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Real Estate Agent
Chris Ann Cleland
Associate Broker, Licensed in VA, serving Bristow, Gainesville & Haymarket, VA. Whether your home is a Short Sale, or Equity Sale, I have the skills to get you the most money in the shortest time.
Cell: 703-402-0037
Office: 703-402-0037
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Real Estate Agent
Lenn Harley
Experienced Realtors helping home buyers all the way from your home search, contract, inspections, and settlement. FREE One Year Home Warranty.
Office: (800) 711-7988
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All About Virginia Real Estate

By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
DMV Housing Market Update: Spring to Summer ShiftThe DMV housing market is moving from the fast-paced spring season into a slower, steadier summer rhythm. 🏡 DMV Housing Market Update ▶ Watch This Video on YouTube The DMV housing market is officially shifting from the fast-paced spring season into a slower, steadier summer rhythm. Inventory is rising across many parts of the DMV, giving buyers more choices and a little more breathing room compared to earlier this year. At the same time, prices overall are staying relatively flat, but the market still feels very mixed depending on the area and property type. The DMV market is not crashing and it is not exploding. It is moving slowly, steadily, and strategically into summer. What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Right Now Single-family homes...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
The DC Metro Area Is Quietly Dominating One of America’s Biggest Wealth RankingsFour of the Top 10 richest counties in America are located right here in the DC Metro region. 📍 DC Metro Real Estate & Lifestyle Insights ▶ Watch This Video on YouTube The DC Metro area continues to prove why it remains one of the most desirable and resilient real estate markets in the country. According to recent wealth rankings, four of the Top 10 richest counties in America are located right here in the DC Metro region. Arlington County ranks #1, while Loudoun County and Fairfax County continue holding strong positions near the top. Howard County, Maryland also makes the list at #7. What makes this even more impressive? Six of the Top 10 wealthiest counties in America are located on the East Coast. But fo...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Seller Success Story🏡 True Story: Sold $15,000 Over List Price in a Saturated Condo MarketHow smart strategy turned a tough Reston market into a winning saleBy Ritu Desai ‱ DMV RealtorThe Reston condo market isn't easy right now. Inventory is up. Buyers are picky. And a lot of sellers are sitting on the market longer than expected.So when my Southgate clients came to me ready to sell, I knew we had to do things differently. Instead of following the crowd and hoping for the best, we built a strategy designed to stand out, attract serious buyers, and create real demand for their condo. đŸŽ„ Watch The Full Story ▶ Watch on YouTube Here's What We Did Differently đŸ”č Priced Strategically We priced to attract the right buyers and generate real competition — not just chase the highest number on pap...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Are you selling your home in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or anywhere in Hampton Roads? You may not be getting the check that you think you are at closing. I'm seeing sellers all over our area get blindsided at the closing table, walking away with $20,000 to $30,000 less than they had planned.   Why is this happening? It's because they're trusting an online estimate instead of a real seller's net sheet. If you're counting on your home equity to buy your next house, you need to stop guessing and start looking at the true closing costs.The $30,000 Closing Day Surprise I recently sat down with a couple in Hickory who were ready to pull the trigger on their dream home. They looked at Zillow, subtracted their mortgage balance, and thought they had a $100,000 down payment ready to go.   When ...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Your Equity Might Be Higher Than You ThinkIf you own a home in Sawyer's Mill, you're sitting in one of the most in-demand neighborhoods in the Grassfield High School district right now. The numbers don't lie, and they're telling a very clear story: it's a seller's market.Let me break it down for you.The Numbers Over the past 12 months, here's what's happened in Sawyer's Mill:     That last number is the one that should grab your attention. Only two homes are currently for sale in the entire neighborhood. Meanwhile, 16 homes have sold in the past year, which means buyer demand is significantly outpacing supply. What This Means for You If you've been even remotely thinking about selling, here's the reality: buyers want to be in Sawyer's Mill. They want the community pool, the clubhouse, t...