Affordable housing in northern Virginia is becoming scarce because the area is so close to Washington, D.C. Demand is high because so many people work for the US government or its various agencies, and house prices have reached seven figures. Some people earn high salaries, but most other civil servants will need to be thrifty.

Northern Virginia condos are a good solution for many people. Apartment rental rates in this area are often very high and the cost of purchasing a condo is often the same or even less than a leased one. In addition, the buyer gets equity in what is a prime location so that resale later is very likely to be easy, and may even produce a profit. Add the tax advantages of a condo purchase, and it is even more desirable.

Looking into northern Virginia real estate should be an easy and pleasurable experience. Real estate there can be beautiful, as well as convenient to government offices. Although it is possible to purchase real estate on your own without a broker, most people will want to work with an area's local real estate brokers and find the extra cost worthwhile. Having a realtor easily available by phone to share their inside knowledge concerning taxes, schools, commute times, and even weather can be invaluable.

Alexandria VA real estate is filled with condominiums that are available inexpensively. Most of the higher priced items are over a quarter of a million dollars, but those are generally not condos. Further, remember when determining your budget to include the regular upkeep costs which can be more than you might expect.

Busy people are often pleased that Northern Virginia condos offer freedom from lawn mowing, maintenance, landscape chores or pool care. These basic chores are all included in monthly fees. However, the time saved is priceless. Larger repairs (roof repair, plumbing, electrical wiring) may be included in a large repair fund that's kept by the condo association. However, read your contract carefully to see what you will be responsible for.

If there are potential liability hazards like a pool, you should check with your insurance agent to make sure that your homeowner's insurance would cover you in case you were to be named in a lawsuit. You may also want to make a comparison of similar units and the rents that they are going for to make sure that you are getting a good deal. Northern Virginia condos are likely to be a better solution since a house may be too costly, and a rental builds no equity for you.