“Testimonials” can be a meaningful indication of the quality and value of real estate service when they are typical of what most people say.  The actual quotes and short stories in this part of our site are just that: they are the “real thing” and they are typical of what our clients say after we have had opportunity to earn their confidence.

• For reactions from people we have served read Quick Quotes.

• For interesting stories from actual cases read Short Stories.

"The whole process went so smoothly.  It was wonderful working with you."

Charles and Linda Mosholder

"Your judgment and experience were phenomenal!  When we completed the Settlement we felt totally empowered because we knew we had made good decisions."

Steve and Tanya Riley

"Kathy, you worked with us before and have always given us such wonderful, customized service.  The whole thing was so smooth, even when we had challenges you were there immediately.  You really have made the entire process so efficient.   And by the way, we saved at least $30,000.00 from the suggestions you made!"

Michelle and Steve Guenther

"Kathy, based on past experience, I know how you work.  You do whatever is needed to make it go smoothly.   I trust you and your judgment."

John Ridenhour

"Kathy, we were highly impressed at how easy you made the whole process.  You covered every detail.   We never had any surprises."

Burke and Heather Hunn

"Real estate is your world and you navigated me through it with such skill.  But you know what mattered most?  Knowing that you were personally involved and cared about me as a person.  You are one of a kind!"

Sandy Loving

"The whole experience reminded me of how important it is to work with someone you trust...someone who respects you... someone with this kind of reputation."

Lori Rosen

"We always appreciated the personal care from Kathy, and the feeling that we were moving at our pace, with her giving us great advice and support."

Kristine & Jay Hurt

"Kathy's availability, her contacts and resources, and her caring personality all made for a surprisingly easy transition.  Thanks so much."

Jason & Julie Wiehe

"This is our third transaction with Kathy.  We rely on her 18 years plus experience in the real estate business. In addition, she gives us confidence!"

Sandra and Mike Williams

Jerry and Di appreciate the art of listing a home successfully.

To list a home successfully in today’s world requires a well-orchestrated plan and constant responsiveness.   When I list your home, my team and I follow a plan to ensure that you are being well served.  We also “improvise” to do whatever is necessary to reach your objectives.   Jerry and Di were kind enough to send me this note after settlement.  I have reproduced it in their exact words:

Kathy,

“Everything went so well we wish we had another property you could list for us!  I can’t imagine having anyone else sell a property for us.  You certainly take the pressure off your clients, you always have an answer, you are flexible, and everything you and your organization do is always very professional.  YOU ARE THE BEST!

Both Di and I enjoy your friendship. We feel like we’ve known you for years.”

Jerry and Di

Gracious acknowledgments like this come from wonderful clients who appreciate being well-served, and a listing process that has been crafted and refined over nearly two decades of experience and learning.

"Your constant communication made such a difference."

One of the most critical elements of good service in real estate is staying in communication with people.  Kelly and Jim, homebuyers I worked with, commented on this after the transaction:

"We appreciated how informed you kept us, starting out with a detailed presentation of exactly what we could expect at each stage of the whole process.  Then you were in constant communication, letting us know what was going on, and answering all of our questions.  We really appreciated your patience!

"We learned how complicated the whole process is, and how many little things there are to kept track of, but you kept up with every detail and kept us informed about everything.  You made the whole thing a lot easier…and we got the house we wanted!"

"With your support, I did not have to do it alone!"

As a retired senior whose husband had passed away some years ago, Beth was concerned about getting the most for her home.  She was also worried about the costs associated with her next house. The thought of managing all of this on her own was distressing.  After Settlement Beth shared these thoughts:

"I was worried about this move…doing it alone, the financial aspect, the whole process.  But when I thought we couldn't do this or that, you found a way.  You responded to all of my needs, and the contract is remarkable!  I am really comfortable with the choices I've made."

I have worked with many people making challenging life transitions.  Frequently they feel like Beth...that they are on their own. When I have the opportunity to support them, they know that they are not alone.

First time home buyers find "just right" home!

Gregg and Vicki were first-time home buyers whose stress was at a high point when we first met.  Like many first-timers they were not sure where or how to start, but they did understand that it was no trivial matter to enter into the biggest financial obligation of their life.

