Buying new construction in Virginia, Northern Virginia, McLean, and the Washington, DC / DMV area is different from buying a resale home. You're not just buying a house, you're buying a timeline set by the builder. The price can change with upgrades and lot premiums, and your mortgage has to stay valid from contract to keys, sometimes months later. Quick timeline: - Pre-approval: required before you submit an offer and before you sign the contract, issued by your loan officer
