Shopping for an Agent?

That’s OK. If you are considering buying or selling a home, you should be looking for a good real estate agent. It’s something you don’t do every day, there are many decisions to make, there’s too much you don’t know, and there’s a lot of money involved. You need a good agent. But how do you find one?

You probably see ads or signs of several agents who claim that they sell the most homes (“We’re #1!”). Others describe themselves as “THE Neighborhood Experts.” Well, McDonalds sells a lot of hamburgers, and self-proclaimed experts are a dime a dozen. You want someone who will treat you like a friend who needs help, instead of just another step on their way to being "Number One."

I give my clients First-Class service—not only refusing to cut corners, but bringing real value in as many ways as possible. I try to provide my clients the same guidance and support I would give to my family and friends. In a nutshell, I’m not number one—you are.

The reputation of real estate agents, as a profession, tends to be pretty low. It’s unfortunate, but I think I understand why that happens. Getting a license is not very difficult—and there’s no emphasis on what it takes to be a first-class agent. A first-class agent helps interested parties find each other and complete a transaction that works for both of them. He advocates strongly for his clients, but he treats everyone honestly and with respect. He is a trusted advisor, a master marketer, a worthy negotiator and a skillful facilitator. He helps his clients make the right decisions.

Becoming a first-class agent takes effort, experience and a willingness to learn. I have been fortunate to work with and learn from many of the best people in Northern Virginia, and it shows in the way I serve you.

I started my real estate career with a large brokerage that charges the usual 6% commission, and has plenty of overhead. They bring in truckloads of new agents that cost them very little, keep a big staff and have lots of offices. I am pleased to have affiliated since 2008 with Samson Properties, whose lower cost structure enables me to provide you a much better value, either as a seller or a buyer.

When I represent a seller, I charge a low 4.5% commission, offering the expected 3% to the buyer’s agent and leaving 1.5% for Samson. I charge no additional "administrative" or other fees. When I represent a buyer, I offer a rebate of up to 1% of the sales price to help with the buyer’s settlement expenses. If I happen to represent the seller and work with an unrepresented buyer—I never represent both in the same transaction—I offer that buyer the same rebate, and I take very seriously my legal and ethical responsibility to be fair and honest.

For sellers, I do more than simply "list" your home—I use my full marketing skills and experience to sell it. I do all of the things you would expect of an agent providing full service—let alone First-Class service—including full color, photo-rich brochures, extensive internet advertising, open houses, and much more. And I don’t limit my buyers to only a few home showings, as some other agents do, nor do I pass you off to some lesser "associate" agent—ever. 

Please let me have an opportunity to earn your business. I would be glad to meet with you at your convenience to discuss your situation.