There is much research to be conducted when buying a home in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Northern Virginia. For instance, not only will you need to determine the location or community where you’d like to live, but you will want to look further into the neighborhood and even the street itself.

Before you buy a home in Metro DC, it is important to do your due diligence in order to avoid any surprises. As your local real estate experts in the Washington DC area, we’re sharing three ways that you can research a property prior to signing on the dotted line.

Google Street View
This online tool is easy to use and allows you to see a snapshot of any home in the DC Metro— as it would appear if you were standing in front of it yourself. Be aware that Google Street View’s images are not always completely current and can be a few years old, but this tool can help you to understand how a neighborhood has grown or changed and the history of a property. For instance, if new landscaping has been added or exterior improvements made.

Crime Apps
There are dozens of neighborhood crime apps you can download to check on the safety of an area. Prior to buying a home in DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and beyond, this is one way to get to know a particular neighborhood better if you are unfamiliar or just how recent crimes have been reported near a specific property.

Building Records
Did you know you can look through building records without even leaving your computer? Much of this information is available online and with a simple search, you can find building permit history, including what work has been been completed on the property. Keep in mind, however, that while most sellers are required to disclose work that has been done, there may be work done earlier that they were not aware of.

Ready to get started on your home search in Metro DC? Give The Estridge Group a call today for a list of homes available in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, or Northern Virginia!

We look forward to hearing from you!