Washington, D.C. is a hot bed of political intrigue (at least on TV), government workers moving in and out of office, and families looking for the best possible schools for their children. The area is littered with homes in the spring and summer, but homes are snapped up quickly. Not all neighborhoods, or DC suburbs, are created equal, which is why a great realtor is worth their weight in gold.
When looking for the best realtor to fit your needs, don’t be afraid to interview a few and get to know them. Not all personalities click, and not all realtors know the specific area you want to focus on as well as others. If you have children, you will want a realtor who understands the school system and which DC neighborhoods have the best schools. DC is notorionotorious for having bad schools that often cause parents to send their children to a private school. A good realtor can steer you towards the better schools, or a county in Maryland and Virginia that may be a better fit with an easy commute into the city for work.
Below is my list of the top realtors in the Washington, D.C. area, including two of the realtors I used to buy my home when we moved across the country and had no idea where to begin our search. These same two realtors recommended their top competitors in the field.
Ashley Fitzgerald, Real Living at Home
If you ever wanted to go house hunting with your best friend, Ashley is that person. From the get go she figures out what you need and how she can deliver. As a mother, she is well versed in the local school districts, making it easy for families to steer away from areas that may not be the best academic fit. Like a true best friend, she will never push you towards something you aren’t sure about, or may not be able to afford. As a former lawyer, she will always make you ask yourself the tough questions, so you buy the house that is perfect for you.
Jason Koitz, The Koitz Group
When it comes to knowing the city, you can’t beat Jason Koitz. He knows anyone and everyone in the city that is selling property… and where to get the best coffee in town. As a second-generation realtor, Jason went to work for their mother, Gretchen, after working as a Wine Director and Operations Consultant for some of the top hospitality groups in the metro area. He is not afraid to negotiate to get his client the best price, and can steer your towards the perfect DC neighborhood that fits your personality.
Jessica Evans, Love Live DC
Jessica Evans does not believe that real estate can be a one-size fits all formula. Everyone has different needs and personalities. Her degree in economics from the University of Maryland allows her to help her clients understand the impact of their current and future real estate decisions. Her mission is to support and protect her clients through the entire buying and selling process, so you can sit back and know you are in good hands during one of the most stressful times of your life.
Rob Carter, Century 21
Knowledgeable, detail-oriented and on theball are just a few of the ways you could describe Rob Carter. He gives his clients status updates before they even remember to ask, advises a seller on how to stage their homes and the best pricing position to get their house sold quickly, and even above market price. If you have a list a mile long, Rob will steer you away from what doesn’t fit your list, and never pressure you into something that isn’t perfect, even if it takes years to find you the property of your dreams.
Maria Fernandez, Valentino and Associates
As a real estate professional that has lived in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Maria Fernandez knows the best counties and neighborhoods that will fit your needs. Her background in teaching gives her further insight into the educational benefits of certain areas around the city for families with children. Navigating the education system in DC is not as easy as you may think, but Fernandez can walk you through your options, whether you chose to stay in the city, or head out into the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.
Dale Rickenbach, ReMax
Twenty-nine years selling real estate in the DC-metro area is bound to give you a few advantages in the market. Dale Rickenbach and his team specialize in luxury home sales, particularly in golf course communities and waterfront homes. However, they aren’t afraid to tackle any client’s budgets or needs.
The Catherine Czuba Group
When ninety-five percent of your business is coming from referrals, you must be doing something right. The Catherine Czuba Group, which includes Czuba, Marian Lobred and Katrina Schymik, is known for its outstanding track record and integrity. These three gals bring their own unique skills to the table when it comes to buying and selling homes, no matter the economic conditions in the housing market.
Eng Garcia Properties
ENG Garcia Properties isn’t just a one-person show, it’s an entire team of professionals working to make sure you sell your home for the best price, and buy your dream home in the best shape possible. Not only are there realtors in the company, but also staging professionals, a licensed interior designer and a licensed attorney make up your power team when it comes to selling and buying your next home.
Trent Heminger, Trent & Co.
When you are moving to DC, but you just aren’t sure what sort of space you want or need Trent Heminger is whom you call. Heminger specializes in Northwest DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. He cut his real estate teeth selling large-scale condominiums communities in the city back in 2000. He has since moved onto including single-family homes into his repertoire, especially since he is now a family man with two twin girls.
Long & Foster Real Estate
Long & Foster is everywhere in the DC-metro area. You will see their red, black and yellow signs on every other home, or at least it feels that way. It is also the nation’s number one privately owned real estate company, having been in the business of finding people their perfect home since 1968. They have thousands of listings that span the region, no matter what part of the city or suburbs you are looking to settle down in. Long & Foster also has a title and escrow business arm that can streamline your buying process.
