Patricia A Smith is a Fairfax County real estate agent with Compass, helping buyers, sellers and investors across Reston, Tysons, Vienna, McLean, Great Falls, Burke and Fairfax. Twenty-plus years of experience and $500M+ in DMV sales, working for you seven days a week.
20+ Years
Licensed in Virginia #0225 211021
District of Columbia #SP40000093
Maryland #5015634
David and Patty Smith have called the DMV home for over 45 years and have been helping families succeed in the DMV real estate market since 2006. With an average of $50 million in sales annually, our focus is in providing personalized service to every client that meets them where they are, whether their goal is to buy or sell a home in the DC Metro area. One of the things we love the most about our work is the opportunity to provide our years of expertise and our cutting edge knowledge of the market in a way that is customized to the personal journey of each client. When you work with us, you have an expert advocate that will source homes for you before they come to market and even those that are never advertised online at all. You will be the first to see a home, and you will have the most thorough information about that home's history, upgrade information and market value available. From Sunday to Saturday, we are there to consult with you by phone and in person when you're considering making a move. We'll educate you about every aspect that you should consider when it comes time to make that important decision about buying or selling a home.
With over $500 million in lifetime sales, our production placed us in the Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide from 2019 - 2025. We are also honored to be recognized as Top Producers by Northern Virginia Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine and are ranked by RealTrends America Ranked in the Top 1.5% Agents in USA as well as in the America's Top 100 Agents. Born in Detroit to a single mother, David is a cancer warrior and survivor who has lived in the DMV since 1976. Born in NY to an Army Veteran, Patty has lived in the DMV since 1981. She uses her own childhood experience of relocating often to connect to her clients, especially those who move into our area to serve our Country. From Generals to first time buyers, we help every client with the same level of expertise and dedication, because we have an in-depth knowledge of the communities in the DMV area. Patty was recently interviewed by the Washington Post, where she shared her expertise in how first time home buyers can successfully buy a home in this challenging market. We believe that community matters, so our goal is to help you find the community that feeds your soul. From there, we can find the house that speaks to you. We are thrilled to start our own new chapter by joining Compass! The unmatched technology and dedication that Compass provides to its agents enables us to provide the very best support to each of our clients.
Last updated:
Whether you're buying your first condo at Reston Town Center or selling an estate in Great Falls, you get a clear plan, honest pricing, and a negotiator who has done this here since 2006.
In a fast market, presentation and pricing are the two biggest levers on your final number. I prepare and stage your home, then market it with professional photography and syndication across every major platform buyers actually use.
From Reston condos to Vienna single-family homes, move-in-ready, well-priced listings continue to draw multiple offers and close near or above asking. We build the strategy together before we ever go live.
More than nine in ten buyers start their search on a screen. Magazine-quality photography, accurate floor plans, and compelling descriptions make your Fairfax County home stand out in a crowded feed and bring qualified buyers to the door.
As of October 2026, homes in Fairfax County sold at a median of $747,577 over the three months ending September, up 4.6% from a year earlier. Price per square foot slipped 0.57% to $349. Redfin counted 932 sales in September, at a median 99.5% of list. At the median with 20% down and Freddie Mac's 7.40% average, principal and interest run about $4,141 a month, and the $1.12 county tax rate adds roughly $698.
My read: Prices are still rising, but the pace has changed. Homes take a little longer, fewer sell over asking and more sellers are cutting price, so buyers have room again. With rates near 7.4%, the rate you lock moves your payment more than the price you negotiate.
Fairfax County covers 391 square miles of Northern Virginia, from McLean and Great Falls to Reston, Vienna and Springfield. The City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church are separate jurisdictions. See all Fairfax County homes for sale or jump to the monthly cost calculator.
