Rockville is a premier living destination nestled just north of Washington, D.C. In Rockville, suburban peace meets the bustle and vibrance of a small city. Rockville offers amenities for everyone, with a busy downtown where locals can shop for hours or check out local restaurants. It also has spacious golf courses and outdoor retreats. Recently, more people have been looking to move out of densely populated metropolitan areas, and many have set their sights on the ideally located community of Rockville. If you want to buy a home in Rockville, keep reading to learn more about these vibrant community offers and how to make your home-buying journey successful.
Why should you buy a house in Rockville?
With quaint outdoor spaces, endless amenities, and small-town charm, there are numerous reasons to call Rockville home. In recent years, more buyers have been setting their sights on Rockville, turning it into one of Maryland’s most sought-after cities.
Ideal location
Today, more people are looking to leave the city behind for a more peaceful way of life. Each week, nearly 800,000 people go to work in Washington, D.C., but that does not mean they all want to live inside the bustling metropolis. Rockville is just 22 miles outside of Washington, D.C., and residents can easily commute in just 40 minutes. Relocating to Rockville has allowed many to commute to work and return home to the suburbs at the end of the day.
Endless amenities
Rockville combines the peace of suburban living with a vibrant urban center. An eclectic variety of world-class eateries, unique specialty shops, and local curiosities are clustered around Rockville Town Square. This walkable downtown allows residents numerous opportunities to go shopping with friends, have a bite to eat, or experience the nightlife.
Outdoor recreation
Despite being a bustling city, Rockville is not without its unique set of suburban charms. The community is home to several natural parks where residents can hike, bike, or experience Maryland's stunning ecosystem. The community cont
Top three neighborhoods in Rockville
Rockville encompasses over 13 square miles and houses a range of real estate options, commercial centers, and natural oases. The city is home to several unique neighborhoods with a unique charm and set of amenities, attracting buyers to all reaches of the city.
Rockville Town Square
With bustling urban charm and a huge selection of amenities, those looking to enjoy city living without the price tag settle in Rockville Town Square. This community is the epicenter of life in Rockville and is densely populated by local shops and eateries. The area is especially popular for young professionals who work in town or commute into Washington, D.C. Town Square is walkable, meaning residents can walk around to all their favorite spots in downtown Rockville.
Twinbrook
Established in 1946, Twinbrook is one of Rockville’s oldest subdivisions. Today, the suburban charm of the past can still be experienced in this small neighborhood. Many homeowners and families are attracted to the area for its plentiful real estate, quiet streets, and many parks. The area is ideal for raising a family and is home to several quaint real estate options for buyers.
Rockshire
This immaculate master-planned community is located in the southwest corner of Rockville. Rockshire is the largest planned community in the city, with 753 residences. Those looking for exclusive living and lavish amenities can find it in Rockshire. Developed in 1971, the community is home to a community center, competition-length swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and 17 acres of preserved parkland.
Determining housing costs
Before buying a home in Rockville, it is important to know more about the area and what you can expect to spend. Rockville is a highly sought-after suburb, making it one of Maryland's hottest real estate markets. Buyers looking to purchase in Rockville must be prepared to act quickly to secure their new home.
Median house price
Homes prices in Rockville have been steadily increasing throughout the past five years. The median home price in Rockville is about $560,000. Home buyers looking at Rockville real estate often find the price is worth it for a piece of this highly sought-after community.
Closing costs
Buyers can become so wrapped up in home-buying that they forget about closing costs. Closing costs are the fees and expenses that are incurred through the process of transferring real estate from one owner to another. Closing costs usually range from 2% to 5% of the home’s price. In Maryland, homebuyers pay, on average, $3,476, which is among the highest in the country.
Property taxes
Property taxes are a yearly fee that Rockville homeowners will have to pay. Maryland is home to higher-than-average tax rates in the country. The current tax rate on property in Rockville is 0.292 per $100 of assessed value.
Money-saving tips for buying a home
Buying a new home is a substantial investment. Many homeowners hesitate after looking for their perfect home because of the price tag that goes with it. Luckily, there are a few things you can do before starting your home search that can help you save money throughout the process.
Get pre-qualified
In a hot housing market like Rockville, it pays to get prequalified for a mortgage. Pre-qualification involves the bank giving a tentative agreement for what they can give you for a loan. While this is not the same as getting approved, it can help you have some more sway in negotiations. Sellers are more likely to take prequalified buyers seriously because they have proof they can pay.
Increase your credit score
With interest rates steadily climbing, it is more important than ever to try to secure the lowest one on your mortgage. Increasing your credit score as much as possible before applying for a loan can help you look more trustworthy in the eyes of the bank, helping you secure a better interest rate.
Work with a real estate agent
Some buyers think they can do it alone. However, if you want to save money and have the buying process go smoothly, you will want an experienced local realtor on your side. A professional real estate agent will be able to show you homes in the area, help with negotiations, and walk you through the entire process, helping save you time, money, and headaches.
The bottom line on buying a house in Rockville
For many, Rockville is the ideal place to call home and a city they will enjoy for years to come. If you are ready to start looking for a new home in Rockwell, contact Eddie Vasquez. He can walk you through the process and connect you with your home!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock