Real estate agents use a lot of industry specific lingo. To the new home buyer, it may sound like we’re speaking a different language. It’s not unusual to have a client say, “what does that mean?”

I get it. If I was in your office, I probably wouldn’t have any idea what you were talking about either. A part of my job as a real estate agent is to make sure you understand all the vocabulary. If you are venturing into the home buying or selling process here are a few terms and acronyms that are helpful to know.

CMA: Comparative Market Analysis

We create a CMA by looking at recently sold properties and properties that are currently under contract which resemble the home you want to sell or buy. Similarity is key. We look at properties that are in the same or comparable neighborhood, have approximately the same square footage, number of beds and baths, and are in the same condition.

Contingency

A contingency imposes a condition or action of the transaction that must be met. Typical contingencies include financing, appraisal, home sale and home condition inspection. Each has a completion timeframe. In the current market, buyers are attempting to have as few contingencies as possible in order to have a more favorable offer.

EMD: Earnest Money Deposit

An earnest money deposit (EMD) is a deposit made by a buyer to an intermediary, typically the settlement company, to show his or her seriousness to follow through with the transaction. It represents the buyer’s good faith to purchase a home. The money sits in an escrow account until closing. At that time the money is applied to the buyer’s down payment and closing costs.

Escalation

An escalation addendum is added to a residential sales contract to automatically increase the offer price by a specific amount over a competing offer until it reaches the maximum price that the buyer is willing to pay for the property. This is only triggered if the seller receives other bona fide offers to purchase the property with terms acceptable to the seller. It can be a useful tool in this market.

MLS: Multiple Listing Service

An MLS is an organization that creates a private database to collect and distribute information about homes listed for sale by its members. Membership is not open to the public but is open to real estate brokers and agents who pay a fee for the service. Each MLS is local or regional. As of the publishing of this article, there is not an MLS that covers the entire country.

Pre-Offer Inspection or “Walk and Talk”

This refers to a modified inspection with the buyer as the note taker. It takes about an hour and can cost from $250 to $600 depending on the property. Doing a pre-offer “walk and talk” can help to avoid having a home inspection contingency. This makes the offer more favorable and will let you know of any issues with the home.

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved 

Pre-qualification is based on information that the borrower submits to the lender. The borrower provides the bank information to show their overall financial picture including income, debts and assets. The lender reviews everything and gives an estimate of how much the borrower can expect to receive and there is usually no cost involved.

Pre-Approval requires the applicant to complete an official mortgage application and supply the lender with all the necessary documentation to perform an extensive financial background and credit check. The pre-approval will require an estimate of down payment. Some lenders charge an application fee. In turn, the lender will offer pre-approval up to a specific loan amount.

PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance

PMI is usually required when you have a conventional loan with a down payment of less than 20 percent of the home’s purchase price. It protects the lender, not you, against losses if you stop making payments or default on your mortgage. PMI typically costs 0.25% to 2% of your loan amount per year depending on the loan amount, down payment, loan term and credit score.

PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance

PITI is the term used to express the total monthly mortgage payment. It includes the principal loan amount, loan interest, property tax, and the homeowner’s insurance and private mortgage insurance premiums. Lenders will estimate the PITI for you prior to qualifying you for a mortgage. It helps the buyer and lender verify affordability.

In the current real estate market, buyers need to act quickly with a prepared and compelling offer. There are lots of steps, on top of price, that can be taken to make your offer more favorable. Interested in buying or selling this year? Call me. I have the strategies and tools to help.

Darlene Duffett is a licensed real estate agent in Virginia with McEnearney Associates Realtors® in Old Town, Alexandria. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Darlene at 703-969-9015, dduffett@mcenearney.com or visit her website DarleneDuffettRealEstate.com.

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Whether or not you’ve seen the TV show, the “LOVE IT OR LIST IT?” question is one familiar to many. Once upon a time, that question was somewhat straightforward, but now with many supply chain constraints and limited housing inventory, it’s more complicated. Let’s break down the two options.

LOVE IT

What if you love your house, your neighborhood, your commute, but have outgrown the space? Perhaps there aren’t enough bedrooms, you need more home office space, or the kitchen is smaller than you would like. If you “LOVE IT,” you might consider a renovation instead of a move. So, how to evaluate…?

Part of the decision will depend on liquidity. Let’s say you have equity in your house, but no cash on hand. With interest rates low, refinancing could be a great way to access funds for the remodel. You can leverage your equity and renovate your home so that you can live in it for next 30 years. If you can afford the increased mortgage payments, this is a viable option to consider.

To do it right, I highly recommend hiring an architect. Depending on how expensive a renovation you’re considering, an architect’s fees could run $10,000-$15,000 or more. It’s not always necessary, but if you’re doing any sort of an addition or significant room change(s), plans will be required for the necessary permitting. Also, an architect can help you find the optimal use of space and can create more value than you might create with your own design… it’s what they do!

I can draw on recent experience to share an example of the process. We recently hired an architect for a relatively simple 20′ x 19′ family room addition. We started the process in November 2020 and received the necessary approvals one year later in November 2021. It does not take anywhere near that long for most people, but we are in a Protected Resource Area (RPA) and have a flood plain easement as well as a sewer easement running through our yard.

In addition to support from our architect and contractor, we also had to hire lawyers to attain a Deed of Vacation of Easement. It was definitely more involved, and more costly than we had anticipated, but we went through with it in order to build out.

After 12 months of effort and finally getting the permit approved, we thought we had gotten through the hard part. We were wrong. In the same month (November 2021), we ordered our windows and doors for the addition. We knew supply chain issues were creating delays, and anticipated a 3-4 month lead time, and so we expected the windows to arrive late February 2022. Wrong again.

In the first week of March, we learned that the revised arrival date for the windows would be… December. That’s right, December 2022, 13 months after we approved the order. In this case, shortage in aluminum was impacting lead times, and our supplier punted many smaller contracts to the end of the year to fulfill larger dollar orders. You can read more about that here if of interest.

So here we are present day: our addition is framed on newly poured concrete, with Tyvek construction wrap flapping in the wind for the foreseeable future. (We are currently working on alternate solutions — I’ll keep you posted!)

Our case is unique, but not entirely uncommon. Supply chain issues are thwarting many a remodeler. It’s not uncommon to hear delays for appliances of many months, if not a year. You may already be aware of the rollercoaster of lumber prices. Contractors everywhere are advising of increased prices looming. And that’s not to mention labor constraints! Contractors are struggling to find skilled, reliable workers, and this, too, is slowing the renovation process down.

So where does that leave us in our evaluation? It’s hard to truly understand what your fixed price for a renovation will be when you start. Smart builders always suggest you add at least 10% for overages, but presently, I suggest a little more.

So maybe it’s better to LIST IT?

This takes patience as well but selling the home shouldn’t be the challenge. With extremely tight inventory and many buyers, a home that shows well and is priced right should fly off the market, maybe even garnering multiple offers. However, if you’re staying in the market, that of course leads you to needing to find a home to buy.

There are countless articles about the challenges of buying in today’s market: Multiple offers, waiving contingencies, offers being accepted sight unseen, cash with the ability to close in a week… I’ve written about it recently myself! Without repeating that analysis, I’ll simply reiterate that we don’t see the market slowing any time soon.

LOVE IT OR LIST IT?

Well, as you can see, it depends on where you want to spend your energy, your money and your time. In my experience, if the question is on your mind, it’s worth sitting down with a knowledgeable real estate agent and an experienced contractor to weigh your options and determine what’s right for you.

Rebecca McCullough has built a successful real estate business in Alexandria and Northern Virginia by providing excellent service to her clients. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Rebecca today at 571-384-0941 or visit her website RebeccaMcCullough.com.

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When we bought our first house, I couldn’t understand the long lead time between contract acceptance and the day of settlement. We were expecting our first child and I was anxious to get moving! Wow! What I know now that I didn’t know then! So much happens between contract and settlement.

The title company, or settlement company, coordinates all aspects of the closing. They order a title search to make sure the seller can deliver clear, marketable and insurable title to the property. If there are any title issues, they work to clear them up.

It is important to keep in mind that the title company selected (it is the buyer’s option in Virginia) is not representing the buyer or the seller – they are representing the contract to make sure that all aspects that have been agreed to are adhered to at settlement. Of course, the seller and the buyer have the option, in addition, of being represented by their own attorney.

The title company also receives lender-required documents and prepares them for the buyer’s signature, in addition to preparing the seller’s deed of conveyance, the instrument used to convey title to the new homeowner. Finally, the title company is also responsible for recording the new deed at the appropriate local jurisdiction, and if there is a seller loan involved, they ensure the payoff goes out to the seller’s lender in a timely manner.

Some final thoughts and tips:

– Be sure the date you put in your purchase offer is a date you can meet as the Virginia sales contract reads “settlement will occur on or before _____ with mutual consent.”

– Lastly, don’t expect the sellers to be at settlement at the same time as the buyers. Those days are largely over. Often, the sellers have already left the area and sign ahead of time. The point is, be prepared to get answers to any questions you may have for the sellers ahead of time. It may well be your only opportunity. It’s important to work with an experienced buyer’s agent who has good communication skills. Your agent will work with the listing side to garner specifics prior to settlement.

Martha Floyd is a licensed real estate agent in Virginia with McEnearney Associates Realtors® in McLean, VA and a Lifetime, Top Producer. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Martha at 703.408.9478 or visit her website MarthaFloyd.com.

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If you’re a buyer now, or will be in the near future, you may be asking yourself, “do I really have to risk so much to win a home?” I challenge you instead think of it this way, “what strategies can I implement to reduce risk and position myself to win a home?” In our market of multiple offers, escalated costs, and the practice of waiving “everything,” it can feel like you, the buyer, are taking all the risk. However, the risk to you can shrink if you come in with a good, solid strategy.

Here are two contingencies that you can discuss with your Realtor about waiving and how best to flip the script on their risks.

Home Inspection Contingency

Writing an offer on a home is an exciting time, but the responsibilities of homeownership are real. As a potential new homeowner, it’s always important to know what you’re getting into when purchasing a new, unfamiliar home. There are ways to check on the health of the home on a regular tour, but an inspection will peel back certain layers that you can’t see or would otherwise miss.

Inspectors are the professionals and I liken them to the medical field. Home inspectors are like your generalist. They have mass amounts of knowledge about homes, can point out any red flags, and connect you to specialists to further diagnose any potential issues.

However, the market can be very competitive, so you’ll want to put your best foot forward on your offer. One way could be waiving a home inspection. Yet, that can feel uneasy to a lot of buyers. To eliminate this fear of the unknown, you can request to do a pre-offer inspection. This means having a home inspector out to the property prior to submitting your offer. A pre-offer inspection is usually no more than an hour and is performed between the time the home is active until the offer deadline, if there is one. While you do pay for this inspection prior to even writing your offer, like an ante in a poker game, it can save you so much money and headache down the road.

Your inspector won’t be able to check every window or every electrical socket. This pre-offer inspection is intended to focus on the high value items in a property: HVAC system, roof, electrical and structural, to name a few. Knowing the health of the most expensive parts of a home can help you make a more informed and confident decision about moving forward (or bailing) on your offer.

Appraisal Contingency

First off, we should define what an appraisal is in a real estate transaction. An appraisal is an unbiased, third-party opinion of value for a particular property and is performed by a licensed professional. An appraisal is always needed whenever a mortgage is involved in the transaction.

If you have a lender, you’ll have an appraisal. This appraised value is important because the lender is only going to approve a loan based on the lowest value between the contract and the appraised values. If the appraisal is lower than your contract price, then a contingency would protect you as a buyer and allow you to negotiate with the seller on how to cover the difference between the two values. If you waive this contingency, you, the buyer, would have to cover the difference. The higher the escalation, the higher the amount you may need to cover. It’s not a choice to take lightly.

Certainly, this is a discussion to have both with your Realtor and your lender. When figuring out what to offer for the home, your Realtor will do many things to assist you with this decision and one way is to run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This CMA evaluates the market activity for similar properties in the same area, focusing on properties that have sold within the last 3-6 months. Relying on this data as well as current market conditions will assist you in deciding if waiving the appraisal contingency is right for you.

You should also speak with your lender and discuss your financial pros and cons. This lender should be someone that is working in the local market because they know the current market conditions and can speak about appraisals from real-time experience. By getting the full picture of the property-specific market and running pricing scenarios with your lender, you can make a more informed decision about whether waiving the appraisal contingency is right for you.

The finest strategies are usually those that were planned. You should be having these discussions with your Realtor prior to entering the market so you are prepared, ready, willing, and able to make the best (and quickest) decisions.

If you are looking to start your home search, please give me a call!

As a fifth generation Realtor and the granddaughter of an architect and builder, Sallie has deep roots in real estate. She is passionate for the charm, history, and architecture of Alexandria and its surrounding communities. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Sallie today at 703-798-4666 or visit her website SallieSeiy.com.

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Realtors don’t judge, but we have seen everything . . . and we could write a book.

Tell-all books continue to be the rage, but the story you want to tell about the home you are going to sell or lease should be happy, not scandalous. Buyers or potential lessees should be delighted to see the space you are offering, not bombarded with unexpected situations.

Just this week I visited a lovely home to prep it for a spring sale. It offered an up-close look at the lingering impact of COVID donfinement. At the moment, this house takes real imagination to picture former bedrooms in their original state, littered as they are with ring lights, files, PCs, office chairs and more files.

Unwanted surprises can be the simple crunching of a Lego piece or ink pen under a boot, or shocking eyeballs out of their sockets with inappropriate “artwork” of unclothed subjects, animals mounted on the wall and framed political revolution flyers.

You would think that owners would put prescription drugs away, stash the cash and watches and hide their private correspondence, Social Security numbers and password lists.  Unfortunately, in many cases you’d be wrong. Also, often in plain view are too many personal photos, knickknacks and geegaws distracting the visitors.

And, if not just distracting, you can unintentionally create worries. Obviously broken items, all-too-fresh paint and sticky notes claiming “as-is,” “plumber coming back,” “mold test underway” or “pardon the mouse traps” can raise concerns about the level of maintenance the house has received during your ownership. Reading any detailed brochure copy will be helpful, but a now-startled buyer may offer thousands of dollars less than originally considered or simply walk away.

Corral the pets, too, because hyper-amorous dogs or slinky cats in need of attention can literally trip up buyers or tenants. If you leave the house, take the four-legged ones along. Slow-moving tortoises in a glass terrarium are just fine, but keep the other animal life out of the tour. Even a screeching macaw makes just too much noise and suddenly the rooms feel small, I know from experience.

Under construction? Just removed those steps to the basement? Forgot to put up yellow “caution” tape? A dear real estate friend took a step through an unmarked doorway and broke both of her arms when she suddenly landed on the basement floor below.

Remember The Shawshank Redemption. “Why?” Think twice before plastering a room with posters, even if it is your personal shrine to Justin Bieber or Raquel Welch, because people might think someone is either hiding wall imperfections or an escape tunnel.

Humans are a tricky commodity, as well. Tenants may not “get with the program.” Even after giving hours and sometimes days’ notice, my compatriots and I have walked in to find bodies in the shower, racked out in bed, cooking some odorous food or smoking cigars and more. Lordy, you’d be surprised what Realtors see!

Owners can be careless, too. Good grief, they agreed to the appointment. You’d think they’d move the ragged pile of magazines from the den, announce the wet deck stain, clean up dog “bombs” in the yard or throw some mosquito poison pellets in the stagnant fountain to shoo away the flying carnivores.

Discretion is always the by-word and the goal is to have happy buyers and tenants thrilled by what they see when entering your residence. Boring as it may be, creating appeal for all simply means neutrality, fresh paint, good lighting and no nudes.

Wish we could leave this tome with gentle reminders, such as “do not wax the wood steps” or “sweep acorns off the steep driveway,” since I will absolutely fall on my “duff” again, but I have a public service challenge here – to keep you out of the annals of real estate lore or the book I might write!

Ann Duff is a licensed real estate agent in VA, DC and MD with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Old Town Alexandria, VA. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Ann at 703-965.8700 or visit her website AnnDuff.com.

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Home Sellers are bombarded these days with offers to buy their homes, ways to renovate to get the highest offer, and how to obtain the absolute highest price. It can be confusing, even paralyzing — the answer is a resounding “it depends.”

As in most elements of life, there is a spectrum of possibilities here. Essentially there are three ways to sell a home — it doesn’t have to be perfect.

“As-is, where-is.” This is often when a property has not had many updates or upgrades along the way, and now there is a need to sell. There may not be the funds or desire to undertake any work, and a sense of just wanting to be done with it. This is what the folks sending the postcards are looking for — to purchase a property well under market and “flip” it. They will even take care of contents left behind.

As you would expect, this produces the lowest monetary result for the Sellers. Many of these Buyers are looking to purchase that property for 50-60% of “ARV” — After Renovated Value. Rarely a good deal for the Seller.

Fully Renovated at Top Market Condition. At the other end of the spectrum, the houses which receive the highest prices are the ones fully updated, with all the new and modern features that appeal to today’s Buyers. They are often exquisitely staged, and clearly at the top of their game.