| Location | Northern Virginia, west and south of Washington, D.C. · 391 square miles from McLean and Great Falls to Reston, Vienna and Springfield | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| People | About 1,160,925 residents in 433,476 housing units | Census ACS |
| Sale prices | $747,577 county median · $349 per sq ft (down 0.57%) · 3 months ending Sep 2026 | Redfin |
| Speed | 40 median days on market · 932 sales in September 2026 · 21.9% of homes had a price drop | Redfin |
| County asking prices | $744,949 median listing price, down 6.88% from a year earlier, and 2,247 active listings, Aug 2026 | Realtor.com via FRED |
| Property tax | FY 2027 rate of $1.12 per $100 of assessed value, adopted May 5, 2026. Homes in the towns of Vienna and Herndon also pay a town levy | Fairfax County |
| Climate exposure | Flood risk is minor, about 4% of properties over 30 years. Heat is the bigger factor: 52% carry a severe heat rating | First Street via Redfin |
| Mortgage rate | 7.40% 30-year fixed average, week of Oct 15, 2026 (6.27% a year ago) | Freddie Mac PMMS |
Redfin's recently sold list showed 8 Fairfax County closings recorded on October 16, 2026. Their median was $1,012,500, ranging from $569,900 on Wheelwright Court in Reston to $1,380,000 on Jay Miller Drive in Falls Church. One day of sales is a small sample, which is why it runs well above the three-month county median.
Figures are third-party estimates as cited, gathered October 2026. They describe homes and sales, not the people who live here. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Fairfax County Housing Pulse · Updated
Analysis by Patricia A Smith, REALTOR®, Compass · Serving the DMV since 2006
Each reading below is tagged by which side it helps. Sources differ in period, so each card states its own.
Redfin put the county median at 40 days on market in September 2026, two days slower than a year earlier. Homes sold at a median 99.5% of list, and 28.2% went over asking, down from 32.0%.
At Redfin's $747,577 county median with 20% down and a 7.40% rate, principal and interest run about $4,141 a month. Property tax at the $1.12 rate adds about $698, before insurance and any HOA or condo dues.
Up, modestly. The county median rose 4.6%, but price per square foot slipped 0.57%. McLean rose 18.8% while Tysons fell 2.3%, so the trend depends on the area and home type.
| Metric | Now | A year ago | Period | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $747,577 | about $714,700 | 3 months ending Sep 2026 | The middle price of all homes that closed in the period. | Redfin |
| Sale price per sq ft | $349 | about $351 | 3 months ending Sep 2026 | Sale price divided by finished living area, median across sales. | Redfin |
| Homes sold | 932 | 996 | Sep 2026 | Closed sales Redfin counted in Fairfax County. | Redfin |
| Median days on market | 40 | 38 | Sep 2026 | Days from listing to pending contract, median. | Redfin |
| Sale-to-list price | 99.5% | about 99.6% | Sep 2026 | Sale price as a share of the final list price, median. | Redfin |
| Homes sold above list | 28.2% | about 32.0% | Sep 2026 | Share of sales that closed above list price. | Redfin |
| Homes with price drops | 21.9% | about 19.1% | Sep 2026 | Share of listings with at least one price cut. | Redfin |
| Median listing price, county | $744,949 | down 6.88% | Aug 2026 | Middle asking price of active listings in Fairfax County. | Realtor.com via FRED |
| Active listings, county | 2,247 | n/a | Aug 2026 | Homes listed for sale during the month. | Realtor.com via FRED |
| 30-year mortgage rate | 7.40% | 6.27% | Week of Oct 15, 2026 | Freddie Mac weekly average, conforming loans, 20% down. | Freddie Mac PMMS |
| Principal and interest at median | $4,141/mo | about $3,528/mo | Oct 2026 | 20% down on the median price, 30-year fixed. | Calculated |
| Property tax at median | $698/mo | n/a | FY 2027 | Median price times the $1.12 per $100 county rate. | Fairfax County |
| Severe flood risk, 30 years | 4% | n/a | First Street model | Share of county properties at severe flood risk over 30 years. | First Street via Redfin |
Cite this: Patricia A Smith, Compass, "Fairfax County Housing Pulse," https://livinginfairfaxcountyvirginia.com/#pulse, updated October 20, 2026.
Year-ago values are derived from each source's reported change. Periods differ by source and are stated on every card. Figures describe homes and sales, not residents. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Six areas buyers ask about most, side by side: the median sale price against the county median, the monthly payment on that figure, and what drives value in each. Filter by home type.
Showing 6 of 6 neighborhoods
Median sale $1,948,710
About $10,794/mo principal and interest20% down at 7.40%, on $1,948,710
Up 18.8% year over year
Close-in estates and new builds between the Potomac and Tysons. A handful of large sales can move this median, so I price from the nearest comps.