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Are you wondering if now is the right time to make a move in Chesapeake? With the spring 2026 market heating up, Westfield at Hickory Manor is seeing incredible activity, and I’ve got the latest data to help you navigate it. Currently, there are 9 active listings with an average price of $603,878 and an average size of 2,539 square feet. Homes are moving steadily, with a median of 55 days on the market and an average of 65 days. Over the past six months, 10 homes have successfully closed, boasting an average sold price of $597,480.  Featured Listings:   ‱514 Cavendish Way: Listed at $550,000, this is the Brimsley floor plan. It is the most affordable entry point into the neighborhood right now. As a former model home, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath property offers 2,431 square feet of upgrade...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
This one pricing mistake is burning through $20,000 of your home equity, and you probably think you're being smart.   Most sellers in Hampton Roads are leaving money on the table because they're following old-school advice in a new-school market. Today, I'm going to break down the three biggest pricing myths that kill your deal. Stick around for the third one, because it's the secret of how I get my clients double the views online!   I recently spoke with a homeowner in the Salem area of Virginia Beach who listed their house $50,000 over the neighborhood comps just to "test the market" because they weren't in a rush. But here's the reality: a stale listing is a disaster for your bottom line. They had zero offers for three months. When they finally dropped the price to where it should b...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
  Are you sitting on a goldmine in Etheridge Lakes? 🏡📈 If you own a home in this highly sought-after Chesapeake neighborhood, you might be surprised by what the spring 2026 market is doing.    Spring 2026 Market Snapshot: Etheridge Lakes vs. Hickory District When we look at the numbers, Etheridge Lakes continues to outperform the broader Hickory High School district. The median sold price in Etheridge Lakes over the past six months was $690,000—a 12.2% premium over the district median of $615,000.  Compared to my last update in September 2025, the median sold price has increased by 3.7%, even though overall sales volume is slightly lower. Homes are selling for an average of 99.9% of their list price, meaning sellers who price their homes correctly are getting exactly what they ask for—...
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Update: Recent Shifts Every Buyer and Seller Should Know in 2026The Hampton Roads real estate market is evolving, and both buyers and sellers need to stay ahead of the curve. After several years of aggressive appreciation, limited inventory, and intense competition, 2026 has introduced a more balanced—but still highly active—market across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News.If you're considering buying, selling, or investing in Hampton Roads real estate, understanding these recent market shifts can help you make smarter decisions and maximize your opportunities.Mortgage Rates Continue to Shape Buyer BehaviorMortgage rates remain one of the biggest factors influencing today's housing market. As of late April...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
You just accepted an amazing offer on your house. The price is right, the closing date works perfectly, and you are ready to pop the champagne. But before you celebrate, there is one paragraph in the Virginia real estate contract that could secretly cost you thousands of dollars if you don't understand it.Let's talk about Paragraph 13.As a real estate broker serving the Hampton Roads area—including Chesapeake and Virginia Beach—I see sellers get caught off guard by this clause all the time. Paragraph 13 covers lender-required repairs, including appraisal repairs, termite damage, moisture issues, and well or septic problems.These are not the same as home inspection repairs that you can negotiate. If the lender says these repairs need to happen, they have to happen, or the buyer cannot ge...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Are you sitting on a goldmine in Kempsville? 🏡📈If you own a home in the Kempsville High School zone of Virginia Beach, the answer is likely a resounding "Yes." As we move through 2026, the local market is experiencing a significant surge. High demand, coupled with historically tight inventory, has created a powerhouse seller's market where bidding wars are the new normal.But which neighborhoods are seeing the most action? I’ve analyzed the latest market data for the past year to identify the Top 4 Kempsville Neighborhoods with the highest list-to-sale price ratios.The Kempsville "Big Four" Breakdown🏆 #1 Westview Village: The Champion of Bidding WarsTaking the top spot for is Westview Village. This neighborhood is a magnet for buyers, boasting a staggering 105.2% list-to-sale ratio.Why i...
