Hampton Roads Real Estate Search
HAMPTON ROADS REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS

Find the Right Home With a Local Real Estate Expert

The right home starts with the right search. Explore Hampton Roads properties with local insight into neighborhoods, pricing, commutes, and the details that can shape your decision. Whether you are buying your first home, moving to Hampton Roads on military orders, or searching for a waterfront property, we'll help you make a confident decision.

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Bridge-Tunnel & Commute Planning

We map your options against your daily drive to Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, downtown, or wherever you work, so you know the real commute before you buy.

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Flood Zone & Elevation Checks

Zone AE or Zone X? What shape is the bulkhead? What will insurance cost? We look into these before you commit to an offer, so nothing surprises you later.

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VA Loan & BAH Guidance

VA loans can offer low or no down payment. We help you understand your eligibility and work with your lender to write an offer that sellers will take seriously.

CURATED HAMPTON ROADS PORTFOLIOS

Find Homes for Sale in Hampton Roads

Explore current homes, condos, townhomes and waterfront properties available throughout Hampton Roads.

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FROM SEARCH TO CLOSING

The Home Buying Process in Hampton Roads

Buying on the coast means a few extra things to check, like flood zones, HOA rules, military timelines, and appraisals. Here's how we walk you through each stage, from your first credit check to the day you get your keys.

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Step 1: Check Your Credit & Set Your Budget

Before you tour homes, check your credit. You can get free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Scores run from about 300 to 850, and a higher score usually means better loan terms, so dispute any errors you find. Then decide on a monthly payment you're comfortable with, including homeowners insurance, wind and hail coverage, and possible flood insurance. Don't forget the down payment, closing costs, and moving or furnishing costs. You also don't need 20% down. Many loans ask for much less, and VA loans may ask for nothing.

Local Pro-Tip: In Virginia Beach and Norfolk, flood zones and insurance costs can change from street to street. Get a quote early so your budget holds up.
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Step 2: Get Pre-Approved With a Trusted Lender

Talk to three or four lenders, ask plenty of questions, and choose one you feel comfortable with. Ask for a pre-approval, not just a pre-qualification. A pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell the lender. A pre-approval means the lender has checked your credit and finances, which is why most Hampton Roads sellers expect one with your offer. We can introduce you to local loan officers, or you can use your own VA lender.

Your lender will also help you choose a loan type. A fixed-rate loan keeps the same payment for 15 or 30 years. An adjustable-rate loan starts lower but can change after a set period, which can suit buyers who expect to move in a few years.

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Step 3: Define Your Must-Haves & Start Searching

Make a list of what you need: bedrooms, bathrooms, space, yard, and storage. Then think about the neighborhood, schools, shopping, and how safe the area feels. We turn your list into a focused search and set up alerts so you see new listings right away.

Commute Tip: Drive the route to work at rush hour before you fall in love with a home.
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Step 4: Tour Homes With a Careful Eye

At showings, Sarah Wood Bigler and our team look past the staging. We check roof age, HVAC wear from salt air, crawl space moisture, and HOA rules. We don't just show you homes. We help you judge how well each one will hold up.

PCS Friendly: Relocating from another duty station? We can provide narrated video walk-throughs so you can see every corner and closet.
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Step 5: Build a Strong Offer

We pull recent comparable sales to help you settle on a fair price. The seller may counter your offer, and you can counter back. We'll help you know when to hold firm and when to meet in the middle. Once you agree on a price, you'll put down an earnest money deposit, which is held in escrow to show good faith. We also work on contract terms and a closing date that fits your move. If the market calls for it, we can add an escalation clause.

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Step 6: Complete Inspections & Due Diligence

A home inspection is worth the cost, since it checks the structure and condition of the home before you close. Once you're under contract, we schedule your home inspection and a termite inspection (many lenders require one). If the home has a well or septic system, we arrange those tests too. Your lender orders the appraisal. If repairs come up, we handle the negotiation for you.

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Step 7: Final Walkthrough & Closing Day

Before closing day, your lender will give you a list of closing costs. These usually include title fees, the appraisal, attorney fees, inspection fees, and any points you bought to lower your rate. We'll help set a closing date that works for you and the seller, such as after your lease ends. Just before closing, we walk the home with you to confirm the agreed repairs are done and everything works. Then you sign at the title company, the deed is recorded, and the keys are yours.

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Step 8: Move In!

You've got the keys. Hire movers or call in friends, then unpack, settle in, and enjoy your new home.

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Move In!

You've got the keys. Hire movers or call in friends, then unpack, settle in, and enjoy your new home.

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Regional Neighborhood Guides

Where Do You Want to Live?

Hampton Roads offers distinct micro-markets from oceanfront shores to quiet suburban waterfronts. Click a city below to explore active inventory, school districts, and community vibes.

Selling Your Hampton Roads Area Home?

Why use Sarah Wood Bigler to represent you in the home selling process?

Experienced: I have years of real estate experience from new home builder sales to resale.

Connected: Full-time agent in the local real estate community with a vast network of buyers and sellers.

Service with Results: Step-by-step assistance, helping you sell your property for the highest possible price and under the best terms.

Knowledgeable: Expert area knowledge. Local resident realtor in Hampton Roads

Getting Started

The first time we meet, we will discuss what your selling objectives are. This is a good time to ask questions, and I will give you an idea of what to expect during the selling process. We will discuss preliminary ideas for pricing and house preparations. I will provide you with a complete Comparative Marketing Analysis (CMA) for your property.

You're ready to Sell Your Home

Once you decide you are ready, I will review and sign a standard Listing Agreement. I will also complete all of the mandatory disclosure forms. I will arrange for any necessary inspections.

Preparing Home/Property

Before putting your home on the market, I want to ensure it is most attractive to potential buyers. Knowing how to showcase and accentuate the best features of your home, without incurring unnecessary expense, is at the core of what I do. I will provide you with a detailed Home Preparation Consultation and a Selling Tips Sheet. As we walk through your property, we will discuss minor repairs, curb appeal tips, staging, and making your property feel welcoming to potential buyers. If staging is necessary, I will share some options based on your property.

Determining List Price

Pricing your home competitively, at the start, will create more activity among brokers and buyers and lead to a more successful sale. 

Establishing the value and list price for your property involves researching and comparing similar properties and weighing factors including location, condition, amenities, and market conditions. We will arrive at a competitive price aimed at generating strong buyer activity.

Marketing Your Home

Understanding where buyers come from allows me to market your property competitively. Creating excitement in the marketplace through consistent and aggressive marketing efforts and integrating online and offline efforts is key to a successful sale. My maximum exposure marketing plan includes: Comprehensive Internet marketing through our site, Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Yahoo.com and dozens others. 

Also, public open houses & brokers tours, yard signage, and property feature sheet; local newspaper ads; sales agent network; and customized property marketing. I will remain in constant communication with you and give you progress reports on showings and all activity.

Processing the Sale & Closing

The complexities of processing transactional documents will be made very easy for you through my continuous guidance and communication. I will review all offers and terms of each offer with you and negotiate on your behalf so that you obtain the highest possible price for your home while limiting your exposure and protecting your bests interests. 

Once your home is in escrow I will prepare all seller required disclosures and reports, attend appraisal with recent comparables to support your purchase price, and make sure all contingencies and repair requests are removed in a timely manner per the contract. Communication between us is imperative and I can assure you that you will be informed every step of the way.

Close of Escrow

Congratulations, you have now sold your home! I will provide you with helpful moving hints and also be there to answer any questions. I am always available to help you should a question arise after the close of escrow and I want to ensure that you are 100% satisfied.

CHECK OUT OUR SELLER'S PACKET