What is the biggest mistake buyers make early on?

Falling in love with a home before they understand the total monthly cost (including taxes, insurance, and HOA) and the closing timeline.

Woodbridge VA Home Buying Tips: Expert Advice from Johnny Sarkis

Woodbridge VA Home Buying/Selling Tips: Expert Advice from Johnny Sarkis

How to buy a house in Fairfax, VA (step-by-step)?

Q: Should I get pre-approved before touring homes in Fairfax?

Yes. Pre-approval helps you shop in the right range and makes your offer stronger when you find the right home.

Q: What contingencies are most common in Fairfax offers?

Common contingencies include financing and inspection, but strategy depends on the property, seller priorities, and competition.

Johnny Sarkis
Jan 8
2 min read

To buy a house in Fairfax, VA, you want a clear sequence: get pre-approved, set a realistic budget, tour the right neighborhoods, write a strong offer, complete inspections and appraisal, then close with your lender and title company. The best outcomes come from aligning your budget + timeline + offer strategy before you start touring seriously.

How to buy a house in Fairfax, VA (step-by-step)?

Get pre-approved and lock your monthly budget range.
Define must-haves (location, schools, commute, home type, HOA tolerance).
Tour homes and compare total monthly costs, not just list price.
Make an offer with terms that fit the seller and protect you.
Complete inspection, negotiate repairs/credits, then appraisal and final loan approval.
Final walkthrough → closing → get keys.

Expanded Explanation

Fairfax buyers usually win when they do the "boring" work first: pre-approval, budget clarity, and a tight search plan. That prevents you from wasting weekends touring homes you won't actually buy—or getting pressured into a payment you don't want.

Here's the real workflow:

Financing prep: pre-approval + document readiness.
Search plan: neighborhoods, commute, home type (SFH/townhome/condo), HOA comfort.
Offer strategy: price is only one term—closing date, inspection approach, and financing details matter.
Due diligence: inspection and any specialty inspections if needed; review HOA docs if applicable.
Appraisal + underwriting: stay responsive; avoid big credit moves during the appraisal process.
Close clean: walkthrough and final numbers.

"Successful purchase of a home in the Northern VA area. My Realtor, Johnny Sarkis at KellerWillams, knows the housing market. He guides you based on his many years of experience and with his thoughtful inputs delivered in a caring and friendly manner. I got the best deal with Johnny's help. Thanks." —R.J

Misconceptions / Insights / Key Points

"The list price tells me what it's worth." Value is neighborhood + condition + terms + current demand.
"Inspection is optional." It can be strategic, but skipping it blindly is risky.
"Condos are simpler." Condos add HOA financials, rules, and document review.

Important Considerations

HOA review: rules, reserves, dues, insurance coverage, and any pending assessments.
Commute reality: test drive commute at the right time of day.
Total monthly cost: taxes/insurance/HOA can shift the decision.
Timing: align your closing date with lease end, school calendars, and moving logistics.