Contact
Office
1600 INTERNATIONAL DR STE 600
MCLEAN, VA 22102
“We couldn’t have been happier working with Vie and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone buying a home. She was patient, honest, and always responsive to our questions. Her knowledge of the market, strong organization, and wide network made the process seamless. Vie even shared creative design ideas and realistic insights into renovation costs. Above all, her incredible work ethic stood out. We truly can’t recommend her enough and look forward to working with her again in the future.”
"I believe in tailoring the experience for all of my clients- to ensure their individual needs and goals are met.
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your home-buying journey. I know this is one of the biggest—if not the biggest—investments of your life, and I don’t take that lightly. It’s a deeply personal milestone, and I’m truly honored to guide you through it.
This guide is designed to give you a clear, step-by-step overview of the process, but our journey together goes far beyond what’s written on these pages. From our first conversation to the moment you receive your keys (and beyond), I’ll be here to answer your questions, offer honest guidance, and advocate for you at every turn.
My commitment is to provide a thoughtful, personalized experience that reflects your needs, your pace, and your vision of home. My goal is to make this process not only seamless and successful, but also joyful and memorable.
it’s nice meet you.
I’m Vie Nguyen—a proud Fairfax native, full-time real estate agent, and someone who finds true joy in helping people find the perfect place to call home. I was born and raised in Fairfax, graduated from George Mason University, and still live here with my husband and son today. The Northern Virginia community means so much to me, and I feel incredibly lucky to serve clients in a place I know and love so deeply. My passion for real estate comes from a love of architecture, design, and most of all—connecting with people. I take pride in offering a full-service, personalized approach that’s tailored to each client’s unique goals. Whether you're buying your first home or your forever home, I’m here to make the experience clear, calm, and even fun. Outside of real estate, I love traveling, hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. I’m so excited to be a part of your journey and look forward to helping you find a home you truly love.
UNDERSTANDING THE
Let’s dive into a key update that could have a big impact on how people sell their homes! The recent NAR settlement brings a significant change: sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to buyer's agents when listing their home on the MLS.
Buyer Agreement Needed – You must sign a written agreement with your agent before touring a home.
Clear Compensation Terms – The agreement must specify compensation, prohibit excess payments, and confirm commissions are negotiable.
Seller Contributions Allowed – Sellers can offer agent compensation (not always on MLS) and concessions like closing cost coverage.
Buyers may need to cover their agent’s commission out of pocket if the seller doesn’t offer compensation.
Buyer’s agents will now have signed agreements with their clients, clearly outlining their services and how they’ll be paid.
This shift may lead to buyers being more selective about working with agents or negotiating agent fees upfront.
Follow This
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
stage one
I always recommend starting with a clear understanding of your financial picture. Planning and saving early helps set realistic expectations and ensures you're fully prepared for both the upfront and long-term costs of homeownership.
My team and I will guide you through what to expect and prepare for—from your down payment and closing costs to monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance. We'll also talk about budgeting for future maintenance so there are no surprises down the line. The more prepared you are financially, the smoother and more confident your home buying experience will be.
One of the most important steps in your home buying journey is choosing the right real estate agent. Getting connected with someone who knows the local market inside and out can make a huge difference—not just in finding the right home, but in how smooth and successful the entire process feels.
As a Fairfax native and full-time agent with years of experience in Northern Virginia, I offer more than just home search tools. I provide guidance, strategy, and insight at every step. From explaining market trends and neighborhood dynamics to helping you craft a strong offer, I’m here to make sure you’re informed, confident, and always a step ahead.
Most local real estate agents will have trusted local lenders they work with—ask your real estate agent for their recommendations. Talking to a knowledgeable and reputable local lender early on will help you understand your current financial state, what you can afford, and what’s needed to make your future home purchase as smooth as possible.
Before we dive into home tours and writing offers, it’s important to start with a strong understanding of the current market. Knowing what’s happening in your local area—whether it’s a competitive seller’s market, a more balanced one, or something in between—will help you make confident, informed decisions when the right home comes along.
