Taking a Closer Look at a DEAL in Bristow, VA

Taking a Closer Look at a DEAL in Bristow, VA

Yesterday I wrote a post on the topic of whether you're interested in finding a deal or a house. Seems some buyers in Bristow, VA are still thinking there are amazing deals to be had out there.

One of the more popular homes in Braemar's community of Bristow is a Yardley model. They are "just right" when it comes to the size of what buyers are seeking in a single family home. They boast open floor plans and are usually found fairly upgraded as they were built during the boom and granite and hardwood floors were must haves. They typically sells around $385,000-$415,000 depending on the level of space finished, lot and upgrades. Prices lately have been on the rise for these homes.

Yesterday I saw a Yardley in Braemar pop up in the mid-$360's. When I toured it with my buyer, we were amazed that it seemed to be in such good shape. It really wasn't upgraded. There was carpet and vinyl flooring, low quality appliances and it was missing the refrigerator, washer and dryer. Still, it had a nice lot and a sizable wood deck. The basement was finished. I was thinking this really might be the steal I tell my client's don't exist. Closer examination revealed the reason for the low ball list price. The bitter home owner who had gone to foreclosure had forcibly removed the locking mechanisms from all the windows on the main level. They had also removed the door handle and lock from the sliding glass door to the deck. In the Master Bathroom, they had methodically, presumably with a screwdriver, nicked and nicked at the drywall. There were missing electrical switches. One light switch we turned on, we couldn't turn off.

These were sneaky little items you don't notice just walking through. And these were items that could end up being costly. And when you are dealing with devious former home owner, you begin to wonder what you aren't going to discover until you move in. Cement poured in the drains and toilets? Potential safety issues with the wiring of the home? Who knows?

We Bristow Real Estate Agents aren't lying to you when we tell you, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's reality. The deals will cost you dearly in what you have to do to get them to the level of a move-in ready home in the same neighborhood. So what's your time worth? Still want a deal? Or do you want a great mortgage interest rate on a reasonably priced and move-in ready home?