Buying a new home is an exciting process, but it’s also quite challenging. Navigating the real estate market in big cities like DC can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, that doesn’t mean that buying a home in the DC metro area is an impossible mission. Being informed on the market trends and the home-buying process can go a long way. To make things easier for you, we put together this list of things you need to know before embarking on a home-buying journey.
Be Prepared for Higher Prices
We’re all aware that prices of real estate have increased country-wide. However, DC was generally expensive before that happened and remains expensive today. This means that getting financial means for your perfect DC home might take longer than you thought, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. This shouldn’t cause you too much worry, though. Various types of loans can make buying a home quite accessible.
Another thing to remember is that you don’t have to wait until you can afford a four-bedroom to become a homeowner. Professionals at Fairfax Transfer and Storage suggest starting your DC homeownership journey with a smaller place. Then, if you ever need to upsize, you’ll have some extra capital from selling your starter home.

Research Neighborhoods
DC metro area is one of the US’s most vibrant and diverse places. Because of that, every neighborhood has its own story, people, and energy. Before purchasing a home, check out the area to see if it fits you.
Families with children will probably enjoy areas with lots of greenery and great schools, such as Glover Park or Palisades. On the other hand, young professionals and singles may flourish in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Foggy Bottom, or Capitol Hill.
In Real Estate, Experience Counts
Let’s face it: trying to deal with the DC metro area real estate market yourself is probably not the best idea. This is especially true if you’re a newcomer to the area. Things are moving fast, and many offers are coming every day. Also, DC has some unique homeownership and renting laws you may not be familiar with yet. You can get familiar with some of those things online, which can often be confusing.
That’s where your real estate agent comes in. Research the most reliable realtors in the area, and see which one fits you best. An experienced local real estate agent can help you with much more than just getting you the best deal. They’ll be able to suggest the best neighborhood for your needs. A good realtor can be a lifesaver, so choose wisely!

Know The Homes Available
One advantage of living in a place like the DC metro area is having many different styles of homes. This can be very exciting, especially if you’re moving from a smaller town without much diversity. Moving close to the Capital city will bring all the amenities a large metro city has to offer into your everyday life. Once you find your perfect home, you can make finding the right moving experts your priority, and you’ll be exploring DC in no time.
When buying a home in the DC metro, most people will want a detached, single-family home. They’re popular because they offer a lot of space and are practical. However, they’re hardly the only option. In recent years, townhouses have been growing in popularity. Also, condominiums can be a great option if you want a care-free option. This is especially true for young professionals looking to live near the city center where all the action happens.

Don’t Skip A Home Inspection
Having a home inspection done before you finalize your home purchase is generally good practice. That being said, in DC, it’s essential. DC isn’t a young city, and many houses have been around for quite some time. This means that there could be many issues that you’ll need to deal with ASAP. The plumbing may be worn out, and some parts of the roof could deteriorate. Buying a home without noticing these details means many hidden expenses, so avoid them.
Luckily, there are property disclosures to help both you and your inspector out. Everyone selling a home in the DC metro area needs to make a document stating the condition of the entire house. This includes everything from roofing to electrical wiring and appliances. Awareness of everything that needs fixing is fundamental when buying a house. However, your home inspector should double-check everything just in case.
Finally, Be Patient!
When it comes to buying a home in the DC metro area, patience is a virtue. Even though everyone’s moving fast, it’s not unusual to feel like you’re not getting anywhere. It’s easy to start panicking if you don’t find what you’re looking for immediately or your offer gets rejected. However, many people spend much time looking for their perfect DC home, so it’s not unusual to take weeks or months to find your perfect place.
The worst thing you can do is to get discouraged by a few unsuccessful offers. Instead, relax and try to get the best out of your situation. Arm yourself with an excellent real estate agent and some patience, and your home purchase is bound to eventually happen.
Buying a home in the DC metro area is often challenging. One of the things that helps most is doing your research beforehand. Knowing what to expect and what to pay attention to can go a long way. Doing this can often save money and spare yourself stress, which is critical. Check out Eng Garcia’s neighborhood guides where you can get all the information you need on every neighborhood in the area.