valentinosdcpulse

When you are thinking about buying a home in Washington, DC, one of the first decisions you need to make is where the home should be located. DC? MD? Nothern Virginia? Most folks are surprised by how large the DC Metro area really is, so not surprisingly, it can present a real challenge when facing the question of where to look for a home.  

Buying a home isn't just about the house. You are also seeking a place that fits your lifestyle. Some of these lifestyle considerations include price, school system, commute, nearby services, community amenities, atmosphere, etc.

That's not to say that the type of house isn't equally as important. In this part of the country, certain types of houses tend to be located in different neighborhoods, so your personal tastes can also be a big determinant of final destination. If, for example, you're looking for a condo, the downtown DC, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Alexandria & Arlington areas are some of your best bets. But even within those locations, there are HUNDREDS of sub-markets based on your preferences. There are many well-priced options depending on which locale you prefer.

So how do you find the right DC-area location? This is where choosing a realtor is critical. You should develop and share with him/her a list of the ten things you are looking for in a home and neighborhood that you feel you must have. You should also have a realistic price range in mind. With these criteria, your realtor can narrow the search area down to places you can afford and that have the things you want. Trust me -- you don't need 6 months to find a house if you are working with the right agent!

It's possible, however, that you may need to make trade-offs. For example, you may need to decide if you prefer a large home with a longer commute than you want, or can you live with a smaller home and have less of a commute? Space vs. location tends to be the biggest trade-off that I see in my daily interactions with buyers.

So, have I convinced you?? Buying a home is about much more than just the house.  Rachel Valentino is your professional real estate agent in the Washington, DC area. She can help you sort out possible DC-area neighborhoods to find the one that fits you. If you are buying or selling a home in the DC-area, contact Rachel Valentino and her team of DC, MD & VA real estate pros. We have neighborhood experts for each given jurisdiction.