Welcome to my new column - Your Northern Virginia Real Estate Questions, Answered!

Today's market is complex. The Northern Virginia real estate market, though recovering is not isolated from these complexities. Understanding and participating in it can be intimidating, confusing and overwhelming. Especially when you are a first time homebuyer or seller! My goal in starting this "blogumn" was to develop a forum in which I could answer your questions not only about real estate, but topics as they relate to the purchase, sale or lease of real estate.

I entered the real estate market for myself, 10 years ago. It was a very busy time in my life. I was engaged in a successful career as a Staffing Manager with Proxicom, Inc. I was negotiating contracts and managing hundreds of resources. I was renting a tiny 1 bedroom apartment and ended up owing Uncle Sam at the end of each year. A friend had bought a home and it didn't seem too difficult. It seemed like a logical next step in my life.

I contacted an agent. She was sweet, but provided me with no education and I had no idea what to expect. When I found a home I liked I wasn't clear on much that was to happen after that and I was terrified during the contract writing process. As much as I'd wanted to purchase a home I'd not spent much time researching the process. I relied heavily on my agent to guide me. I made it through the process and luckily bought a wonderful home that I kept for several years, but the experience planted a seed and my interest in Northern Virginia real estate went to the next level. Shortly after I pursued a real estate salesperson license and about a year later I hung that license with a local brokerage. 

Today, I make education my number one priority when counseling buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords. My goal is to take the mystery out of the transaction and in the meantime, help you keep your sense of humor! I put my heart in every home!

Please email me with questions you'd like answered or leave your questions in the comments section below!

Melinda@MyAgentMelinda.com