Median sale $1,899,096
About $10,519/mo principal and interest20% down at 7.40%, on $1,899,096
Up 13.4% year over year
Wooded lots near Great Falls Park and the Potomac. Many homes run on well and septic, so I order those inspections early.
Median sale $1,356,854
About $7,516/mo principal and interest20% down at 7.40%, on $1,356,854
47 days on market, up 15
A walkable Church Street center on the W&OD Trail. Homes inside town limits also pay Town of Vienna tax, so check the jurisdiction first.
Median sale $694,669
About $3,848/mo principal and interest20% down at 7.40%, on $694,669
35 days on market, 3 faster
Split-levels and townhomes near the Franconia-Springfield Metro and VRE stations, the Springfield Interchange and Springfield Town Center.
Median sale $647,571
About $3,587/mo principal and interest20% down at 7.40%, on $647,571
Up 7.9%, 34 days on market
Robert E. Simon's 1964 planned town of village centers, lakes and trails, with two Silver Line stations. Reston Association dues apply to most homes.
Median sale $473,974
About $2,625/mo principal and interest20% down at 7.40%, on $473,974
Down 2.3% year over year
High-rise condos around four Silver Line stations and Tysons Corner Center. The lowest entry point on this list; condo fees belong in the payment.
No community matches that filter. Ask me about nearby options.
Figures reflect Redfin medians for the three months ending August 2026 (McLean, Reston) or September 2026 (all others), seen in October 2026, and move constantly. Payment estimates exclude tax, insurance and HOA dues; see the monthly cost calculator. The dark tick on each bar marks the Fairfax County median sale price of $747,577.
The same numbers point different ways depending on whether you are buying, selling or investing. Pick your goal for the two signals that matter most and the move I would make next.
21.9%of homes had a price drop, up 2.8 pt
Redfin shows 21.9% of Fairfax County homes with a price drop in September 2026, and only 28.2% sold above list.
Why it matters: homes past their first two weeks often leave room to negotiate on price or credits.
Redfin, Sep 2026
$4,141monthly principal and interest at median
A higher median and a rate of 7.40%, up from 6.27%, put the payment about $613 above a year ago.
Why it matters: many buyers compare Springfield, Reston or Tysons for the same commute at a lower price.
Redfin and Freddie Mac · 20% down on the median
$747,577median sale, up 4.6%
Redfin's county median rose 4.6% over the three months ending September 2026, and homes sold at 99.5% of list.
Why it matters: well-prepared homes still sell close to full price. Lead with condition and location.
Redfin, 3 months to Sep 2026
28.2%sold above list
Only 28.2% of September sales closed above list, down 3.8 points from a year earlier.
Why it matters: overpricing costs time and usually a cut. Price it right on day one.
Redfin, Sep 2026
$473,974Tysons median sale, down 2.3%
Tysons, with four Silver Line stations, sold at a median of $473,974 over the three months ending September 2026, down 2.3%.
Why it matters: transit-served condos are the easiest units to rent, and buyers face less competition than last year.
Redfin, 3 months to Sep 2026
7.40%30-year fixed, week of Oct 15
Freddie Mac's average is 1.13 points above a year ago, which squeezes leveraged returns.
Why it matters: run each deal at today's rate, not the rate you hope for after closing.
Freddie Mac PMMS, Oct 15, 2026
Jump to: Housing pulse · Communities · Price trends · Monthly cost calculator · Risk exposure · FAQ
By Patricia A Smith, REALTOR®, Compass · Updated · Figures carry their source; interpretation lines are mine.
01The 60-Second Overview
Fairfax County wraps around the west and south of Washington, D.C., from the Potomac at Great Falls to Springfield and the Occoquan. It is the most populous county in Virginia. Four chapters, fifteen seconds each.
Fairfax County was formed in 1742 and named for Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax. Robert E. Simon founded Reston in 1964, Tysons Corner Center opened in 1968, and Metro's Silver Line reached Tysons and Reston in 2014.
1742
The year Fairfax County was formed
Census estimates count about 1,160,925 residents in 433,476 housing units across 391 square miles. The FY 2027 real estate tax rate is $1.12 per $100 of assessed value, cut a quarter cent in May 2026.
