Frequently asked questions
What Northern Virginia homeowners and buyers ask us before getting started — answered with no fine print. Don't see your question? Write to us or call (571) 540-0192.
Do you work in Spanish?
Yes. De Las Casas Realty serves clients in Spanish and English through the whole process — valuation, search, contracts and negotiation — with no intermediaries and no template translations.
How much does the home valuation cost?
Nothing. The full valuation is free and with no obligation: a preliminary range from real comparable sales and a detailed valuation prepared by a person within 24 business hours. If you decide not to sell, the report is yours anyway.
Is the valuation the same as an appraisal?
No. An appraisal is prepared by a licensed appraiser, usually ordered by the buyer's lender. Our valuation is a market analysis built on verified comparable sales, designed to set your list price and selling strategy.
Why doesn't Zillow's value (Zestimate) match my valuation?
Because the Zestimate is an algorithm that has never seen your home. Zillow itself publishes a median error of 1.77% on homes on the market and 7.20% on homes that are not for sale (zillow.com/zestimate). On a $550,000 home — Manassas' median price per Bright MLS — a 7.20% error is about $39,600. Our valuation starts from comparable sales in your own community and is reviewed by a person.
Which areas do you serve?
Warrenton, Culpeper, Gainesville, Bristow, Manassas, Fairfax and Aldie, in Virginia. Seven areas we work daily and know street by street — not a long list of cities we half-cover.
Do you buy my house directly?
No. We are a local brokerage: we sell your home on the open market, with full exposure on the MLS and the portals, so competition among buyers sets the price — not a single take-it-or-leave-it offer from an institutional buyer.
What loan types do you work with for buying?
We work the purchase and the financing at the same table: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and bank-statement loans for the self-employed. Final approval and terms are always determined by the lender.
I am self-employed and have no tax returns. Can I buy?
In many cases, yes: the bank-statement program lets you qualify with your bank statements, with no tax returns and no W-2s. It is one of our specialties. The lender evaluates each case on your real file.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan: FHA allows from 3.5% down, and VA and USDA can be no down payment for those who qualify. Your exact number comes from your specific case, not from a generic table — we define it in the first conversation, with no obligation.
How much do you charge to sell my home?
The commission is negotiable and is set in writing before listing. What matters is comparing it against the full result: final price, days on market and the net you receive at closing. Your valuation includes an estimated net so you can decide with numbers.
How do I start?
With your address in this site's free valuation, or with a call to (571) 540-0192. No registration wall to start and no sales pressure: you receive your report, and only if you ask do we schedule a short call to review it.
What is your home worth today?
Start with your address: a preliminary range from real comparable sales and a detailed human valuation within 24 business hours. Free and with no obligation.
No registration to start. The range is not an appraisal.