New/Updated Ramblers in Fairfax/Loudoun or Montgomery counties? (Manassas: home builder, employment)

[FrannyBear]

Also take a look at some ramblers off Oak Valley Drive in Vienna BEFORE you actually get into Lakevale -- to the right and to the left on cul de sacs. I do not believe there are any for sale right now . . . BUT I have been inside one and they are suprisingly large and have VERY large yards. Again - they are older but seem well kept and the area is nice and safe and the schools are good. You will not get everything for your target price -- if it was me I would go for most desirable LOCATION above all else and compromise on other points. If the basic "bones" of the house are solid and the house is livable -- you could always do a remodel later. That is just my opinion of course. Keep us posted on what you find and good luck!

[Carlingtonian]

Also, are you dead set on those particular counties? Arlington actually has a lot of ramblers in certain areas. Here's one in North Arlington (almost in Falls Church) for 600K. I have no connection to the seller/agent, etc. Here's another one, also in one of the best areas. (Military Road is quite busy, but most of the houses are set back from the road a good bit.)

[ready_2_move]

I agree, we are looking for homes with good bones as long as it is move in ready at 650-700K. Will take a look at the areas mentioned, thanks for all your help.

[JD984]

Originally Posted by ready_2_move

I agree, we are looking for homes with good bones as long as it is move in ready at 650-700K. Will take a look at the areas mentioned, thanks for all your help.

You have to look at houses in that price range in North Arlington and some other close-in suburbs carefully. Some are marketed "as is" and really aren't move-in ready, as the seller may assume that the buyer is mostly interested in the land and will likely tear the home down anyway.

[michgc]

I think you would do well in town of Vienna or near Lakevale which someone else mentioned. As a point of reference, we are going to be selling our 1950's rambler for about $575K. It has not been remodeled (kitchen is original as are two of the baths). But the bones and the lot are great - 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath on a 1/3 acre lot on a cul-de-sac. For $100K, one could make it really nice. I'm sure other similar houses in Vienna will go on the market in the springtime - I think your price point is good for Vienna.

[ready_2_move]

Definitely interested, is it in the Madison school pyramid?

[michgc]

Originally Posted by ready_2_move

Definitely interested, is it in the Madison school pyramid?

Yes, we are in the Town of Vienna, so Madison pyramid. If you want more info, send me a DM.

[ready_2_move]

thanks for the advise, will look for that!

Originally Posted by JEB77

You have to look at houses in that price range in North Arlington and some other close-in suburbs carefully. Some are marketed "as is" and really aren't move-in ready, as the seller may assume that the buyer is mostly interested in the land and will likely tear the home down anyway.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by JEB77

You have to look at houses in that price range in North Arlington and some other close-in suburbs carefully. Some are marketed "as is" and really aren't move-in ready, as the seller may assume that the buyer is mostly interested in the land and will likely tear the home down anyway.

I think "as is" can vary in what it indicates. True, sometimes it can mean the house needs a new HVAC system and a new roof. Other times, it might just mean the sellers don't want to go back and forth on more minor repairs after the contract is ratified.

If they get get a home inspection before putting in a contract, then I'd think that should identify any major issues other than the obvious things in need of updating.

[smagid]

It kills me when people "hear" the schools aren't great. No matter what county you live in there are going to be schools that score better than others. Our schools have great Specialty Programs across all grade levels. I would highly recommend looking into them if you have children. At the middle and high school level almost every high school has a Specialty Program assigned to it such as Performing Arts, Global Studies, Information Technology, etc.

Take a look at some of the custom new construction. I know Classic Concept Builders does beautiful ramblers. They have a lovely rambler model in Manassas (Route 234 and close to Hoadly Rd).

Originally Posted by ready_2_move

I hadn't looked in PWC so I just looked but found none? Also, how are schools there? I have heard that they are not ranked well.