Question 1

Why P.S. & Co?

Accepted Answer

Strategic by Nature. Personal by Design. As your trusted advisors, we combine strategic expertise with deep local knowledge and honest guidance, helping you navigate a move that’s not just your next one—it’s the right one. Positioned for What’s Next Whether it’s a complex negotiation, multiple offers, or a bespoke renovation, we anticipate what’s next and create the postscripts of your journey, the plans for unexpected moments. Discernment You Can FeelWith a strategic lens and a refined eye for detail, we ensure that you’re not just looking: you’re positioned. We help you recognize potential and act with confidence when it matters most.Connection Creating OpportunityWe’re deeply rooted in this community: its people, its places, and its possibilities. That connection offers more than access; it gives you perspective and a genuine sense of belonging.

Question 2

Why work with a REALTOR?®

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to argue with all of the quality traits experienced real estate sales representatives bring to the table: seasoned negotiating skills, a rich understanding of the local housing landscape, expert knowledge, and in-depth advice for home sellers on how to approach the process.As a licensed Realtor®, we hold ourselves to a higher level of ideals and follow a meticulous Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. We are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, Dulles Area Association of Realtors, Eastern Panhandle Board of Realtors, and Frederick County Realtors Association.

Question 3

What is the advantage of working with Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty?

Accepted Answer

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand is built on the centuries -long prestige of the world’s preeminent auction house. Our unmatched reputation gives our listings the best-in class exposure they deserve and it assures buyers they are working with experts they can trust no matter where they are in the world.Recognized worldwide, the prestige of the Sotheby’s Brand is unparalleled. The acclaimed auction house, established in 1744 in London for collectors of art and other fine possessions, expanded to New York City in 1955. Sotheby’s International Realty inherited the iconic brand name, building on it’s legacy by delivering unrivaled real estate services.Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty consists of an accomplished team of experienced professionals that specialize in the sales and marketing of the finest homes, farms, and acreages in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. We are committed to delivering our clients the highest level of professional representation in a respectful and ethical manner.

Question 4

What are the benefits of homeownership?

Accepted Answer

A HOME IS LIKELY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PURCHASE YOU WILL EVER MAKE.While no scientific formula can tell you when you’re ready to buy, you should take stock of your financial situation as well as your personal lifestyle.There are a number of advantages to home ownership in general, both tangible and intangible, for your consideration as the buyer.INVESTMENTEvery payment you make on your mortgage puts you one step closer to acquiring a major possession. Every improvement you make to your property not only enhances your way of life, but also adds value to your home. PROTECTION FROM INFLATIONOnce you purchase a home, the bulk of your housing costs are not exposed to inflation. That means your only housing expenses that will rise over time with inflation are property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance costs.EQUITY & SATISFACTIONBecause a home increases in value even as you are paying down your loan, most buyers effortlessly build equity. Equity creates wealth and helps you accomplish many financial goals, such as paying for retirement and funding a child’s education. For many people, home ownership simply makes life more enjoyable, whether it’s the pride that comes from maintaining your home or the knowledge that your children will grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.

Question 5

What are costs to consider?

Accepted Answer

INITIAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSESEARNEST MONEYThis is your cash up front to show good faith that you plan on proceeding with the contract and abide by deadlines. In our market, earnest money deposits are commonly around 1%-3%.HOME INSPECTIONYou should always exercise your option to have the physical condition of the property inspected. A general home inspection will run you between $400 and $700. Could be higher due to the size of the home. Additional inspections include, pest, pool, well, water, septic, mold, and sewer line inspections. They all come with an additional fee. APPRAISALThe exact amount is dependent on your loan type. Ask your lender if this fee is paid at closing, or up front.  DOWN PAYMENTDepending on the type and terms of your loan, your down payment may be anywhere between 0%, 3%, and 20% of the home’s sale price. Many buyers believe that “bigger is better” when it comes to down payments. In many cases, this may be true.However, the arithmetic will differ from case to case. A bigger down payment means smaller monthly payments and lowers interest expense for as long as you remain with a mortgage. A smaller down payment, on the other hand, may allow you to keep extra cash liquid and available for an emergency.CLOSING COSTSIn addition to the down payment on your home, you will be required to pay fees for loan processing and other closing costs. These fees must be paid in full in cash at the time of the final settlement, unless you can include these in your financing.Typically home buyers will pay between about 1.5-3% percent of the purchase price of their home in closing fees. In some instances, buyers can negotiate that the seller pay all, or a portion of, closing costs; this is part of the offer and negotiation period. That said, here are some of the fees that make up closing costs.Property taxes: This amount must be calculated to determine how much the buyer and seller must pay for the prorated portions of the tax year.Points: This amount is charged to reduce the interest rate through the life of the loan.Title insurance: The lenders title insurance policy is paid for by buyer at closing.Loan origination fees: The lender charges this fee to process the loan. It may be paid prior to or at closing by the buyer.Appraisal fees: Charged by the appraiser to determine the value of the home, these fees are paid by the buyer, usually at closing (but sometimes outside of closing, depending on the lender).Title, escrow and recording fees: These are paid by the buyer and seller and at the closing table.Property insurance: Paid by the buyer to insure the property, this may be paid to the insurance company prior to closing or included in the closing transaction.

Question 6

What are some home search factors I should consider?

Accepted Answer

Where are the nearest public transportation hubs? What kind of businesses are nearby? What is the quality of school systems in the area? Questions like these, and others, are necessary as you begin your home search with the “big picture” of your preferred environment. It’s important to ensure you are near useful amenities, utilities, etc.:Work commute:  Consider whether it is easy for you to get to and from work on a regular basis. What are traffic patterns like? Is public transport nearby?Schools: You may not have children now, but regardless, the quality of a school system has an enormous impact on the value of a home and the development of its community.Public services: Learn all you can about general municipal services and nearby hospitals, local police, and fire departments. Property type: The kind of residence you desire may not exist in every community. Whatever style you prefer, realize that each property type comes with its own set of advantages. A condo in the city will likely have easier access to stores, gyms, and other amenities. On the other hand, if you plan to purchase a detached, single-family home outside of town, you may find that the arrangement affords more privacy and space. Also consider the age of the property.Property Price: Before touring homes, break down your budget and assess what the ceiling is for your maximum monthly payment. Meet with a reputable lender to determine which loan programs are available to you, how much you’ll need to budget for closing costs, etc.Future projects: We currently live in an area that is surrounded by data centers. We encourage every buyer to do their due diligence prior to purchasing a home. Look into projects that include: power lines, data centers, and other projects that might affect your future resale value. You may be a couple looking for a small retirement home, or a growing family in need of an upgrade. Whatever your situation, know that every listing you preview will reflect its own unique style, size, and shape, so it’s important to decide what your expectations and requirements actually are. Meanwhile, don’t forget the overarching financial considerations to consider as you move forward.

Question 7

Should I get pre-approved before I start my home search ?

Accepted Answer

Convinced a home purchase is in the near future? Your initial step should be to speak with a qualified lender about how much you can afford to spend. This one step will save you considerable time by allowing you to preview homes you can confidently afford, rather than pursuing properties outside of your determined price range. Also, pre-approval status puts you in a better position over another bidder who is not pre-approved. If you don’t already have a lender you trust, don’t worry — we can help you out there.

Question 8

Should I create a long-term budget?

Accepted Answer

Before you begin a home search, you should consider creating a practical working budget. A good rule of thumb is to allocate no more than a third of your monthly household income to housing costs, including mortgage principal, interest, insurance, and taxes.Work sheets are available online to assist you in determining how your income, debts, and expenses influence what you can and cannot afford each month for the next 15 or 30 years. Plan wisely!

Question 9

Will I get everything on my wish list?

Accepted Answer

Many home buyers make the mistake of being too specific when searching for the ideal property. Prior to previewing homes, you might create a needs/wants list to guide you. Possible “must haves:” the area you want to live in, amount of square footage, or accessibility to transportation.Possible “wants:” new kitchen appliances, big trees in the backyard, or an extra room for a study. Understand that a certain amount of flexibility along the way is essential as you aim to satisfy your needs and stay within your pre-determined budget.

Home starts here

OUR BUYER PROCESS

A quick overview

Here's the process, start to finish:

01.

Start home hunting

02.

Submit your offer

03.

Go under contract

04.

Conduct inspections

05.

Sign and close

06.

Move in and enjoy

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THE BUYER GUIDE

Welcome, friend.

Common buyer questions

Why P.S. & Co?

Why work with a REALTOR?®

What is the advantage of working with Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty?

What are the benefits of homeownership?

What are costs to consider?

What are some home search factors I should consider?

Should I get pre-approved before I start my home search ?

Should I create a long-term budget?

Will I get everything on my wish list?

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