We started with some information by describing the main stages of the home buying process, in an understandable way.  After helping them to define their goals, we began the process of looking at homes.  First-time buyers need both technical and emotional support as they learn the process and its decision points.  I was able to help them become "informed consumers" so that, with sound advice, they could make decisions that were in their best interests.  We found their "just right" home, a five-year old townhouse with three levels and wooded backyard, and they are now enjoying the benefits of home ownership.

If you are a first-time home buyer, I will help you get to that "just right" home as well!

Guiding "move-up" buyers through the maze, to realize their Dream.

Larry and Betty had their "dream house" in mind, but like any dream, its achievement is realized in a series of steps.  I had helped them move into their comfortable townhouse seven years earlier, but now they were ready to make their next move.  They wanted a brand new house, but were surprised at the many choices that are available in new construction.  Of course, they also had boundaries and had to balance preferences with costs.

I was able to guide them through what seemed like a maze of decisions, until we arrived at a complete home that they are now enjoying, and within the requirements of their budget. Besides helping them fulfill their practical needs, the real joy was in contributing to the realization of one of their important life goals.

If you want this kind of support in achieving your Dream to move up to a better home, I can help you make it happen.

Knowledge leads to confidence and realization of a real estate goal.

In addition to the technical and practical aspects of buying and/or selling a home there are the emotional aspects.  I was reminded of this as Kelly shared her thoughts on the home she and husband Jordan purchased:

"When we saw the house we wanted, I was shocked and scared.  I realized that to make this happen we had to take action.  But we had come to trust you and after hearing all the pros and cons we decided to make an offer.  How you handled the whole process totally put us at ease.  It was our trust in you that gave us the confidence to act."

Helping people become informed and confident are both key aspects of a positive real estate experience.  When people become informed, and they are working with someone they know is acting with their best interests as the priority, lots of positive results can and do happen.

We can help you in the same way.

A single Mom's impossible dream…comes true!

When I first met Susan she was renting and wondering if home ownership was an "impossible dream."   We worked together and soon she was thrilled to own her first condo.  She later wanted to move to a townhouse, but not at all sure if this was doable.  After a lot a careful watching, searching, and action at just the right time, we were able to find the townhouse that became her new home.  Reflecting on our work together, Susan later commented,

"Back when I was in the apartment I never thought I'd get this far. Kathy, you make the impossible, possible!   Your positive approach helped get me here."

I have learned that shaping a great real estate experience is not just about buying and selling houses.  It's about helping people fulfill their dreams and goals.  Single Moms (and Dads) have their own special challenges and my team and I are here to support their real estate goals.

Relocation from another area to Northern Virginia, made easy.

Lyle and Pam were moving to Northern Virginia from Utah.  They needed a way to gather information on their housing options before they arrived here.  They used my web site to do just that.  When they arrived we "hit the ground running" and within their short time frame found a home that fit their needs and financial requirements.  They later commented that two things were critical to their success: the use of my website for long distance home searches, and my grasp of their goals and preferences.  Said Pam,

"We appreciated Kathy's way of relating to us.  She quickly honed in on our needs, was respectful of our agenda and time requirements, and fully supported what we wanted."

If you are considering a move to the Northern Virginia area, use our website to do searches and receive updates.  Better yet, call or email and I will get a Relocation Package to you.

Not all home buyers realize just how vital it is to have someone representing their best interests when purchasing a new construction home.  The law provides the opportunity for Buyer Broker representation in which the real estate agent represents the home buyer in the purchase of a home.  This applies to new as well as previously owned homes.  

Mike and Katie were moving from their townhouse to a new single family home.  This was their first purchase of a new construction home.  As their Buyer Broker, I represented their best interests as we worked our way through the many options and issues that typically arise.  Mike later commented:

If you are not already familiar with Buyer Broker representation, Contact Us and we will get you relevant information.

Finding the right home even in a Seller's market.

Jennifer and David were not sure that the next move would take them to their Dream home. Jennifer recounted their story in a conversation.  Here is a summary of what she said:

Every set of market conditions has positives as well as challenges.  The important thing is to work with someone whose experience and knowledge will help you navigate through whatever market conditions are prevalent.