living in the Washington, DC, area?

December 27, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

In a word: High.  You can use a calculator like this one to compare a salary in your current location to Washington, DC.  As of the date of this post, here’s a sample of how various locations stack up vs Washington, DC…
Atlanta, GA – 45.3% higher in DC
Dallas, TX – 44.7% higher in DC
Denver, CO [...]