Where to start?

When it comes to finding skilled real estate agents, recommendations are crucial. Ask your friends and relatives and you are likely to end up with a few names. What’s important to keep in mind is that the recommendations you consider should be from people who have directly dealt with the real estate agent or Realtor they recommend. In other words, don’t put much trust in recommendations from friends who happen to know a family who has a friend who has dealt with this or that agent or Realtor.

Are local agents better suited for the job?

It’s Realtors who themselves live in the area that best know the neighborhoods and are thus likely to spot the best real estate opportunities. Good local agents know what’s going on in their community and are the first to learn about houses for sale at good prices.

Is the real estate agent you’ve chosen truly professional?

It’s easy to tell. First, good agents want to know about your financial situation to determine whether you have indeed set yourself the appropriate price limit. In other words, before committing himself or herself to buying or selling property for you, the agent will make sure the price is right. Second, when you seek to buy, professional real estate agents will tell you straight away the condition of the Reston real estate market and even suggest a few houses or apartments for sale without even checking Reston MLS listings.

How much should I pay for the real estate agent’s services?

It’s the seller who pays the commissions. The buyer, as the person around whom the whole deal revolves, is in a privileged position. Generally, expect between 5% to 6% of the final selling price to be split between the agents making the deal possible.

To sell or buy real estate in Reston, VA at a good price, and without much hassle, choose an experienced and professional real estate agent or Realtor.

What real estate agent do you need?

There are several kinds of real estate agents in Reston, each able to help you with certain aspects of the property buying or selling process.

• Brokers – Brokers are licensed by the state of Virginia to help consumers buy or sell Reston properties.
• Agents – Agents connect Reston property sellers with prospective customers. Agents work under/for a broker.
• Realtors – Realtors are agents or brokers who follow an ethical code issued by the Board of Realtors, a code that goes beyond the boundaries of the state license laws. Only Realtors who are members of the National Association of Realtors can use the trademarked Realtor name and logo (R).

What types of real estate agents are there?

Some agents specialize in the listing process (listing agents) or the buying process (buyer’s agents) but most agents continue to do both and represent buyers and sellers.

Choosing between listing agents and buyer’s agents obviously depends on whether you’re selling or buying property. Usually, your safest best is to work with one agent who can coordinate the many facets of buying and selling and coordinating the timing.  A dual agent is one who represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction.  It should always be approached with caution and make sure you understand just what you are and are not getting in the transaction.

On what criteria should I choose my Reston realtor?

A good Reston realtor is experienced, has a long history of working on the Reston property market. Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll want an expert who preferably knows the neighborhood or area where the property is located.

When it comes to real estate, the happiest and most stress free are secured by local Realtors, those familiar with the area in which they operate.  Ultimately, you need someone who’s in the field previewing houses and who is aware of the latest developments in the local real estate market.

Want to buy or sell Reston condos, apartments, or townhouses? Choose an experienced and knowledgeable Reston Realtor and you’ll avoid major difficulties during the selling or buying process.

What types of Reston townhouses for sale are there?

Most Reston townhouses are homes standing on a parcel of land you own, and are attached to other houses. Usually, you get a little backyard with a fence that separates it from the backyards of your neighbors. The communities around which these townhouses are built are medium in size but range in Reston from just 28 homes to in excess of 200 with the average about 60 to 80 homes per ‘cluster’ or neighborhood.

What about the ownership system?

Each townhouse community has ultimately its own unique structure. Usually, however, when you buy Reston townhouses for sale, you have to sign a simple agreement which stipulates how each parcel of land and the house on it is owned.

In addition, when there are other amenities in the community, like for example swimming pools or children’s playgrounds, you also share the ownership of those as well. Note that you normally have to pay for the maintenance of those amenities.

Can I paint my Reston townhouse pink?

Painting a townhouse or attached house a gaudy color is not usually a good idea. Often, when you buy a Reston townhouse, you need to agree to certain conditions, such as to preserve the color of the facade house, or, in stricter cases, even that of your front yard fence.

When it comes to rows of townhouses, the community normally tries to preserve the overall look of the houses, at least when the facade is considered. So painting your townhouse pink is not a sensible choice, though in rare cases you may get away with it.

What about security and maintenance?

A townhouse can offer a bit more security, or a feeling of more security, than a detached house because of its attachment to one or more other houses. People who are busy and or travel often like the close proximity of neighbors and knowing neighbors can keep an eye out for visitors and guests.  Maintenance is similar to a single family home in that you own the house…the roof, exterior painting and staining are the responsibility of the owner and not the cluster.

If you think townhomes in Reston, VA are indeed for you, contact a Reston real estate agent now to find the best home for your situation.