8 Tips for Picking a Real Estate Agent in Fairfax County

Who is the ideal real estate agent?

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Is the ideal agent the agent with most sales under his or her belt? Is the idea real estate agent the agent with the most years on the job? Or, is the ideal real estate agent is the Realtor who listens to you, is easy to get along with, and has the tools and skills to address your unique situation? I've learned that every home buyer is different. Some home buyers have credit issues. Some home buyers are moving here from out of state. Some buyers are military, or academics, or political folks moving to Northern Virginia. Some home buyers also need help selling their current home in addition to buying a new one. Every buyer is different. And so is every agent.  Here's how to find the agent who's right for you: 1. Ask friends and family for agent referrals. Nobody knows you as well as your friends and family do. So they're often in the best position to recommend an agent who is well-suited for your needs. You can also trust a referral from friends or family more than one that comes from a stranger. You can also check our reviews. Nesbitt Realty is top-ranked in client satisfaction.
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  2. Talk to multiple agents. I've been told that 84% of home buyers choose the first real estate agent they contact. This means one of two things. Either most people are choosing wisely the first time, or they're just rushing into things without shopping around. Probably a little of both. You don't have to exhaust yourself interviewing agent after agent, but at least talk with two or three to see who you're most comfortable with (which leads to the next point). 3. Consider the vibe factor. One of the most important things I've learned from being in this business is that one size does not fit all. Professional expertise is an important part of being a good real estate agent. And part of being a real estate professional is having great interpersonal skills. But it's not only that a Realtor has a good personality, but it's even more important that the have a good connection with you. If you pick me as your real estate agent we'll be working together from 2 to 12 months. We all have unique personality quirks, and that's the way it should be. But when working with someone professionally, if helps if their personality "meshes" well with your own.
Will and Julie Nesbitt after laughing at a joke
Will and Julie Nesbitt after laughing at a joke
4. Ask how they find homes. When deciding on a real estate agent, ask how they search for homes. Some agents have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what's best for you, not what's best for your agent. At Nesbitt Realty we comb through the entire Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and don't just rely on our personal network. 5. Does the brokerage offer a rebate? Nesbitt Realty offers a rebate to the buyer on every sale. This can save you THOUSANDS on your next purchase.  Most agents and companies do not offer a rebate to clients. 6. Do you prefer a national chain or a family business? Some people like dealing with huge Internet based companies, but most of the people I work with prefer to work with local businesses and family businesses when they can.  Nesbitt Realty is a small business that offers the same services as the big guys. Every day I compete against some of the toughest companies and largest companies in America and every day we find a way to make our clients achieve their goals. 7. Do they appreciate your business?  We appreciate the opportunity to be of service and no matter whom you select we wish you success. 8. Find an agent that is local. The agents of Nesbitt Realty have years of real estate experience, but have also lived and worked in Fairfax County and Northern VA for years. Featured For Sale in Fairfax County

This home's standout attribute is its BREATHTAKING VIEWS—offering an unparalleled panorama from every angle and window.

815 Blacks Hill Rd

Embrace the ESSENCE OF COUNTRY LIVING with the serene beauty of Great Falls right at your doorstep, where every glance outwards is met with the picturesque tranquility of nature's finest landscapes. Nestled at the end of a serene country path, this iconic property in Great Falls occupies a peaceful 5.4 acres of IDYLLIC LAND. It boasts the privilege to extend or subdivide through a connection with the nearby state-maintained roadway. The grand stone residence is meticulously crafted, featuring a spacious porch with an elegant tongue-and-groove ceiling that encircles the home, providing direct outdoor access from every primary-level room. This inviting porch serves as the ideal spot for enjoying cool beverages while observing the playful antics of horses in the nearby fields. Inside, the home is adorned with premium materials and HIGH-END-FINISHES, such as broad plank hardwood flooring, lofty 10-foot ceilings, decorative exposed beams, intricate coffered ceilings, and a gourmet kitchen centered around an expansive island with bar seating. The upper floors host a luxurious master bedroom suite, offering dual bathrooms, two generous walk-in closets, and a private balcony that presents tranquil views. The layout also includes an ensuite bedroom and two additional bedrooms sharing a connected bathroom. The extensive lower level features diverse areas for indoor entertainment, including a home cinema room, a playroom equipped with built-in storage, and a recreation room with direct access to the front lawn. The outdoor pool area feels like a secluded oasis, perfect for hosting with its outdoor kitchen and ample bar seating. On chilly evenings, gather around the outdoor stone fireplace for marshmallow roasting. The property also features a spacious lawn for outdoor activities. The large barn accommodates horses and includes luxurious living quarters on the upper floor, highlighted by a great room with panoramic windows, high cathedral ceilings with visible beams, a kitchen with a large island, two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a loft bunk room, and a deck offering breathtaking views. This property can be used as a guest house or an AIRBNB property to produce income. This fully equipped equestrian facility is ready for use, featuring several stalls, run-in sheds adaptable for additional horses, two riding arenas, a pasture, and six paddocks, encapsulating the essence of a tranquil, slower-paced lifestyle in the Great Falls area. This unique property is a RARE FIND, embodying both luxury and the pastoral charm of country living. [Dranesville - $3,995,000]

Located in the Jefferson Mews condominium community in the heart of Historic Downtown Herndon.