It is one thing, however, to have continually updated one’s property and arrived at this top condition just as it is time to sell. It is another to think of enduring a big remodel just to sell: braving potentially lengthy disruptions, risking supply chain issues, and spending tens of thousands of dollars? Is it worth it? Maybe. Maybe not.

Today there are options to have the renovation work completed by companies who specialize in quick turn-around renovations just before a sale. Some will even front the cost and are paid when the house sells/settles. The McEnearney Advantage features a partnership with such a company, Curbio, and that type of renovation can absolutely be accomplished for a Seller. It works best when the house is empty, but it can also be done around residents. We are happy to help obtain estimates to see if it is right for you. Often, when the dust settles, you can reap very nice returns on the time and money spent. If it is the right approach for you.

In the middle of the spectrum: Clean, Fresh, Nothing Broken. In this approach, a home is decluttered or emptied (depending on whether it is occupied or not), then cleaned, painted, the flooring replaced/refinished, and any items fixed that are worn out or broken.

In many cases, the cost can be fronted and paid at settlement. This not only keeps the preparation time and cost down, it allows the Buyers to put some of their own personal touches into the house after settlement. This approach, in this market, usually yields a price a little below Fully Renovated.

In reality, most houses are prepared for market at a level somewhere between Clean, Fresh, Nothing Broken, and Fully Renovated. Perhaps a powder room near the entrance foyer gets a new pedestal sink, faucet, light and mirror. Or new light fixtures in the kitchen or primary bath. Or new appliances. These relatively minor items can be among the most cost-effective a Seller can undertake.

At McEnearney Associates we believe that preparation for the market, to the extent that works best for our clients, is one of the great values we add. And no, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Pete Crouch is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, which means he is well-versed in all aspects of moving as we age. His own downsize gave him tremendous insights into what is involved, from emotional matters to real estate considerations. Pete is a Board Member of At Home in Alexandria (AHA), our local Senior Village, and was the 2018 National Recipient of the “Outstanding Service Award” by the National Association of Realtors for his work with Senior Moves. Text 703-244-4024 or email PCrouch@McEnearney.com for a copy of his Downsize Alexandria! Booklet about living more simply in Greater Alexandria.

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“I have a silly question” is something that I hear far too frequently and usually followed by something that I’ve been asked before and isn’t silly at all. Frankly, in my opinion, there are no silly questions.

Before I went full time into real estate, I taught health to 6-12th graders. Like real estate, the stakes were pretty high if questions went unasked. Believe me when I reiterate my opinion that there are NO silly questions. If there is something that you want to know about one of the largest purchases you will likely make — don’t be afraid to ask!

In the meantime though, here are a few of the most commonly asked “silly” questions that I get all the time!

Does the seller have to tell me if there is a ghost in their home? AKA, What must be disclosed?

To me, this is the epitome of a “silly question” and when I say that I mean: something everyone wants to know but doesn’t want to ask. Just further proof that a silly question doesn’t exist. Anyway, to answer the question in short — not in Virginia they don’t.

Sellers are only required to disclose material facts that would affect the value of the home, but ghosts are definitively non-material. Virginia is a “caveat emptor” state, which means “buyer beware”. In fact, the Virginia Residential Property Disclosure is a document listing sixteen items, from “Condition” & “Defective Drywall” to “Sexual Offenders” & “Historic District Ordinance”. All sixteen begin with the verbiage “The owner(s) makes no representations…”

While this may sound disheartening for those looking to buy property in the future, don’t worry — there are many opportunities for you to find out most of this information. Your Realtor will help you with resources and inspectors to ensure that you are well aware of what you are getting into before moving in.

Can I look in the closet? AKA, How up close and personal can I get with a home I want to buy?

As a general rule of thumb, I’d say treat a home that you are viewing the way you would want a visiting friend to treat your home, but maybe just a little nosier. Sellers will expect potential buyers to open a closet, go in an attic and poke around in the basement. However, things like adjusting the thermostat, turning on appliances, touching personal items, and forcing open something that’s been painted shut are definitely things to avoid.

A home showing is a time to see if you like the home. An inspection is the time to check if things are in order since inspectors are licensed and insured.

Who pays who? AKA, ANY money questions

If we haven’t gotten real enough — let’s get REALLY real. No one likes to talk about money, especially in the terms of “how much am I paying you?” But, it is a very valid question and one that must be addressed.

