By Ciné Wright of Keller Williams Capital Properties, Fairfax, Va.
As a Realtor® in the Northern Virginia area, I am always looking for opportunities to stay up-to-date on local housing market trends to help advise and educate my potential buyers and sellers.
That’s why I was so excited to participate in NVAR’s first “Ask Me!” training session on June 26th 2012.
The Ask Me! program was launched to ensure that we as Realtors® can provide buyers and sellers with the most current and relevant information about the Northern Virginia housing market, as well as to help them determine whether now is the right time to sell or buy.
I work predominantly with U.S. military families that are new or returning to the area, and they frequently ask whether it’s better for them to rent or buy. Many assume that renting is the less expensive option and the only one that is really possible, given their budget.
Every situation is, of course, different. Especially in the Northern Virginia region, the truth about renting vs. buying is quite different from what most potential buyers believe: Monthly mortgage payments in this area generally are less expensive than what you pay to a landlord in rent.
In other words, don’t make a decision to rent a home until you talk with a Realtor®. You’ll be surprised at what may be possible.
Many clients coming to the area are young families, often 35 and under. Last year alone, I worked with 6 clients who came to Northern Virginia to rent but ended up buying – many first-time homeowners – after learning that the costs and benefits of purchasing far outweigh those of renting.
This is one of the most rewarding aspects of working as a Realtor®. I greatly value the personal relationships I build with my clients and the opportunity to discuss their needs and educate them about market realities.