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Strategic Guide to Virginia Tech Innovation Campus HousingAs a local realtor who has watched the skyline of Alexandria transform over the last few years, I can tell you that the buzz surrounding the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus housing market is unlike anything we’ve seen in decades. This isn't just about a new university building; it’s about the birth of a global tech hub that is reshaping the residential landscape of Northern Virginia. Whether you are a graduate student looking for a sleek apartment, a faculty member seeking a permanent residence, or an investor eyeing the long-term potential of the Potomac Yard corridor, understanding the nuances of this area is essential for making a smart move.The Transformation of Potomac YardThe Innovation Campus, specifically Academic Buildin...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Are you scrolling through Zillow or Realtor.com maps but still not sure which neighborhood is "the one"? You’re not alone. Finding a house is one thing, but finding a community that fits your 10-year plan is another challenge entirely. I’m Robin Gauthier, Broker/Owner of NextHome Tidewater Realty, and I’ve helped countless families and remote professionals navigate the diverse communities of the Hampton Roads area. In this guide, I’m showing you how to look beyond the property lines and find the heartbeat of a community. Why a House is Just a Structure, but a Neighborhood is a LifestyleI recently worked with a client—a remote work professional—who was moving to our area and felt completely overwhelmed. They had a great list of "must-haves" for their house, but they didn't know how to ev...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
f you’ve been waiting for the Glenwood market to "cool off," I have some news that might be a little hard to hear: The heat is still on.   Back in August, we saw homes flying off the shelf in just 9 days. Fast forward to April 2026, and while the pace has "normalized" slightly to a median of 15 days, don't let that fool you. In a world where a "balanced" market takes months, Glenwood is still moving at breakneck speed. If you're a seller looking to upgrade from that starter townhouse to a spacious suburban retreat, the window is open—but you’ve got to move fast!       I recently helped a couple who had been living in a cozy condo near Kempsville. They loved their home, but with a second baby on the way and a remote-work setup that was literally in a closet, they were feeling the squeez...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, you know that Las Gaviotas has always been a neighborhood that stands out. But as we move into the spring of 2026, the data is telling a fascinating story. Despite mortgage rates hovering around the 6.4% to 6.5% mark—the highest we’ve seen since last September—demand in this pocket of Chesapeake remains incredibly resilient. The Single-Family Market: Growth and Resilience The detached home market in Las Gaviotas continues to show strong appreciation. Since August 2025, we’ve seen the average sold price climb from $562,333 to $576,980, representing a healthy 2.6% increase in just over six months. What’s even more telling is the speed of the market; while the average days on market (DOM) for all listings is 27 days, th...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Are you planning to sell your home in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or the surrounding Hampton Roads area? While the 2026 market remains a seller’s market, inventory is growing, and buyers are becoming more selective. To stand out, you need more than just a "For Sale" sign—you need a lifestyle strategy.Many homeowners believe professional staging is reserved for million-dollar luxury listings in areas like North End or Sandbridge. However, according to recent 2026 real estate data, even simple, budget-friendly staging can increase your offer price by up to 10% and reduce time on the market by nearly 50%.In this guide, I’m sharing the exact staging hacks I use at NextHome Tidewater Realty to help my clients win.1. The "Hotel Room Rule": Declutter and DepersonalizeIn 2026, buyer psychology ...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
In today's competitive real estate market, especially in the Hampton Roads area, winning a bidding war requires more than just throwing the highest price at a property. Whether you're searching for your dream home in Great Bridge, Kempsville, or anywhere across the Tidewater region, understanding seller motivations and crafting a strategically superior offer can be the difference between landing your home and losing it to another buyer.This comprehensive guide walks you through the proven strategies that successful homebuyers use to win bidding wars—even when they're not offering the highest price.Understanding Seller Motivations: The Secret to WinningMany buyers make a critical mistake: they assume sellers only care about the highest offer price. In reality, sellers weigh multiple fact...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
What Fails a Home Inspection? Why Most Deals Fall Apart When a home inspection report comes back, most sellers assume the problem is the repair cost. But after a decade in real estate, I've learned the real problem is buyer confidence.   An inspection isn't just a physical exam of the house. It's an emotional test for the buyer. When they see problems—even small ones—they start asking: "What else is wrong? Can I trust this house? Can I trust the seller?"   This is why certain inspection findings act as deal killers. Not because they're the most expensive to fix, but because they trigger buyer doubt and make the entire sale feel risky.   In this guide, I'm sharing the three inspection findings that kill the most deals in the Tidewater area—and exactly how to prevent them from destroying ...
