6 things to consider when relocating to Charlottesville for a residency
By Angie Dotson
1. Get Prequalified
You’ve heard it before, but being prepared to write an offer in the competitive Charlottesville marketplace is the very first thing you should do. From physician loans to taxes and insurance, speaking with a trusted local lender means you’ll know your price range and your options right up front. Need a recommendation for a reputable local lender? I’d be happy to pass one along!
2. Ask Residents in the Program for Advice
Where do they live? What do they love about living there? What would they change if they had to do it all again? Getting advice from those who have come before is always valuable.
3. Explore Charlottesville Before Looking at Homes
Take time, even if it is only an hour or two, to take a driving tour of Charlottesville/Albemarle with your Realtor. As seen in the area guides on the Nest website, each small pocket of the area has a distinctly different feel. You can find room to roam or walkability both within your required driving distance from the hospital, so you can prioritize area in addition to housing type when moving here.
4. Write Out Your Priorities
Before you look at a single home, take time to write down your top five priorities. Consider what your life will be like once starting your residency, and considering adding/changing your list. Once you review a home, pull out your checklist and see how it stacked up. If it checks a ton of boxes, you’ll feel confident to jump and write an offer.
5. Take Time to Celebrate
You’ve matched! What a wonderful opportunity and an exciting next step. Pause your tour to grab a bagel at Bodo’s, or take an uber out to a Blue Mountain Brewery for a pint and a slice after a long day of tours. You’ll have some time to unwind and discuss the next steps, and enjoy the moment.
6. Take a Deep Breath
Only having sixty days to make a decision can be daunting. Trust your gut—it’s taken you this far. If it’s not the right fit, communicate with your Realtor up front. Our goal is to find you the right fit for your priorities, not just sell you a home. If you have to find a short-term rental, we can help you with that too.
Angie Dotson is an agent with Nest Realty. Born & raised in Charlottesville, Angie’s native roots make her an instant asset to anyone looking to buy or sell.