Learning Center · Topic
Buying
Financing, offers, inspections and closing for buyers in Richmond, Charlottesville and Lynchburg.44 articles, each written by a Keeton & Co broker or agent, dated, and opening with the direct answer.
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Buying
Do 100% disabled veterans pay property taxes in Virginia?
Virginia exempts the home of a veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled from real estate tax. Who qualifies and how to apply, even before you buy.
November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
How does Virginia's first-time home buyer savings account work?
Virginia lets you skip state income tax on earnings in an account saved for a first home. Who qualifies, the $50,000 cap, how to claim it and the 5% penalty.
November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
Can I buy a house in the Richmond area and rent it out on Airbnb?
Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield tie short-term rentals to the owner's home. Permits, guest limits, fees and HOA rules to check before you buy.
November 11, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in Virginia?
Virginia doesn't require a lawyer to buy a house, but it does require a registered settlement agent you choose. What they can't do and when to hire an attorney.
November 11, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
Do I need a radon test when buying a house in Virginia?
Virginia doesn't require a radon test, and sellers make no radon promises. EPA zones for Richmond, Charlottesville and Lynchburg, testing and fix costs.
November 10, 2026 · 7 min read
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Buying
Does the Chesapeake Bay Act affect buying a house in the Richmond area?
Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover apply Chesapeake Bay Act rules: 100-foot stream buffers and 5-year septic pump-outs. How to check a lot first.
November 10, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
Do I need flood insurance to buy a house in Richmond, VA?
Flood insurance is required in Richmond when a financed home sits in a FEMA high-risk zone. How to check the map, timing at closing and what sellers disclose.
November 9, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
What are rollback taxes when buying land in Virginia?
Buying land in a Virginia land use program? Rollback taxes come due when the use changes. What triggers them, how they're figured and who pays.
November 9, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
What should you check before buying a waterfront home at Lake Anna?
Before buying at Lake Anna, check shoreline rights, dock approvals, county rental rules, HOA documents, septic and flood information.
November 8, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
What should you verify before buying a waterfront home at Smith Mountain Lake?
Check Smith Mountain Lake dock approvals, permit assignment, shoreline compliance, rental rules, septic and insurance before a waterfront purchase.
November 8, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
Should I bring my own agent when buying new construction in Virginia?
The builder's sales representative works for the builder. Here is why buyers of new construction in Virginia often bring their own agent, and when to register.
October 30, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What should I know before buying a house in an HOA in Virginia?
Before you buy in an HOA in Virginia, read the disclosure packet for dues, assessments, rules and reserves. Here is what to check and what to ask.
October 30, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
Do I need a survey when I buy a house in Virginia?
A survey is not always required, but it shows where the boundaries, fences and easements really are. Here is when a Virginia buyer should order one.
October 29, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
How do I ask the seller for repairs after a home inspection in Virginia?
Ask for the few items that affect safety, water or major systems, offer the seller a choice of repair or credit, and watch your contract deadline.
October 28, 2026 · 4 min read
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Buying
How does a VA loan work when buying a house in Virginia?
A VA loan can let eligible buyers purchase with no down payment, but it comes with an eligibility certificate, a funding fee and a VA appraisal.
October 28, 2026 · 4 min read
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Buying
How does buying a house with a well and septic system work in Virginia?
A house on a well and septic needs its own inspections and records. Here is what to test, what to ask the seller and what your lender may require.
October 28, 2026 · 4 min read
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Buying
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved when buying a home in Virginia?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate; pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your documents. Here is what each is worth to a Virginia seller and to you.
October 27, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
How do I make an offer on a house in Virginia? What goes in it and what to decide first
A Virginia offer is more than a price: earnest money, contingencies, closing date and who pays what all count. Here is how to build one that holds up.
October 26, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
Is a home warranty worth it when buying or selling in Virginia?
A home warranty is a service contract, not insurance or an inspection. See what it usually covers, where it falls short and how to read one.
October 26, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What should I do before I start house hunting in Virginia?
Start with a real pre-approval, a tested budget, a clear timeline and an agent interview before you tour. A broker's checklist for Virginia buyers.
October 25, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What are buyer closing costs in Virginia, and who actually pays them?
Virginia buyer closing costs include lender fees, title charges, recording costs and prepaids. Here's how to read your Loan Estimate and when a seller can help.
October 24, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Short Pump in 2026?
In September 2026, Short Pump's $350K–$500K band had a $426,543 median, 31 days on market and 3.4 months of supply, from just 14 closed sales.
October 24, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$750K buy in Mechanicsville in 2026?
In September 2026, Mechanicsville's $350K–$500K band had a $420,000 median and the $500K–$750K band $592,475, with different price per square foot.
October 23, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$750K buy in the Charlottesville area in 2026?
In September 2026, Charlottesville-area homes sold at a $410,235 median in the $350K–$500K band and $598,000 in the $500K–$750K band, both in 13 days.
October 22, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Glen Allen in 2026?
In September 2026, Glen Allen's $350K–$500K band had a $414,975 median, 11.5 days on market and 2.6 months of supply, from 36 closed sales.
October 21, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in the Richmond metro in 2026?
In September 2026, 365 Richmond-metro homes sold between $350K and $500K at a median of $412,500, in 11 days, with 2.8 months of supply.
October 20, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Midlothian in 2026?
In September 2026, 52 Midlothian homes sold between $350K and $500K at a median of $416,500, in 7.5 days, with 3.5 months of supply.
October 19, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Henrico County in 2026?
In September 2026, 119 Henrico County homes sold between $350K and $500K at a median of $412,500, in 10 days, with 2.7 months of supply.
October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does title insurance cover when you buy a house in Virginia, and do you need it?
Lender's title insurance protects the lender; an owner's policy protects you. Here is what each covers, when you pay, and what to ask at settlement.
October 17, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What should I check at the final walkthrough before closing on a house in Virginia?
The final walkthrough is your last look before closing. Here is what to check, what to bring and what to do if something isn't right, in plain English.
October 16, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in the City of Richmond in 2026?
In September 2026 the City of Richmond's $350K–$500K band had a $408,312 median sale price, 6.5 median days on market and $251.46 per square foot.
October 14, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
Goochland County Market Update 10-12-26
Goochland County Real Estate Market Update October 2026
October 12, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in the City of Charlottesville in 2026?
In September 2026, the City of Charlottesville's $350K–$500K band had a $396,000 median, 20 days on market and $338.23 per sq ft, from 12 closed sales.
October 8, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Hanover County in 2026?
In September 2026, Hanover's $350K–$500K band had a $415,000 median, 12 days on market and 2.3 months of supply, from 36 closed sales.
October 7, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $500K–$750K buy in Goochland County in 2026?
In September 2026, Goochland's $500K–$750K band had a $625,000 median, 45 days on market and 2.5 months of supply, from 11 closed sales.
October 6, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What is a seller concession, and should I ask for one when buying in Virginia?
A seller concession is a credit toward a buyer's closing costs. In September 2026, 44.7% of Richmond-area closed sales included one. Here is how they work.
October 6, 2026 · 3 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Chesterfield County in 2026?
In September 2026, Chesterfield County homes at $350K–$500K sold at a median of $408,750 in 11.5 days, mostly detached houses with 3 months of supply.
October 5, 2026 · 4 min read
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Buying
How does an inspection contingency work when you buy a house in Virginia?
Your inspection contingency lets you inspect, then ask for repairs, negotiate a credit or walk away within a set period. Know your options and your deadlines.
October 4, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
Should I buy my next house before I sell my current one in Virginia?
Buying first gives you time and a stronger position, but it means carrying two homes. Here are the Virginia options, the risks and how to decide.
October 4, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
What does $350K–$500K buy in Albemarle County in 2026?
In September 2026, 39 Albemarle County homes sold at a $423,000 median in 13 days. Here is what that budget buys and how much competition to expect.
October 4, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
What is an appraisal gap, and how do I handle one when buying in Virginia?
An appraisal gap is the difference between your contract price and a lower appraised value. Here are your options as a Central Virginia buyer, and how to plan.
October 4, 2026 · 6 min read
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Buying
How does earnest money work when buying a house in Virginia?
Earnest money is your good-faith deposit, held in escrow and credited to you at closing. You get it back if you cancel under a contingency before its deadline.
October 3, 2026 · 5 min read
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Buying
What happens at a home closing in Virginia?
A Virginia closing, called settlement, is a short appointment with a title company where you sign loan and deed documents, wire funds and receive the keys.
October 3, 2026 · 4 min read
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Buying
What happens at a Virginia home inspection?
A Virginia home inspection takes two to four hours, costs about $400–$800, and ends in a report you use to request repairs, a credit, or to walk away.
September 22, 2026 · 3 min read
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