Homes across the county sold at a median of $747,577 over the three months ending September 2026, at $349 per square foot. McLean's median was $1,948,710, while Tysons condos and townhomes sold at a median of $473,974.
$747,577
Fairfax County median sale, 3 months to Sep 2026
$349/sq ft · 40 days · flood risk Minor
Inside one county, the jurisdiction, school pyramid, tax levies, HOA dues and commute can change from street to street. I verify each of these for a specific home before you commit, usually during the inspection period.
1:00Your next sixty seconds
Sources: Fairfax County; Reston; Tysons Corner Center; Silver Line; Redfin Fairfax County; Redfin McLean; Census ACS; Fairfax County FY 2027 budget, accessed .
Each chart states its window and sample. Two-point charts compare the same window a year apart; the recent-closings chart uses the eight Fairfax County sales Redfin listed for October 16, 2026, so single homes move it.
Adjust the numbers for your home
Defaults: Redfin's Fairfax County median price, Freddie Mac's Oct 15, 2026 rate, and the $1.12 per $100 FY 2027 county rate. Your real bill follows the parcel's assessment plus any town or special district levy. Add your HOA and homeowners insurance quotes. Estimate only; excludes PMI.
Get A Real Number For A Real HouseHow many people the county holds, and how exposed its homes are to flood, heat and wind over the next 30 years.
Sources: Fairfax County population (ACS); First Street via Redfin, Fairfax County. Check FEMA flood maps and get an insurance quote for any specific address, especially near stream valleys and low-lying lots.
Straight answers to the questions buyers and sellers ask most, with Redfin figures as of .
Countywide the median sale price was $747,577 over the three months ending September 2026, up 4.6%. It ranges widely, from a Tysons median near $474K to McLean and Great Falls medians near $1.9M.
A little slower than last year. Redfin put the county median at 40 days on market in September 2026, up from 38. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes still go faster.
Less often than last year. 28.2% of September 2026 sales closed above list, down from 32.0%, at a median sale-to-list ratio of 99.5%.
Close to balanced. Prices are still up 4.6%, but 21.9% of homes took a price cut in September 2026 and fewer sold over asking, so buyers have more room than a year ago.
Springfield, Annandale, Centreville, and Burke typically offer more home for the money, while McLean, Vienna, and Great Falls command the highest prices.
Top-rated FCPS schools, Metro access on the Silver, Orange, Blue, and Yellow lines, and proximity to D.C., the Pentagon, Dulles, and Amazon's HQ2.
Sources: Redfin, Realtor.com, and the U.S. Census Bureau, gathered October 2026. Figures vary by ZIP, price band, and property type and are subject to change.
FCPS is one of the largest and highest-performing districts in the nation, and school pyramids strongly shape home values. Boundaries change always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address at fcps.edu.
School ratings reference public sources including GreatSchools and U.S. News; verify current ratings and attendance boundaries before relying on them.
Day to day, Fairfax County works like a set of connected small cities. Tysons and Reston Town Center handle the big shopping and dining, Wegmans and neighborhood markets cover errands, and Inova’s Level 1 trauma center sits in the middle of the county off I-495.
The Fairfax County Park Authority runs 420 parks on more than 23,000 acres, with about 325 miles of trails and nine rec centers. Burke Lake and Lake Accotink are lakefront parks, and Great Falls Park on the Potomac opens daily from 7 a.m. until dark.
Sources: Fairfax County Park Authority; National Park Service, accessed .Wegmans at 11620 Monument Drive in Fairfax is open 6 AM to midnight with a pharmacy, and a second Wegmans sits at 7905 Hilltop Village Center Drive in Alexandria. The Mosaic District at 2905 District Avenue hosts a FreshFarm farmers market.
Sources: Wegmans Fairfax; Wegmans Alexandria; Mosaic District, accessed .Inova Fairfax Medical Campus at 3300 Gallows Road is Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 trauma center and home to Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital. Inova Fair Oaks runs a 24/7 ER at 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive, and Reston Hospital Center is a Level II trauma center with a freestanding ER in Tysons.
