What Happens to Your Earnest Money Deposit If a Deal Falls Through in Northern Virginia?
Earnest money in Northern Virginia is 1-3% of price, held by the title company. Learn when you get it back—and when sellers can keep it.
Should You Accept a Contingent Offer in Northern Virginia? The Kick-Out Clause Explained
A contingent offer in Northern Virginia means the buyer must sell first. Here's how the NVAR kick-out clause works and when sellers should say yes.
Assumable Mortgages in Northern Virginia: How to Buy a Home Below Today's Rates in Fairfax and Prince William Counties
In Northern Virginia, 1 in 15 Fairfax County homes has an assumable VA or FHA loan under 5%. Here's how assumption works and what buyers need to know.
The Seller Rent-Back in Northern Virginia: What the Post-Settlement Occupancy Agreement Actually Says
If you need to stay in your home after settlement, Northern Virginia has a specific process for that — and it's not a lease. The NVAR post-settlement occupancy agreement governs the daily charge, the deposit, and what happens if you don't vacate on time. Here's what every seller and buyer needs to know before signing.
Radon Testing in Northern Virginia: What the Contingency Means for Buyers and Sellers
In Northern Virginia, radon contingencies are standard in Fairfax and Loudoun contracts. If levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, you can negotiate remediation or walk away.
Selling an Inherited Home in Northern Virginia: Probate, Stepped-Up Basis, and What Heirs Must Know
Virginia heirs can't list an inherited home without Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Here's the full process—probate, stepped-up basis, closing costs, and what to do first.
HOA Resale Disclosure Packet in Northern Virginia: The 3-Day Right of Rescission Explained
Virginia buyers have 3 days to void a contract after receiving the HOA Resale Disclosure Packet—no reason needed, full deposit returned. What NoVA buyers and sellers must know.
How Much Do Sellers Pay in Closing Costs in Northern Virginia? Full Itemized Breakdown
Northern Virginia sellers typically pay 7–10% of the sale price at closing. Here's the full line-item breakdown—grantor's tax, NoVA Regional Congestion Relief Fee, title and settlement fees, HOA resale packet costs, and how to calculate your real net proceeds before you list.
Seller Concessions in Northern Virginia: Rate Buydown, Closing Cost Credits, or Price Reduction?
Northern Virginia sellers can offer a rate buydown, closing cost credit, or price reduction. Here's what each costs, how loan caps affect your options, and which one to use.
Escalation Clauses in Northern Virginia: How to Set Your Cap Without Exposing Your Max
Escalation clauses can win the house or hand the seller your ceiling. Here's how the NVAR addendum works, how to set your cap, and where NoVA buyers go wrong.
Should You Waive the Financing Contingency in Northern Virginia?
Waiving the financing contingency in Northern Virginia risks your earnest money—often $15,000–$30,000. Here's exactly when it makes sense and when to keep it.
Should You Waive the Home Inspection in Northern Virginia? The Void-Only Contingency Explained
Virginia is a caveat emptor state. Here's what Northern Virginia buyers must know about void-only inspection contingencies before submitting a competitive offer.
Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Home in Northern Virginia: What You Owe and How the Exclusion Works
Thinking about selling your Northern Virginia home and wondering if you’ll owe capital gains tax? This guide explains how the federal $250,000/$500,000 primary residence exclusion works, how Virginia treats taxable gains, what counts toward your cost basis, and why long-term homeowners in markets like Fairfax, Loudoun, Reston, Vienna, and McLean should review their numbers before listing.
Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Statement: What Buyers and Sellers in Northern Virginia Must Know
Virginia is a caveat emptor state. Here's what the Residential Property Disclosure Statement means for buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia.
What Happens When the Appraisal Comes In Low in Northern Virginia?
A low appraisal in Northern Virginia doesn't have to kill your deal. Here's what buyers and sellers can do when the appraisal comes in below contract price.
How Much Are Closing Costs for Buyers in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia buyers typically pay $15,000–$22,000 at closing on a $700K home. Here's the full itemized breakdown, including Virginia's recordation tax and the NoVA regional fee.
How to Make a Competitive Offer in Northern Virginia in 2026
In Northern Virginia's 2026 market, the highest offer doesn't always win. Here's how to structure a competitive offer in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington counties.
Sell First or Buy First in Northern Virginia? Bridge Loans vs. Contingent Offers Explained
Most Northern Virginia move-up buyers face the same problem: you need equity from your current home to fund your next purchase. Here's how bridge loans and contingent offers actually work.
Your Offer Was Accepted in Northern Virginia — Now What?
fter your offer is accepted in Northern Virginia, you have 30–45 days of critical steps — earnest money, inspections, title work, and settlement. Here's exactly what happens.
How Much Will You Net Selling Your Home in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia sellers typically pay 8–10% of their sale price in total selling costs, including real estate commissions, Virginia's grantor's tax ($0.25 per $100), the NoVA Regional Congestion Relief Fee ($0.15 per $100), and title/settlement fees. On a $700,000 home in Fairfax County or Loudoun County, that's roughly $55,000–$70,000 in total costs before your mortgage payoff. The grantor's tax and regional fee alone combine for $0.40 per $100 of the sale price — $2,800 on a $700,000 sale. Running a net sheet with your agent before you list is the only way to know what you'll actually walk away with.