As a home buyer, all of the money you pay will go towards your home purchase. In addition to your down payment, there are closing costs that you will owe, mostly to the lender and settlement company in order to process your loan and title work. The Realtors however, are paid by the seller.

Will I need to buy new appliances? AKA, What comes with the home?

While it is typical in Virginia for all items attached to the home to convey (or come with) the home, this doesn’t always apply. The sales contract includes a list of conveyances, and it can typically be assumed that if a home has an item on the list, it will convey. However, there can always be exceptions.

Sample conveyances list from a real estate contract

Perhaps there is a light fixture that has been in the family for generations, or a hot tub that the seller already has plans for moving into their new home. In contrast, some homeowners have custom fit pieces such as bookshelves or custom rugs that would make no sense in their new home, so they leave it behind. While Realtors know what is “the usual” in their area, it is still important to double check each listing’s conveyances so that you aren’t disappointed.

For Sellers, I’d always recommend leaving the appliances. Most buyers would be disappointed to fall in love with a home that doesn’t come with any appliances, and they can tend to overestimate the amount they will cost. It is usually much more cost effective to simply leave the stove behind for the new buyer.

All of these questions above are actual questions I’ve been asked by more than one person. They’ve also all been qualified by the descriptive “silly question”. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will repeat — there are no silly questions!

Even if you think you know, but aren’t sure, ask! There should be a level of trust with you and your Realtor that you don’t feel silly asking the “silly questions”. Frankly, I’d venture to say that any professional who makes you feel silly after asking a question isn’t a professional at all.

Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. She grew up in Old Town and currently lives in Del Ray. As a partner with The Peele Group, Hope is dedicated to guiding her clients successfully through the many faceted process of buying or selling a home. Contact Hope at 703-244-6115.

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1. What in the real estate market do you think has changed the most over forty years?

I would have to say technology has driven the greatest change. Look at the way we conduct our business today. Property information is available to everyone, agents and customers alike, at our fingertips. The internet, phone apps and QR codes give instant access in real time. Purchasers view photos and videos of homes for sale from their home or car. Contract offers are written, signed and presented to sellers electronically. The access to information makes everyone better informed. The systems and programs advanced through new technologies impact every aspect of the buying and selling process for real estate agents and their clients.

2. Why is it important as a business to be involved in the community?  

Our communities support our business. It seems only right that we should give back to those who make our success possible. Because we are so connected our agents naturally become involved in the many organizations, charities, business and programs that make our communities strong. We sit on boards. We contribute dollars to sponsor events. We advertise programs and fundraising efforts. Our clients do the same and make us aware of ways that we can help. We recently championed an effort to improve a park in D.C. in an underserved neighborhood. We painted structures, built new ones, cleaned up trash and had a great time doing it. That day about 60 of our agents wore their blue jeans and t-shirts and felt like we had made a difference. Why get involved? It feels really good when we do.

3. How has the pandemic changed the way your agents conduct business? 

Although real estate agents have been capable of working remotely for years, the pandemic forced us to fine tune our systems and skill sets. Instead of standard open houses we created virtual opens. Instead of on-site meetings we gathered on Zoom calls. We worked harder to communicate frequently with our fellow agents and our customers and clients. And we developed a greater appreciation for one another and longed to be together again.

4. What does your leadership role provide for clients?

At McEnearney Associates we have always believed that the benefit to our clients is delivered by our agents. The best agents in the business deserve the best support that a company can provide, so that they can in turn deliver exceptional service. Our managing brokers provide guidance, education, tools of the trade, and an environment where agents thrive and excel. That commitment empowers our agents to deliver on the promise of superior service and value to our clients.

5. McEnearney Associates has hit a new milestone in all of Alexandria, what do you think are the things that contributed to your firm’s success?

First and foremost, our agents. Without a doubt, they are the most well intentioned, skillful and determined group of real estate pros that I have ever known. They care about their clients and strive to succeed for them. They have the knowhow and tools required to tackle any situation. And they don’t give up when faced with a challenge. In addition, due to the excellence of our agents, we have a very loyal following in the communities we serve. Our reputation is nothing more than the sum of the reputations of our agents. And that is a tidy sum. A reputation well-earned and respected. Ours is a people business. We are fortunate to have very talented people.

We look forward to answering your real estate questions in 2022. Our best wishes for a Happy New Year!

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: ALX@mcenearney.com or call 703-549-9292.

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