Thinking of buying real estate in Loudoun county?

I'll say one thing about real estate agents that sell properties in Loudoun county - they have been making boatloads of money this past year. Of course, now that things have slowed down quite a bit, prices have stabilized and may in fact creep down a little. In the meantime, the agents were selling properties out the yahzoo albeit not without some negotiations on lowering the usual 6% rate. Now that things have slowed down, make sure as a seller that you do squeeze them a bit because things are not tougher for them. Actually, there may be just too many of them for a market with this low an activity so expect a few of them to leave the industry.

One of the most important aspects of buying a home in Loudoun county when you talk with the real estate agent is that of broadband internet access. There are basically two or three options at the most:

1. Verizon
2. Cable
3. Wireless

If you have a choice, get a place that has both cable and verizon service so that the the monthly rates are lower due to competition and if service is poor (and there have been complaints from both Verizon and cable customers) you at least have an option to switch.

As for Verizon, depending on location, they have DSL and FTTH/FIOS. For an FTTH, check this and Verizon's press release out. Also there is Verizon FIOS - another fiber alternative if I understand it.

So, the preferences should be:

1. Verizon AND cable internet both available
2. Either Verizon OR cable
3. Wireless
4. Do NOT buy a house with no broadband access. You will regret it.

Also, do NOT believe anyone (especially real estate agents) that claim that broadband is "on the way" or "within six months". Verizon and Comcast/Adelphia are very very slow in getting things installed. It took 2 years before DSL appeared at places like Lowe's Island (not a real island) which was a fully developed suburban area.