Hi Kris,
I assume by now you have found an agent.but I will put in my two cents....what you need to do is research and find an agent that specializes in the area that you are interested in buying, and find out more about them by interviewing them. You will become a team...your agent, your lender and yourself. You need to feel comfortable with the team, and you need to be educated by the team as to the process of finding the right home and making the right offer on the home you choose. I would welcome the opportunity to be interviewed by you...
Ellen Robinson, Realtor
Accredited Buyer Representative
ERA Elite Group, Realtors
Fairfax, VA
703-499-4313
WWW. EllenSellsVA.com

Hi Kris - you have asked a popular question. I will tell you a little bit about myself and you can decide if I would be one of the people you are interested in interviewing.

I have lived and worked in Northern VA my entire life (with the exception of college). I was a database programmer for 7 years and am particularly good with the technology aspects of this profession. I will also make sure you are using the best resources to research neighborhoods, schools, and homes. I always pull data before making a statement about the market or what things are selling for in a particular neighborhood. Things change everyday and although memories may fade, numbers never change.

Two of the things that I am particularly well known for is persistence and creativity - if a situation becomes tough, I will work harder to think up a creative solution (if circumstances allow). If you have a unique set of criteria for your home search, I will go the extra mile to research the properties.

I value ethics highly and am with a broker that is the same way. I will always analyze a situation to try and figure out the ethically correct answer.

I want to make sure my buyers are fully informed. I truly enjoy the education aspects of this job. In fact, I do monthly seminars in Reston - there is one coming up this Wednesday night on foreclosures, short sales, auctioins, and bank-owned properties.

Please contact me if anything I have said has intrigued you or if you would like to attend the seminar on Wednesday evening - 703-863-0031.

Thank You,
Sonal Goda

Hello Kris,

It would be wise to interview several agents in order to find the best one to represent you. Look for an experienced full-time agent with the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation and good references, as well as a personality that suits your own to ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. Finding the right agent is as important as finding the right house.

I wish you all the best in finding your new home!

Regards,
Debra Talley, ABR, e-PRO, REALTOR
Broker Associate
RE/MAX Preferred Properties
Vienna, VA 22180
(703)408-3266
debra@TalleyHurstHomes.com

Hi Kris,

I will throw my hat in the ring, too. You have, indeed, sparked the interest in several of us. I am licensed in Virginia and most of my business is in Fairfax County, Arlington and Alexandria. I have also sold homes in Prince William, Loudoun, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties. You can check my website for links to communities and information about schools in several communities.

Please contact me directly to set up an appointment. We can discuss what you want in an agent, what type of property you want to purchase and other details that will make the experience an enjoyable one. You will also find out how I work.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Mary Margaret Gates
Realtor, GRI, SHS
RE/MAX Allegiance
Ph: 703-969-3904
Email: mmgates978@verizon.net

Kris - as you can see, there are several of us (myself included) who would be happy to talk with you. I do not work in the Alexandria area, and I see both "Fairfax" and "Alexandria" indicated here. If you are looking in Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, Great Falls, Herdon, Reston, Centreville, Chantilly, Dulles - then I am your gal. But, Burke, Springfield, and Alexandria are a bit far for me.

Please visit my blog at http://www.TheRealEstateWhisperer.com and you be able to learn quite a bit about the market in general, and I think it shows my experience level and knowledge about current market conditions. You'll benefit by reading some of the posts regardless of whether you're looking to buy in the areas I serve. I get emails all the time from agents and consumers across the country asking my advice on things I discuss in these blog posts.

You can also learn more about me at http://www.VickyChrisner.com. There you can find links to preferred lenders I recommend; and information about the area.

If you want to learn about ME as a person and the quirkiness of my life, you can join me on Facebook where you will see such things as the pic of the cocoon I found in my curtain this morning - thanks to 3 and 5 year olds that recently lost a catepillar in my house; the charity work I do; and how I balance my work, friends and family.

Oh, and then then there is the old fashioned way of calling me, and setting up an appointment - which tends to be my forte.

I can be reached at 703-669-3142 or vchrisner@kw.com.

Whatever you decide, whoever you hire, I wish you the very best!

Warmest Regards,
Vicky

hi Kris,

I am a full time agent with Long and Foster Realtors in Fairfax. About 85 % of my business is in Fairfax and I would love to help you find a home. Picking the right agent to work with you is the key, so feel free to call me at 703-898-4771 or check out my website at http://www.lauryneadie.com for more information.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you...

Lauryn Eadie
lauryn@lnf.com
703-898-4771

Hi My name is Ruth Sprankle from Weichert, Realtors and I would be happy to help you find a home in Fairfax. If you would like to call me @703-623-2553 or email me at rsprankle@weichert.com. I would like to talk to you about what you are looking for in a home,

That is always a popular question to ask. I am a full time realtor with RE/MAX Allegiance (#1 in Fairfax County 2008) and would like to talk to you about the differences we can make for you. It is a great tme to buy and there are some great incentives for buyers. You can reach me at 703.216.1420.

Kris,
Throwing my hat in as well for your business - should be plenty of agents to pick from in not too long here. Please look at my website for testimonials then give me a call at 703 560-3424 or send me an email at are@soldsense.com .

Kris,

I work with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Fairfax and am licensed in DC and VA. Please feel free to contact me at any point if I can be of assistance. My website also has valuable information which you can take advantage of at your liesure.

Thanks and good luck as you begin your house hunt!

I work in the northern Virginia area and would be happy to help you. Please contact me at 703-403-3899.

Jo Ann Kennel, Realtor
RE/MAX Allegiance
Burke, VA
Licensed in VA
703-403-3899

Kris,

What time frame are you looking to buy in?