We'll go over recent trends, average days on market, pricing strategies, and what to expect based on your budget and goals. The more informed you are, the better prepared you'll be to act quickly and strategically—giving you a valuable edge in today’s market. Remember, knowledge is power—and I’ll make sure you feel empowered every step of the way.
stage two
Make a list of the things you'll need to have in the house—must-haves and dealbreakers. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire. How big do you want the kitchen to be? Do you need lots of closets and cabinet space? Do you need a big yard or deck?
Once you've made a list of your must-haves, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, the types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work, and the convenience of local shopping.
Once we’ve narrowed down your goals, budget, and must-haves, I’ll begin searching for homes that align with your vision. I’ll send you curated options that match your criteria—and may even have access to off-market opportunities you won’t find online.
As we tour homes together, I’ll help you evaluate each one with a critical eye—pointing out features you may love, potential concerns to consider, and how each home fits your lifestyle and long-term goals. This stage is exciting, and I’m here to make sure you feel informed, supported, and confident as we explore what’s out there.
stage three
Once you’ve found the one, it’s time to craft a strong, strategic offer. I’ll guide you through every detail—from determining a competitive yet realistic price to reviewing recent sales and current market trends—so you feel confident in your decision. We’ll also discuss key terms like contingencies, closing timeline, and seller expectations to make sure your offer stands out while protecting your best interests.
My job is to advocate for you and negotiate on your behalf to help you secure the home you love at the best possible terms. Whether we’re navigating a competitive multiple-offer situation or finding opportunities to negotiate, you’ll have my full support and expertise every step of the way.
Once your offer is accepted—congratulations!—we move into the next important phase: inspections and appraisal.
The home inspection gives us a chance to take a closer look at the property’s condition. I’ll help coordinate a trusted inspector who will assess everything from the roof to the foundation. After the inspection, I’ll walk you through the report, answer any questions, and help you decide whether to request repairs, negotiate credits, or move forward as-is.
The appraisal, ordered by your lender, ensures the home’s value aligns with the purchase price. It’s a crucial step in the financing process, and I’ll be here to help you navigate it smoothly. If any issues arise, I’ll advocate on your behalf and guide you through your options. Both of these steps are designed to protect you—and I’ll make sure you feel informed, confident, and supported throughout.
After the home inspection, we may discover items that need attention—anything from minor maintenance to more significant repairs. Don’t worry—that’s what this step is for, and you’re not alone in navigating it.
I’ll help you review the inspection report and decide what’s worth addressing. From there, we can request that the seller either make repairs before closing or offer a credit so you can take care of them after you move in. Every situation is different, and I’ll advise you on what’s reasonable to ask for and how to keep the deal moving forward while protecting your best interests.
This part of the process is all about strategy, communication, and collaboration—and I’ll be by your side every step of the way to negotiate thoughtfully and effectively.
Once we’ve made it through the inspection and appraisal, your lender will begin the final review of your loan application. This is called the underwriting stage, and it’s the last major financial step before closing.
During this time, your lender will verify all of your financial documentation—income, assets, employment, credit history, and the home’s value—to officially approve your mortgage. I’ll stay in close contact with both you and your lender to make sure everything stays on track and to help answer any questions that come up along the way.
It’s important not to make any big financial changes during this period (like switching jobs or making large purchases), as that can impact your approval. If you're ever unsure about something, just reach out—I’m here to help you navigate it all smoothly. Once your loan is officially approved, we’re in the home stretch and almost ready for closing day!
We’re almost there! Before closing, we’ll schedule a final walkthrough of the property—typically within 24 hours of settlement. This is our chance to make sure everything is in the same condition as when you first went under contract, and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. I’ll walk through the home with you to confirm it’s ready for closing day.
Then comes the big moment—settlement day! We’ll meet at the title company to sign all the necessary documents that officially transfer ownership to you. You’ll need a valid photo ID and any remaining funds for closing, which I’ll help you prepare for ahead of time.