Sources: Inova Fairfax; Inova Fair Oaks; HCA Virginia, accessed .Fairfax County Public Library has 23 branches, including nine regional libraries with longer hours; call 703-324-3100. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts at 1551 Trap Road in Vienna stages concerts, opera and dance from May through September.
Sources: Fairfax County Public Library; National Park Service, accessed .Annandale is the region’s unofficial Koreatown, with Honey Pig and Kogiya for barbecue and Choong Man Chicken for fried chicken. Reston Town Center adds about 35 restaurants, and the Mosaic District mixes cafes with the Angelika Film Center.
Sources: Visit Fairfax; Reston Town Center; Mosaic District, accessed .Tysons Corner Center opened in 1968 and holds 300+ stores, the largest mall in the Baltimore-Washington area, with Tysons Galleria across Chain Bridge Road. George Washington’s Mount Vernon at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway is open 365 days a year.
Sources: Wikipedia; Mount Vernon, accessed .A walkable, Metro-served downtown with dining, a pavilion, and year-round events.
Two super-regional malls; Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria plus high-rise living.
Dramatic Potomac River overlooks, hiking, and climbing minutes from McLean.
A 4.7-mile loop, fishing, disc golf, and a beloved miniature railroad.
A 45-mile paved rail-trail threading Reston, Vienna, and Herndon for cyclists and runners.
Merrifield's walkable hub of restaurants, a cinema, and boutiques just over the line.
Vienna's Church Street and the Town of Herndon bring small-town main streets to the county.
The Cross County Trail and Lake Accotink link neighborhoods to woods and water.
Served by the Silver, Orange, Blue, and Yellow Metro lines, the Dulles Toll Road, I-66, I-495 (the Capital Beltway), the Fairfax County Parkway, and VRE commuter rail. Off-peak drive estimates:
| Destination | From | Distance | Off-peak drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | Tysons | ~12 mi | ~25 min |
| The Pentagon | Fairfax | ~17 mi | ~25 min |
| Dulles Airport (IAD) | Reston | ~9 mi | ~15 min |
| Reagan National (DCA) | Vienna | ~15 mi | ~25 min |
| Amazon HQ2 / Crystal City | Springfield | ~12 mi | ~20 min |
| Bethesda, MD | McLean | ~9 mi | ~20 min |
Off-peak estimates; rush-hour times vary considerably. Sources: WMATA / Metro and mapping services, 2026.
Fairfax County was formed from Prince William County and named for Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.
The county seat grew around the courthouse at the City of Fairfax, today an independent city surrounded by the county.
Robert E. Simon founded Reston as a planned community built around village centers and Lake Anne — a model for new-town design.
Once a rural crossroads, Tysons grew into Northern Virginia's commercial core and a regional shopping destination.
Metro's Silver Line reached Tysons and Reston, reshaping growth and transit-oriented development across the county.
With over 1.1 million residents, Fairfax County is among the most populous and highly educated counties in the nation.
The county park system covers more than 23,000 acres, so most homes here sit near a lake, stream valley or trailhead. These are the places residents use every week, from Burke Lake on a Saturday morning to a W&OD ride to work.
At 888 acres on 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station, Burke Lake Park wraps a 4.7-mile loop around the lake. Families come for the miniature train, carousel, mini-golf and disc golf, and anglers rent boats at the marina. There is also a campground and a separate golf center. The Shelter A playgrounds and the ice cream parlor are being renovated into early 2027.
Source: Fairfax County Park Authority, accessed .The Potomac drops through a rocky gorge just west of McLean, with overlooks a short walk from the parking lots. Entry is $20 per vehicle for seven days, or $35 for an annual pass that also covers the C&O Canal. The park takes no cash, so buy passes on Recreation.gov before you go. It is open daily from 7 a.m. until dark.
Source: NPS fees; NPS basic info, accessed .The paved W&OD runs 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville along an old railroad bed, with access points in Vienna, Reston and Herndon. Cyclists, runners and skaters share the paved lane, and a 32-mile gravel trail alongside it is open to horses. For many Reston and Vienna owners it doubles as a car-free commute.
Source: NOVA Parks, accessed .This 41.5-mile trail crosses the county from Great Falls Park on the Potomac south to the Occoquan River and Laurel Hill. Most of it follows stream valley parkland, including the Accotink section near the Beltway. Expect natural surface, stone dust and some mud, so it suits hikers and mountain bikers more than road bikes.
Source: Fairfax County Park Authority, accessed .At 3701 Lockheed Boulevard in the Alexandria area, Huntley Meadows has some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington region. A boardwalk crosses the wetlands; dogs are not allowed on it. The Norma Hoffman Visitor Center is at 703-768-2525, and fall weekday hours run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays.
Source: Fairfax County Park Authority, accessed .About 95 acres of landscaped and native gardens sit at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court in Vienna, including the Korean Bell Garden and Lake Caroline. From early November to early January, the Winter Walk of Lights fills the grounds. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 17 and 60+, and free for children 5 and under.
Source: NOVA Parks, accessed .Want to know how far a home is from the nearest trailhead or lake? I map park and trail access for every property we tour. Park figures from the Fairfax County Park Authority, NOVA Parks and the National Park Service, October 2026.
Dozens of restaurants, cafes, and a seasonal pavilion in a walkable, Metro-served center.
A walkable dining and entertainment hub with chef-driven restaurants and a cinema.
Vienna's charming downtown stretch of local restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
One of the largest shopping centers on the East Coast, with flagship and department stores.
An upscale mall anchored by luxury retailers and fine dining, steps from Metro.
Open air and enclosed shopping near the county's center with national brands and dining.
Listings are highlights of well-known destinations and are provided for general information only; they are not endorsements. Hours, ownership, and offerings change — confirm details directly before you visit.
Taxes here are simpler than in many states: one county real estate tax, billed twice a year, with no separate school tax bill. Homes in the towns of Vienna and Herndon add a town levy, and some areas carry special district charges, so the same price can mean a different bill a few streets apart.
Virginia taxes real estate per $100 of assessed value. Fairfax County set its FY 2027 rate at $1.12 on May 5, 2026, down from $1.1225. 2026 assessments rose 4.31% on average, to a mean of $1,012,504 for single-family homes, $612,580 for townhomes and $387,560 for condos.
Sources: Fairfax County FY 2027 budget; Annandale Today, 2026 assessments, accessed .Owners 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, can get 100% relief with household income up to $60,000, stepping down to 25% relief at $80,001 to $90,000. Net assets must stay under $400,000, not counting the home. Returning applicants file by May 1.
Sources: Fairfax County tax relief, accessed .Real estate tax is due in two installments, July 28 and December 5. Call the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234. At closing, the seller pays a grantor’s tax and two regional fees of $0.10 per $100 each, and the buyer pays recordation tax of $0.25 per $100 to the state plus $0.083 to the county.
Sources: Fairfax County real estate tax; Circuit Court land records fees, accessed .Dominion Energy serves most homes; call 1-866-366-4357. NOVEC covers parts of Centreville and Clifton at 703-378-8422. Washington Gas supplies most natural gas at 703-750-1000, and Columbia Gas serves parts of Chantilly and Herndon at 1-800-543-8911.
Sources: Fairfax County utility providers, accessed .Fairfax Water, 703-698-5800, serves the county outside the towns of Herndon (703-435-6814) and Vienna (703-255-6385). County sewer is billed quarterly on the same water bill; questions go to Wastewater at 703-324-5015.
Sources: Fairfax County utility providers; Fairfax County wastewater billing, accessed .Only about 10% of households get county trash service, mostly in older eastern neighborhoods. Everyone else hires a private hauler, and a typical neighborhood has about three. A countywide hauling plan stalled in May 2026. Glass goes in 27 purple cans; Public Works is at 703-324-5230.
Sources: Fairfax County Public Works; FFXnow, accessed .A track record built on repeat clients and referrals across Fairfax County and the DMV.
As a first time homebuyer, Patty and Dave were incredibly helpful. They listened really carefully to what we wanted, curated a list of houses that was very appropriate to our (oddly specific) needs. When we found the perfect house - with little time to spare before the bidding period closed - they worked really fast to put together a compelling offer. And we got the house! They are hardworking, knowledgeable, and truly want the best for their clients. I would absolutely use their services again, and recommend them to everyone I know who are currently looking for houses.
Patty and Dave are the best! They are great to work with. They spent nearly a year with us, allowing us to take our time to explore different areas in the DMV to figure out where we could see ourselves living. They very quickly learned what we were looking for and were always patient -- never pressured us in any direction, but provided extremely helpful insight. Super knowledgeable and great people. Highly recommend! Great for first time home buyers as they take the time to explain each stage of the process to you.
Patty helped me buy my first home (a condo) and it was an excellent experience. She and her husband Dave were both very knowledgeable about the process and took the time to listen to my needs and help me find a place that was the best fit for me. I never felt rushed or pressured. They were responsive and attentive throughout the entire process. It honestly couldn't have been a better experience and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a home or condo.
From Metro served urban villages to wooded estates and family cul de sacs, Fairfax County covers real range. Here's a quick orientation, and when you're ready, reach out so I can match the right neighborhood to your priorities.
A planned community of village centers around Lake Anne, anchored by the walkable Reston Town Center.
ExploreNorthern Virginia's downtown new construction condos, flagship retail, and everything walkable.
ExploreA small town with big demand, top-rated school pyramids, and a charming historic center.
ExploreA prestige address near the CIA and the Potomac, feeding highly ranked high schools.
ExploreLow-density estates near the Potomac — space, privacy, and the Langley pyramid.
ExploreTrail laced and family friendly around Burke Lake Park, with strong value and schools.
ExploreCentral and convenient near GMU and major arteries, with larger lots in Fairfax Station.
ExploreSome of the county's best value, with easy Beltway access and a Franconia–Springfield Metro.
ExploreAffordable newer construction and tech-corridor jobs, with rural charm nearby in Clifton.
ExploreClear communication, honest advice, and a calm hand from first conversation to closing day and long after.
Seven days a week, by phone, text, and email you're never left wondering.
Pricing and offers grounded in real Fairfax County comparables, not guesswork.
Trusted vendor referrals and market check-ins for years to come.
Start by getting pre-approved with a lender so you know your budget and can make a strong offer. Then we tour homes, including off-market listings, submit an offer, and once accepted complete inspections, appraisal, and financing during the contract period before closing. Even with the market slower than last year, being fully underwritten and decisive matters on the best homes. I guide you through every step.
We price your home using current Fairfax County comparables (recent sales of similar nearby homes), prepare and stage it, then market it with professional photography across Compass, Bright MLS, Zillow, and more. Move-in-ready, competitively priced homes still sell close to full price, at a median 99.5% of list in September 2026. Presentation and pricing strategy are everything.
As of October 2026, Fairfax County is close to a balanced market. Redfin put the median sale price at $747,577 over the three months ending September, up 4.6%, with homes taking a median of 40 days to sell and 28.2% closing above list. More sellers are cutting price, so buyers have more room than a year ago. The right strategy depends on your goals and the specific community.
It depends on price and loan type. Tysons and Reston condos can come in well below the county median, while McLean and Great Falls homes run above $1.5 million. Down payments range from 3 to 5% on many loans up to 20% to avoid mortgage insurance, plus closing costs of roughly 2 to 5%. Veterans and active military may qualify for zero-down VA loans. I'll connect you with trusted local lenders.
Real estate commissions are negotiable and not set by law. Following recent industry changes, buyer and seller agent compensation is discussed and agreed upfront in writing. Sellers also budget for prep, staging, and standard closing costs; buyers budget for inspections, appraisal, and closing costs. I walk you through every number before you commit so there are no surprises.
Escrow is a neutral third party that holds your deposit and funds until the sale closes, protecting both sides. A contingency is a condition that must be met for the deal to proceed: common ones cover the home inspection, appraisal, and financing. If a contingency is not satisfied, you can typically renegotiate or walk away with your deposit. I make sure your contract protects you.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is one of the largest and highest-performing districts in the nation. Top high schools include Thomas Jefferson HSST (a top-ranked U.S. magnet), Langley and McLean, Madison and Oakton, South Lakes (IB), Lake Braddock, and Robinson. Boundaries change, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address at fcps.edu.
It depends on your lifestyle. Choose Reston or Tysons for walkable, Metro-served living, Vienna or McLean for top schools and prestige, Great Falls for wooded estates, Burke for family value near trails, Fairfax for central convenience, and Springfield, Annandale, or Centreville for the best value. I'll match communities to your priorities.
Absolutely. Relocation is a specialty. Having moved often as a child, I know how stressful it is, and I work with many clients moving to the DMV to serve our country. I offer virtual tours, neighborhood video walkthroughs, and remote document signing, and can coordinate everything so you can buy with confidence before you ever arrive in Northern Virginia.
Get fully pre-approved, understand your true monthly cost, and explore low down payment and first time buyer programs, including Virginia Housing options and VA loans for service members. A strong, clean offer and quick decisions matter when well-priced homes sell fast. I was interviewed by The Washington Post on exactly this, and I'll coach you through it.
Redfin put the county median at 40 days on market in September 2026, up from 38 a year earlier. Well priced, move-in-ready homes still sell faster, while unique or higher priced properties may take longer. The full timeline from accepted offer to closing is usually 30 to 45 days. Pricing and presentation are the biggest levers on both speed and final price.
Historically, yes. The county benefits from constrained supply, top schools, Metro expansion, and proximity to D.C., the Pentagon, Dulles, and Amazon's HQ2, which supports stable long-term demand. Condos near Metro and homes in strong school pyramids see steady rental and resale interest. I help investors evaluate cash flow, appreciation potential, and the right locations.
Online estimates are a starting point but often miss condition, upgrades, and hyper-local Fairfax County nuances. I provide a complimentary, data-backed home valuation using recent comparable sales and an in-person walkthrough, so you get a realistic price range and a strategy to maximize your return. Call 571-525-8250 or use the contact form to request yours.
Very. The Silver, Orange, Blue, and Yellow Metro lines, plus I-66, I-495, the Dulles Toll Road, and VRE, connect the county to the region. Off peak, downtown D.C. is roughly 25 minutes from Tysons, Dulles Airport about 15 minutes from Reston, and the Pentagon about 25 minutes from Fairfax.
The best agent is the one with proven local results and a clear plan for your goals. Patricia A Smith of Compass has helped DMV buyers and sellers since 2006, with more than $500 million in lifetime sales. She ranked in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide from 2019 to 2025, and RealTrends ranks her among the top 1,000 agents in the nation for 2026. Call 571-525-8250 to compare her plan with others.
Usually not. First Street data via Redfin rates Fairfax County's flood risk as minor, with about 4% of properties at severe risk over 30 years. Lenders require flood insurance when a home with a federally backed mortgage sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, mostly along stream valleys. Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding, so I check the county's Flood Risk Awareness Tool for every address.
The Fairfax County Park Authority runs 420 parks on more than 23,000 acres, with about 325 miles of trails and nine rec centers. Burke Lake and Lake Accotink are favorite lakefront parks, and Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon keeps a working 1930s farm. Great Falls Park on the Potomac opens daily from 7 a.m. until dark.
Every community has supermarkets close by, and Wegmans runs two large stores in the county. The Fairfax store at 11620 Monument Drive and the Alexandria store at 7905 Hilltop Village Center Drive open 6 AM to midnight with pharmacies. The Mosaic District at 2905 District Avenue also hosts a FreshFarm farmers market.
Annandale is the region's unofficial Koreatown, known for Honey Pig and Kogiya for barbecue and Choong Man Chicken for Korean fried chicken. Reston Town Center has about 35 restaurants, and the Mosaic District pairs restaurants and cafes with the Angelika Film Center. Ask me for favorites near any home you are considering.
Yes. Fairfax County Public Library has 23 branches, including nine regional libraries with longer hours, such as Reston, Chantilly, George Mason and Tysons-Pimmit. Call 703-324-3100 or check the library's branch list for hours near a specific address.
Fairfax County has 13 Metro stations. The Silver Line runs through Tysons, Reston and Herndon, with stops including McLean, Spring Hill, Wiehle-Reston East and Reston Town Center. The Orange Line serves Vienna and Dunn Loring near the Mosaic District, while Franconia-Springfield and Huntington serve the south county. Tysons condos and townhomes sold at a median of $473,974 over the three months ending September 2026, well under the county median.
Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in Fairfax County and the DMV, reach out for a no-pressure conversation. Available seven days a week, by phone and in person.
Everything you need to buy with confidence across Fairfax County and the wider DMV.