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By Holly Weatherwax, A Great Real Estate Experience
( Associate Broker, Momentum Realty)
A beautiful home in North Reston, Virginia is attracting attention for its impressive size, elegant design, and convenient Fairfax County location. With the recent price reduction, it is worth seeing.  Located at 11316 Bright Pond Lane, this gorgeous Gulick Group Cambridge Model home offers nearly 6,000 square feet of living space designed for both everyday comfort and memorable gatherings.  From the moment you enter the home, the dramatic two-story foyer makes a striking first impression. The elegant staircase and open landing create a sense of scale, while large windows bring natural light throughout the main level.   The home's main level features a spacious living room, a private office with built-in shelving, and a large family room centered around a cozy gas fireplace. These space...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
  Forest Lakes | Great Bridge, Chesapeake VA | 2026 Market Update By Robin Gauthier, Broker/Owner | NextHome Tidewater Realty Two Years. One Dream. One Perfect Home. What if I told you that the best real estate move sometimes requires patience — and a little bit of timing magic? I recently closed on a home that had a two-year backstory, a Marine, a dream neighborhood, and a contract-replacement strategy that most buyers don't even know is possible. Buckle up, because this one is good — and the data behind it tells you everything you need to know about what is happening in Forest Lakes right now. The Story: How a Marine Finally Found His Dream Home in Forest Lakes Two years ago, I connected virtually with a couple who had been referred to me by past clients. He is a Marine getting stati...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX)
Live in a way that leaves no regrets.... this is my entry for March 2026 Challenge #2 - Celebrating AR Lives Lost...  Susan Haughton, R.I.P. 3/8/2019 This March will be 7 years since Susan Houghton passed away. Susan was one of Anna "Banana" Kruchten's long time BananaTudes during the same time I was also one of the moderators. What I loved about Susan was her good humor and zest for life. When she made a commitment, she followed through. Susan was so excited about taking her dream vacation. We were all anxious for her next blog post to tell us all about her trip. Sadly, on the day she and her husband came home, they went to bed and Susan never woke up. Susan was the type of woman who focused on the positive in her life. She was a happy person! AR members were attracted to her goodness....
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
HOA Repairs When Selling Your Home: What Every Seller Needs to Know (Hampton Roads, VA)If you’re selling your home in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and it’s located in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), there’s an extra layer of responsibility you need to understand: HOA-required repairs and compliance issues.From exterior paint to roof condition to mailbox style (yes, even that), HOA violations can delay closing, impact negotiations, or even scare off a buyer. Let’s break down what sellers need to know about HOA repairs when listing and selling a home in Hampton Roads.What Is an HOA and Why Does It Matter When Selling?A Homeowners Association (HOA) is an organization that governs a residential community and enforces rules known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restricti...
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
The Final Walk-Through: Your Last Line of Defense Before ClosingWhy Repair Receipts Matter More Than You ThinkYou’re almost at the closing table. The boxes are packed, the movers are scheduled, and the finish line is in sight. But before you sign a single closing document, there’s one critical step that deserves your full attention: the final walk-through.This is not just a casual peek at the house—it’s your opportunity to confirm that everything agreed upon in negotiations has been completed properly and documented. Especially when repairs were negotiated as part of the contract.Let’s break down why the final walk-through matters and why receipts for negotiated repairs should be in hand before closing day.What Is the Final Walk-Through?The final walk-through typically occurs 24–72 hour...
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