Once everything is signed and recorded, you’ll receive the keys and officially become a homeowner! I’ll be right there by your side to make sure everything goes smoothly—and of course, to celebrate this exciting new chapter with you. Even after closing, my support doesn’t end—I’m always just a call, text, or email away whenever you need guidance or have questions as you settle into your new home.
what to expect
¿Make smart decisions for long-term peace of mind.
It's tempting to stretch for the perfect home, but stick to a budget that keeps you comfortable and confident—even after closing.
Avoid new credit cards, large purchases, or job changes during the process. These can affect your loan approval.
From earnest money to closing costs, I’ll make sure you know what to expect so there are no surprises.
This strengthens your offer and helps you shop with clarity.
Stay sharp and focused in every phase of your journey.
Homes can go fast, especially in a competitive market. Having everything in place allows you to move with confidence.
Inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies protect you—I’ll guide you through when and how to use them.
Whether it’s a settlement date or repairs, flexibility can give your offer an edge.
Even if your first offer isn’t accepted, it brings you closer to the right home.
Buying a home is personal—here’s how to navigate the ups and downs.
It’s natural to feel excited or anxious. I’ll help you stay grounded in facts while still honoring your gut instincts.
Every home has trade-offs. Focus on what matters most—location, layout, lifestyle—not just cosmetic finishes.
I'm here to be your guide, advocate, and sounding board. You’re not doing this alone!
The more I know about your goals and concerns, the better I can serve you.
what to expect
Typically 1–3% of the purchase price, due within 5 days from the day your offer is accepted. This goes toward your closing costs or down payment.
Paid out of pocket after your offer is accepted (average: $300–$600 depending on home size).
Usually required by the lender to confirm the home’s value (average: $400–$700). Often paid up front or included in closing costs.
Typically 3%–20% of the purchase price.
Typically 3% of the purchase price.
Lenders often collect a few months’ worth of taxes and insurance to fund your escrow account.
Homeowners Insurance Premium
Usually paid at closing for the first year of coverage.
HOA or Condo Fees (if applicable)
May include a prorated amount for the current month or initiation fees.
what to expect
When you’re ready to make an offer, I’ll guide you through the process step by step so you feel confident and prepared. Here’s what to expect:
We’ll review the property’s value, comparable sales, market conditions, and your goals to determine a competitive offer price and terms that work best for you.
I’ll prepare all necessary paperwork, making sure the offer is clear, complete, and strong. We’ll also decide on key details like:
Earnest Money Amount
Closing Date
Contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal, etc.)
Before submitting, I’ll walk you through each part of the offer so you understand everything you’re agreeing to. Once you're ready, we’ll sign and submit!
The seller can accept, reject, or counter your offer. If they counter, I’ll help you evaluate your options and negotiate effectively on your behalf.
Congrats! Once the offer is accepted, we’ll move into the next phase—inspections, appraisal, loan finalization, and more. I’ll continue to lead and support you through every step from here to the closing table.
what to expect
We will do a final walk of the home within 24 hours of closing to check the property’s condition. This final inspection takes about an hour. We will make sure any repair work that the seller agreed to has been completed.
We will be sure to:
Make sure all appliances are working properly
Run the water in all the faucets and check for any possible leaks
Open and close garage doors with an opener
Flush toilets
Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans
Closing is when you sign ownership and insurance paperwork and receive your new home’s keys! Typically, closing takes four to six weeks. During this time, purchase funds are held in escrow, keeping your money safe until the transaction is complete.
Government-issued photo ID
Wire closing costs and down payment 24 hours prior to settlement
Congratulations! It was a lot of hard work, but you are now officially homeowners! Time to celebrate and get to know your new neighbors.
An appraisal is a professional evaluation of a home’s market value. The appraisal contingency protects the buyer in case the appraised value comes in lower than the offer price. You’ll have the option to renegotiate the price, make up the difference in cash, or void the contract and get your deposit back. If you waive this contingency, you're agreeing to cover any shortfall between the appraised value and your offer price.
