The Truth About Cheap Houses in Harrisonburg
Think that cheap house is a steal? In Harrisonburg, low prices often hide costly problems. Here’s how to avoid the trap.
Should You Use a Loan Buydown? Here’s What It Is — and When It Makes Sense
Ever hear someone talk about a “rate buydown” and instantly tune out? You’re not alone. It sounds like insider mortgage speak — but this one’s actually worth understanding. If you’re a first-time buyer or thinking about getting serious in the next year or two, here’s why a loan buydown might be one of the smartest […]
How to Buy Your First Home in Your Early Twenties
Think home-ownership is something you tackle “later in life”? The data says otherwise. According to the Federal Reserve, 26% of Americans aged 18 to 29 already own a home. The National Association of Realtors found that 14% of all home-buyers are between 22 and 30. So if you’re in your early twenties and wondering if […]
Is Now a Bad Time to Buy? Not If You Know What You’re Doing
People frequently ask me, “Is now a bad time to buy a home?” Honestly? That’s the wrong question. A better one is: “What’s your strategy?” Yeah—rates are high. Inventory’s low. But that doesn’t mean buying right now is a bad move. That kind of thinking puts the market in control, not you. If you’re just […]
How I’d Win a Bidding War in Harrisonburg
We’re in a seller’s market. Inventory is low, and when a great home hits the market, it moves fast—often with multiple offers on the table. If you’re not ready with a strategy the moment that listing goes live, you could miss it. So how do you actually win in a market like Harrisonburg, where competition […]
What Happens After You Go Under Contract? (Harrisonburg Edition)
You made the offer. The seller accepted. You’re under contract. So… now what? For first-time buyers, this next stretch—from “yes” to closing—can feel like the murkiest part. Here’s what to expect once the deal’s in motion. 1. Apply for your loan Even if you’re pre-approved, your lender still needs updated documents to lock things in. […]
Inside a Harrisonburg Closing: What Actually Happens on Closing Day
You’ve toured the homes, made the offer, survived inspections—and now you’re here: closing day. It sounds like the finish line, but really, it’s more like the final lap. If you’re buying a home in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County, here’s what actually goes down behind the scenes—and at the table—on closing day. What is “closing,” exactly? […]
The 3 Best Questions to Ask at an Open House (If You Actually Want to Buy Smart)
Open houses can feel low-stakes. You wander through, admire the light fixtures, imagine your couch in the corner. But if you’re even considering buying, this isn’t just a casual stroll—it’s a chance to gather real insight. And the right questions? They can reveal way more than the listing ever will. 1. Why is the seller […]
What Can You Really Afford? A Guide for First-Time Buyers
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, odds are you’ve asked yourself some version of this question: “What can I actually afford?” And if you’re like most first-time buyers I talk to, that question is usually tied to one number: the monthly payment. Totally fair — it’s what comes out of your bank account […]
Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy in Harrisonburg?
If you’re renting and wondering if it’s time to buy, you’re not alone — especially as a first-time buyer, when the decision feels big (and not just financially). How much can I afford? What’s the process? Am I even ready? Let’s walk through that uncertainty together — with real numbers and local insight to help […]