Gianna Licari has an epic Barbie assortment and loves every thing pink, however she’s powerful in relation to getting what she needs. The 23-year-old Chicago native graduated a yr early from the College of California, Los Angeles, then set her sights on transferring to the nation’s capital.
“My dad was a D.E.A. agent again within the Eighties, and I all the time wished to comply with in his footsteps working in authorities,” Ms. Licari stated.
At first, she labored remotely from her mother and father’ Chicago residence to economize. “I couldn’t kick down doorways,” she stated, “however my first job was within the F.D.A.’s Workplace of Ethics and Integrity.”
In July 2023, she was excited to maneuver east for a brand new job with the federal government, though she didn’t know anybody within the Washington, D.C., space. Her first precedence: determining how she may purchase a spot somewhat than overpay for a neighborhood rental. She set her price range at $300,000, however was primarily centered on retaining month-to-month funds underneath $2,500.
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“Stock for something in that worth vary was actually low within the fall of 2023, and it’s nonetheless low,” stated Chris Kuchnicki, an agent with the Keri Shull Staff at eXp Realty in Arlington, Va. “Something you’ll find often sells quick.”
Since Ms. Licari doesn’t personal a automotive, transportation choices and walkability had been vital. She regarded for listings inside a 10-minute stroll of Metro stations all through the area.
“To seek out one thing I may afford, I regarded farther and farther away from town in Maryland and Virginia,” she stated. “I didn’t love the concept of an hourlong commute, however I additionally was decided to purchase somewhat than waste cash on lease.”
She deliberate to make use of her financial savings and her wage to finance a purchase order, and didn’t need to ask her mother and father for assist with the down cost.
“Gianna appeared like a major candidate for first-time residence purchaser help packages, so I had her ship her paperwork to a lender certified with these packages,” Mr. Kuchnicki stated. “Lots of people aren’t conscious that they will qualify for residence purchaser help. The earnings limits are increased than they understand.”
Ultimately, the search got here down to 3 condos.
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