This is your good faith deposit—usually 1–2% of the offer price—submitted shortly after your offer is accepted. It's held by the settlement company and applied to your final closing costs and down payment.
This clause allows you to automatically raise your offer if another buyer outbids you—up to a set maximum. For example:
Starting offer: $450,000
Escalation: up to $500,000 in $2,500 increments
If another buyer offers $480,000, your offer increases to $482,500.
This protects you if you're unable to secure final loan approval. If financing falls through within the contingency period (typically 21 days), you can void the contract and receive your deposit back.
If the home is in a condo or HOA community, you'll receive governing documents and have 3 days (72 hours) to review them. If anything concerning comes up, you can cancel the contract without penalty and get your earnest money deposit (EMD) back.
A licensed inspector evaluates the home’s structure, systems, and safety. There are three types of home inspection contingencies:
Option to Void Only – Inspect and walk away if needed, but no repair negotiations.
Repair Negotiations + Option to Void – Request repairs or credits. If no agreement is reached, you can walk away.
Waived – No inspection rights. You accept the home as-is, with no ability to void or negotiate.
Sometimes, sellers need to stay in the home after closing. A rent-back allows them to do so for up to 60 days (per lender rules), and the buyers officially become landlords for that time. The terms are agreed upon in advance.
The final step! This is when you sign the paperwork, the loan is funded, and ownership of the home transfers to you.
An optional service showing property boundaries, structures, and easements. Helpful to confirm fences, driveways, or sheds are within legal boundaries.
You’ll choose how to hold title before settlement:
Sole Owner – One person owns the property.
Tenants by the Entirety – Reserved for married couples; includes survivorship rights.
Joint Tenants – Equal ownership with survivorship rights for all listed owners.
Tenants in Common – Divided ownership that passes to heirs (no survivorship).
Typically 24–48 hours before settlement, this final check ensures the home is in the same condition as when you went under contract and that agreed-upon repairs were made. If the seller is staying post-settlement, a second walkthrough happens after they move out.
for your information
Answered for all home buyers, but especially first-time home buyers.
You’re ready when you have stable income, manageable debt, and savings for a down payment and closing costs. I’ll help you assess your readiness and guide you through every step.
Some loans require as little as 3–5% down. I’ll connect you with trusted lenders to explore your options and see what’s best for you.
A little goes a long way - Part of appealing to everyone is creating a blank canvas for buyers to work with. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a house, whether it be interior or exterior. Neutral colors are always best. Ask your realtor for their recommended paint colors and any recommended professional painters.
Yes — it shows sellers you’re serious and helps us search with confidence.
You’re ready when you have stable income, manageable debt, and savings for a down payment and closing costs. I’ll help you assess your readiness and guide you through every step.
Some loans require as little as 3–5% down. I’ll connect you with trusted lenders to explore your options and see what’s best for you.
From house hunting to closing, it usually takes 30–60 days once you’re pre-approved and under contract.
Earnest Money Deposit (typically 1–2% of purchase price)
Home inspection
Appraisal fee
Closing costs (usually 2–5% of the purchase price)
Title insurance and recording fees
It’s a good faith deposit showing your commitment to purchase. It’s credited back to you at closing and applied toward your total closing costs.
The seller may accept, reject, or counter. Once under contract, we begin inspections, appraisal, and final loan approval — all on a clear timeline.
Yes. Depending on the type of inspection contingency, you may request repairs, a credit, or price reduction. If the issues are serious, you may also have the option to walk away without penalty.
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate. Pre-approval is more thorough — it involves a review of your financial documents and gives you a stronger buying position.
If we’re within a valid contingency period (like financing or inspection), you may cancel the contract and get your EMD back. I’ll help you navigate every option if needed.
These are just some of the most common ones, but as you move through the process, new questions will come up — and that’s completely normal. Please don’t hesitate to
ask anything, anytime. There’s no such thing as too many questions, and no question is ever too small. I’m here as your guide and resource to make sure you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.