Virginia First-Time Buyer Programs | Does Your Buyer Agent Know About Them?
Turning A ‘No’ Into A ‘YES’

It happened once again!  I was able to help a first-time homebuyer become more knowledgeable about the opportunities that are avaialable with the Virginia First-Time Buyer Programs that are offered.

I received an inquiry from a buyer who was interested in my Arlington VA condo for sale at 4600 Four Mile Run Drive – Unit 505 in The Carlton.  Just a day too late, as my listing had already gone under contract, proceeded to qualify the buyer by asking the most important question when buying a home, “Have you been pre-approved by a local mortgage company?”

There was a short pause, then she responded that she had spoken to one of the big banks, and was told that she couldn’t qualify for a home.  Being a first-time home buyer, she was interested in taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit.  I informed her about the Virginia First-Time Buyer Programs that are offered through the VHDA, and introduced her to my lender partner, Patrick Cunningham of Home Savings and Trust Mortgage (GO DUKES!), who specializes in VHDA loans.  Patrick was able to offer her a mortgage pre-approval with one of the VHDA mortgage loans and now she’s actively looking for a new place to call home!

If you’re a Virginia First-Time Homebuyer and would like to know about the different programs that are available, consider working with an Alexandria VA buyer agent who is familiar with the loans that may be avaialable to you.

See Also: Video – Biggest Buyer Blunder, The Importance of Mortgage Approval

* – VHDA Homebuyer Tax Credit Plus Program (Extended) – use your $8000 tax credit at closing!

* – Other VHDA loans for Virginia First-Time Homebuyers (including zero down loans)

I recently went back down to ‘The Burg’ to speak to graduating seniors about what to expect in the real world once they leave JMU.  Students had a chance to ask questions and learn about the most common challenges that new college graduates face including:

• Resume tips and how to turn negatives into positives
• How to prepare for the interview
• Maintaining professionalism during office hours, and after close of business
• Preparing for housing costs
• Learning how to budget and live within your means
• Understanding your credit report

Students are stepping out when our economy is facing tough times.  They’ll be facing a world of job offers while others are being laid off.  Many of them will graduate with thousands of dollars of debt including student loans, and credit cards.  As alumni with real world experience, we were able to share our lessons learned in hopes that the soon-to-be-grads are able to successfully build upon their strong educational foundation.

The Washington DC MetroDukes will be sponsoring our annual Job Fair, held Friday January 9, 2009 at the Tysons Corner Mariott from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Employers can register online, and job seekers can email their resumes directly to MetroDukes@gmail.com.  This event is open to the public.  Washington DC area JMU alumni who are currently looking to hire fellow JMU alums may also post their job openings on the JMU Alumni Professional Network job positings website.

Repeat clients take advantage of current market and purchase a larger home in their desired neighborhood.

Dear Tamara,

We cannot thank you enough for helping us find the home of our dreams!  Your knowledge of the real estate market and giving us good points to review when considering a purchase is why we have returned as clients and will recommend you to others.  Thank you again for helping us achieve our dream!

Christine & Matt

Now is the time to buy the cheapest home in the BEST neighborhoods! Visit www.MovingToNova.com today to start your home search.

Dear Tamara,

Thank you so much for helping us find our hew home.  As first-time homebuyers, we would have been lost without you.  You helped us every step of the way and really kept the search focused on our goals and wishes for our new home  Here we are today hanging pictures and unpacking boxes.

Our neighbors are so kind and have really welcomed us to the neighborhood and we feel right at home.  The kids love the deck and the playground, we love the space and the wooded view.  Thanks again for helping us find the perfect match!

Love,

Beth, Martin, and family!