561 Florida Ave #203

This beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath garden-style condo offers generous living space. An open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, a private terrace, and an abundance of natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding glass door stream natural light opening to the private covered terrace overlooking trees. The spacious dining area is perfect for all occasions. The gleaming kitchen offers an abundance of cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and an adjoining breakfast area with comfortable table space. Light-filled master bedroom featuring a private bath with 12" ceramic tile flooring and a tub/shower surround. Nearby, another similar style bedroom has convenient access to the hall bath. A true laundry room with full-size machines and ample storage. Assigned parking, community amenities including an outdoor pool, club house, and community walking path. Close proximity to the Herndon Parkway, Route 28, the Dulles Access Road, and other major commuting routes. [Jefferson Mews - $314,900]

This remarkable 5 bedroom, 4.

3233 Locker St

5 bathroom home in Falls Church is every entertainer's fantasy. The entire house has been meticulously designed to suit the needs of a host. The main level features a fully renovated gourmet kitchen, perfect for whipping up elaborate meals. The butler's pantry, office/study, dining room, family room, and an additional bonus room enhance the functionality of the space. The backyard is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a basketball court for sports lovers, a pool for those who enjoy a refreshing dip, an outdoor kitchen for grilling enthusiasts, and a pizza oven for the culinary adventurers. The screened-in porch allows for comfortable lounging, and the designated kids play area ensures fun for the little ones. The upper level houses a grand primary bedroom suite. This includes a renovated bathroom and a generously sized walk-in closet. In addition, there are three more bedrooms with plenty of room to accommodate family and guests. The basement further extends the entertainment potential of the house with a large recreation room and a dedicated movie theater room. This home is sure to make any owner the talk of the neighborhood! [ - $1,648,908]

Stunning, light-filled 4700+ sq ft brick home nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac combines exciting contemporary flair with easy, time-saving accessibility to DC, Tysons, entertainment, schools (including Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University), plus an impressive range of shopping & transportation alternatives.

2981 Caribbean Ct

This home falls within a mile of the vibrant Mosaic District adjacent to the Dunn Loring Metro stop. This home's ideal location also provides easy walking access to multiple bus routes and parks, as well as a mere few minutes drive to 495. As you step into the foyer, you are greeted by soaring 20-foot ceilings and newly refinished hardwood floors that lead you into the heart of this home. Bathed in natural light pouring through expansive windows, the impressive family room with fireplace provides stunning space to display art work and the perfect setting for both relaxing and entertaining. Indulge your culinary desires in the quality-renovated kitchen with sleek quartz countertops, elegant tile backsplash, new state-of-the-art 'smart' stainless steel appliances, and abundant cabinet space and plus a pantry. The open floor plan is complemented by an overlook from the upper level and appealing multi-angled stairway which connects a sitting/living room near the entrance, a spacious den/office (which with the addition of a closet could easily be transformed into a main level 6th bedrm), an updated half bath, and a 2nd hallway with a laundry room area leading from the oversized 2 car garage with extra storage space. Smart home features including multimedia wiring, Nest thermostat, and LGThinQ smart appliances offer the ultimate in convenience and connectivity allowing you to control your home from almost anywhere with ease. Upstairs you'll find the huge primary suite featuring 2 walk-in closets and a spa-like ensuite bath complete with a jetted tub, separate shower, dual sinks and a private WC (water closet for the toilet). Also find a updated bathroom off the hallway, and 3 large secondary bedrooms each of which includes a walk-in closet. Note especially the high ceilings throughout which reinforce the contemporary, up-to-date appeal this amazing home offers. Descend into the large finished walkout basement with a private entrance through French doors into a huge double rec room with a spacious 5th bedroom and a third full bath, as well as already-completed rough-in for a small kitchen. The basement presents excellent possibilities for use an independent apartment with exterior access or for utilizing theabundance of versatile space personalized to the requirements of new owners, whether that be for multiple additional office spaces, home schooling, hobbies, separate gym space or extra space for entertaining. Step outside to use the area beneath the sprawling deck across the width of the house to enjoy the compact fenced yard screened by pine trees trees for privacy. The lower yard also can be accessed through steps down from the deck. The expansive, bright walk-out lower level comes finished already with a generously proportioned full bath, large bedroom, double rec-room open area, plus kitchen rough-in. Additional storage space remains in the utility room and in a small spare room to the right of the bottom of the steps. Wise purchasers won't delay in assessing whether this enviable property is indeed "the one" best matching the personal checklist of requirements their ideal future home should meet. For your convenience, several open houses have been scheduled, as announced above. [North Ridge - $1,234,000]

Nesbitt Realty Inspirational Quote
Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. - Lord Byron
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Stuart Nesbitt

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Stuart Nesbitt is a Realtor® licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His office is located in Fairfax County near the City of Alexandria in Belle Haven. He was born and raised in Northern Virginia and attended Fairfax County schools. Call him at any time to discuss your real estate needs.