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I just saw your follow-up post, OP. I understand your hesitation because becoming a realtor isn't as quick and easy as many people believe. There's the course as you sited, the exams (that are unpredictable at best), the many fees, and then of course securing clients. It's not for the faint of heart but it can be such a fun and rewarding profession. I love what I do and my only regret is not getting into the industry sooner.
In terms of buying/selling your own properties. It's absolutely fine but reconfirm with your State's laws. I would try to gain some hands-on experience before listing your own home. At the very least try shadowing another agent during a transaction.
Good luck!
In terms of buying/selling your own properties. It's absolutely fine but reconfirm with your State's laws. I would try to gain some hands-on experience before listing your own home. At the very least try shadowing another agent during a transaction.
Good luck!
Congratulations, OP! You should be excited. 
Sending happy thoughts your way.
Sending happy thoughts your way.
It is perfectly legal in many states but a realtor must disclose his/her status as a licensee. The reason for this is that the state holds real estate salespeople to a more stringent standard than the general public (for obvious reasons).
Why do you ask, OP?
Why do you ask, OP?
I clearly don't live there but the building is well-managed (they have to be at that price point) and the condos are true luxury. Great views from many units and obviously it is in a location that will always be desirable.
I think the only negative you'll find is the price point but that doesn't sound like a problem for you.
Why do you feel some hesitation, OP? Have you done a tour?
I think the only negative you'll find is the price point but that doesn't sound like a problem for you.
Why do you feel some hesitation, OP? Have you done a tour?
Don't worry, OP. This is the slowest point of the summer. The market kicks back up in mid August when parents panic about school registrations and when everyone else returns from vacation. The market won't be as strong as in the Spring & early summer but there will be more interest than now.
Good luck on your sale!
Good luck on your sale!
Anonymous wrote:To the realtor who posted, are sellers generally receptive to as is inspections in those cases? Do the realtors ever give potential buyers info about the issues if there's something they already know (the hvac doesn't work, the roof is 50 years old and leaking)?
The seller has to disclose any known major issues. Assuming the realtor is aware, he/she will disclose those to you and/or your realtor directly if you are considering the property.
Whether the seller will be accommodating of inspection contingencies is entirely dependent on the individual seller and what his/her priorities are in the transaction.
Anonymous wrote:The Chinese are simply another player in the market, lie law firm partners and government contractors. Chill everyone
Agreed. I really don't care where my neighbors are from or whether they plan to live here 1 month out of the year, or all 12. Everyone has different property needs and personal interests. The important pieces: they pay property taxes which helps support the community and they maintain the properties because they want to maintain their value.
I have a couple of investment properties abroad... no one in those (foreign) communities had a second thought. They are just happy that the homes are well-maintained and that property values continue appreciating.
For whatever it is worth, I haven't noticed a huge surge of specifically Chinese investors here. A lot of American investors, developers, etc. International Relocations? Sure but this is the US Capitol so that's to be expected. International investors in general? Some, especially as the value of certain foreign currencies appreciate in comparison to the US dollar. But not some sensational surge.
Depends on the neighborhood/market, OP. In a hot market, it just means that the owner does not want to deal with any repairs. What you see is what you get. Usually it will be priced accordingly.
I just re-read your post, OP and noticed that you already picked a house.
I know this sounds odd but you can always ask the listing agent if they can recommend a buyer's agent to you and let them know that it is for the purpose of placing an offer.
I've received a few clients this way, and at the same time recommended others to trusted colleagues. If the agent suggests him/herself I'd advise against it.
I know this sounds odd but you can always ask the listing agent if they can recommend a buyer's agent to you and let them know that it is for the purpose of placing an offer.
I've received a few clients this way, and at the same time recommended others to trusted colleagues. If the agent suggests him/herself I'd advise against it.
Anonymous wrote:Our strategy: go to open houses in neighborhoods we like and talk to the agents. You'll get a sense of them pretty quickly and the fact that they have a listing in an area you like is at least a signal that they know the neighborhood.
I disagree with the suggestion to just Google "best realtor." We tried that but the "best realtors" tend to be high-volume folks who don't put in much work to earn their 3% and may outsource work to other agents or try to price you low (if selling) or high (if buying) to close quickly.
As you suggested, responsiveness is key. You want someone who you work well with, who notices things you don't, who won't pressure you to do things you're not ready for, and who will do real legwork to get you what you're looking for. Our agent, for example, drove around a neighborhood to find houses that met our specifications and sent letters to those owners to see if any would be willing to sell. Ultimately she found us a house before it went on the market and we were able to get it for below prevailing price.
This is a great suggestions, OP. Go to Open Houses and meet agents in your target neighborhoods in a very low-pressure atmosphere. Set-up a coffee with your top 2 (or 3) and pick based on your overall impressions, their responsiveness, knowledge, professionalism, and trustworthiness. Also, don't rely on just your friends for referrals. Ask around in your office.
Good luck!
I used to do exclusively organic but the quality has deteriorated following increased demand and natural disasters/weather related issues.
My strategy:
- I buy what I can from my trusted farmer's market vendor, in season.
- I grow what I can.
- When possible, I buy meat in bulk (like quarter side) from a cattle farm/butcher that I trust. When this is not possible, usually WF.
- The remaining produce I buy at Asian grocery stores. Their clientele is very exacting, which results from being accustomed to high quality produce before immigrating to the US. Let's face it, most other countries have better and fresher produce than we do here. I don't believe it is organic but the flavor and freshness are usually superior than what I get at WF. If you want organic for the flavor, consider this option.
My strategy:
- I buy what I can from my trusted farmer's market vendor, in season.
- I grow what I can.
- When possible, I buy meat in bulk (like quarter side) from a cattle farm/butcher that I trust. When this is not possible, usually WF.
- The remaining produce I buy at Asian grocery stores. Their clientele is very exacting, which results from being accustomed to high quality produce before immigrating to the US. Let's face it, most other countries have better and fresher produce than we do here. I don't believe it is organic but the flavor and freshness are usually superior than what I get at WF. If you want organic for the flavor, consider this option.
Yes for Cuba de Ayer. Also, Cubano's in Silver Spring is quite good.
Where in NW DC?
I've found that the best way to commute from Fairfax and Merrifield into upper NW DC is to take back roads to Chain Bridge Rd. Avoid 66 at all costs.
Again, the ultimate commuting time while depend on where in NW you work.
I've found that the best way to commute from Fairfax and Merrifield into upper NW DC is to take back roads to Chain Bridge Rd. Avoid 66 at all costs.
Again, the ultimate commuting time while depend on where in NW you work.
Well, it's been on the market just shy of a year. The house is simply priced too highly for that neighborhood, even with fantastic renovation.
Also, I've heard really great things about Nostos in Vienna. I haven't eaten there yet but it's supposed to be excellent.