I buy Fairfax County houses for cash, as-is

At the Fairfax County Circuit Court Probate Unit, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 401, Fairfax, by appointment only (703-691-7320). Estates of City of Fairfax residents go through the same court; estates of City of Falls Church residents go through Arlington County Circuit Court. Bring the original will, a certified death certificate and an estimate of the estate’s assets.

A Fairfax or Falls Church mailing address does not settle it. The City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church are independent cities with their own tax bills and treasurers. Your real estate tax bill shows which one you are in, and that decides which court handles probate and which treasurer is paid at settlement.

Usually, once someone has authority to sign the deed. A qualified executor or administrator can typically sign, especially when the will grants a power of sale; otherwise all heirs sign with the protections the title company requires. I schedule settlement around the court’s steps.

Yes. Virginia’s Resale Disclosure Act applies to cash sales too. The seller pays the association’s resale fees, and the buyer’s cancellation rights run from delivery of the packet, so we order it the day the contract is signed. Open violations and special assessments in the packet are handled in my offer, not by you.

The Department of Tax Administration moves to an auction only after other collection steps fail, and a sale goes through the Circuit Court, which must confirm it. If I buy before that point, the back taxes, penalties and interest are paid from your proceeds at settlement.

For an owner-occupied Virginia home, the trustee must mail notice at least 60 days before the sale. A cash sale can settle before the sale date if title and the lender’s payoff are in order. Call a HUD-approved housing counselor too; it is free. I never charge a homeowner a fee.

Yes. Many of the 1950s and 1960s ramblers and split-levels in those areas have original systems, and that is exactly what I buy. Original wiring, cast-iron drains, oil tanks and dated kitchens are priced into the offer rather than repaired.

Yes. Reston Association and Burke Centre Conservancy have their own resale and architectural processes. I order the documents, handle any open exterior items in the offer, and close on your date.

You sign the contract and the closing documents, and you take whatever belongings you want. That is it. You do not repair, clean, paint, stage, hold showings or haul anything to the dump. If you are out of town, the walkthrough can be done by video and most closings can be signed remotely.

Not unless something material and undisclosed turns up, such as an unknown lien, a title problem or hidden structural damage. My offer is made after I have seen the house, so the things you would expect a buyer to find are already priced in. If anything changes, I explain it in writing with the reason, and you are free to walk away.

No commission and no closing costs; I pay those. What comes out of the proceeds is what you already owe on the house: your mortgage payoff, any liens, and prorated property taxes or HOA dues. The settlement statement lists every line before you sign.

I can close in as little as 7 days when title is clear, or on any later date you choose. Estates, liens and HOA resale packets can add time, and you will know about any delay before you sign anything.

Tell me early. Liens, judgments and unpaid taxes are paid from the proceeds at settlement. If the payoffs are higher than the price, the title company and your lender have to agree on how to close the gap, and I will walk you through the options before you commit.

Often, yes. If you need a few extra days to move, we can write a short occupancy agreement into the contract so the timing works for you. Ask about it on the first call.

Ask any cash buyer for proof of funds, a licensed title company or attorney for settlement, and a written contract you can have reviewed. Never pay an upfront fee. I am a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, I close through licensed settlement companies, and I never charge sellers a fee.

I recommend it. Because I am the buyer, I cannot advise you on whether to accept. Your own realtor or attorney can review the contract and the numbers at your cost, and I am glad to answer their questions.