Ask Adam

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: In Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax a large portion of the residential single-family home market is comprised of older homes that have been renovated. If one is interested in buying one of these homes, is there any way to check whether the work was approved by the local government? If the renovation work is listed in the tax assessment (ex. added bathroom) can it be assumed to be permitted? What are the risks of buying a home without knowing this information? Can the local government come after you once you own the home to obtain the necessary permits or are there grandfather clauses that can protect you?

This regularly-scheduled Q&A column is sponsored by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013 & 2014. Please submit follow-up questions in the via email.

Question: We’ll be selling our home and buying a new one in Arlington this year. What do you see on the horizon in 2014.

This regularly-scheduled Q&A column is sponsored by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013 & 2014. Please submit follow-up questions in the via email.

What changes are on the horizon for mortgages in 2014?

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013 & 2014. Please submit follow-up questions in the via email.

Our family is growing and we are in serious need of a larger home and don’t feel the one we are currently in is worth adding on to. Our preference is a new home, but having visited a number of open houses, we are not very impressed with what we are finding. Should we consider building a custom home?

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: Are you concerned about a ‘new’ real estate bubble forming — and popping — in the Northern VA/DC area? Obviously the rest of the country is still recovering from 2008 (at best) but we dodged a bullet… but given the unlimited QE by the Fed/etc., this bubble is going to have to pop eventually… thoughts? This area is obviously insulated about as much as possible given all the $$$$$ in the area, but still.

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: I’ve been in the market for a 1 bedroom condo along the Orange Line and am getting really frustrated with how expensive it is. I can’t believe people are asking $450k for a standard 750 square foot condo! Do you think it would be a better investment to buy a townhouse in Ashburn for the same price? 

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: I’ve never been one to appreciate the “character” that others find so delightful in older homes and I don’t think I can afford brand new.  What does a recently-built home cost near the Orange Line in Arlington? 

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: I own a townhouse in a community in Falls Church where demand outpaces supply. Houses consistently go on the market and receive multiple offers above asking price within a few days. If and when I decide to sell, what are my options for negotiating compensation with my agent? I want to ensure the agent is fairly compensated while taking into account the fact that little time and effort is required on the agent’s part. Any info on negotiating commission, proposing an hourly rate, or using a real estate attorney (FSBO) is greatly appreciated.

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: What advice do you have for a first time buyer? I’d like to purchase a condo in Arlington but literally have no idea where to even start. It also doesn’t help that my credit is a little shaky. Are there things I can do to mitigate that and how do FHA loans work?

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: We would like to purchase a new condo or townhouse and have seen lots of construction around Arlington. Can you tell us which ones are for sale?

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: According to our property survey it seems that part of our neighbor’s gravel driveway is on our plot of land. How have your clients dealt with this scenario? What would you recommend?