With experience buying and selling over 30 properties for himself, experience as a general contractor and builder, and a direct pulse on the Northern Virginia market, Leo Watts is well positioned to help clients negotiate great deals as first-time home buyers, home builders, or investors. Leo is particularly passionate about value-add renovations, navigating zoning rules for new construction, and creative strategies for acquiring amazing off-market deals.
Leo began his real estate career in 2015 through buying and selling tax-foreclosed land. Over the course of three years, he purchased over 45 vacant lots by himself and in two partnership groups. To date, Leo has sold thirty lots, netting a 400% return for himself and investors. In addition, Leo has extensive experience in the short-term rental market, a profitable and exciting emerging industry. He has personally owned and operated a 5-bedroom Airbnb rental property since 2016.
As the designer, investor, and builder of two contemporary single-family homes, Leo managed subcontractors, navigated client expectations, and adapted to design challenges to create profitable new build homes.
Since May 2019, Leo has worked as a land acquisition and sales specialist for Joy Design + Build in McLean. He has generated more than 40 off-market land leads and assisted in closing multiple new build deals. He has a working database of over 350 off-market properties in McLean, North Arlington, and other parts of Northern Virginia that Joy Design + Build utilizes to generate off-market deals for its clients.