We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.
The Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area has been steadily growing for years, becoming an established region for both government officials and people from all walks of life. The current population is close to 5.4 million. With that growth comes demand for houses throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.
Real estate agents support buyers and sellers, giving them a competitive edge in a fierce market, advising on important decisions, and lining up tours of the best houses for their clients. The This Old House Reviews Team has researched dozens of local agents to determine which are the best.
Benefits of Having a Top Real Estate Agent in Washington, D.C.
According to a housing market report in February 2021 by national real estate company Long & Foster, there were 1,491 houses listed in Washington alone. If you’re selling, real estate agents can help you compete with those active listings through their connections and marketing tactics.
If you’re buying, an agent can curate the most suitable houses based on your interests, saving you time on the search. The average home spends just 36 days on the market, and the best buyer’s agents can guide you to your dream property before someone else snaps it up.
Best Buyer’s Agents
Hiring an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) is an important step before beginning your search for your next home. They’re here to help you through the entire purchase process from start to finish, finding the homes that fit your needs, negotiating the best price within your budget, and answering any questions you may have all the way to closing.
The best buyer’s agents in Washington, D.C., are:
- David Bediz, Keller Williams
- Carolyn Sappenfield, RE/MAX Realty Services
- Arnita Greene, Compass
Best Seller’s Agents
The best Seller’s Representative Specialists (SRS) have years of experience and connections, getting your home on and off the market quickly with the highest sale price possible. Many of them lead teams of real estate agents and marketing professionals that can speed up the process and get you more than your asking price.
The best seller’s agents in Washington, D.C., are:
- Casey Aboulafia, Compass
- Laura Schwartz, McEnearney Associates, Inc.
- David Shotwell, Compass
Comparing the Top Washington, D.C. Real Estate Agents
There are many top-rated real estate agents that sell homes in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, but we found these six to be the best based on a few factors, including the reputation of the associated brokerage or agency, years of experience, recent sales volumes and prices, unique details, and recognition. The best real estate agents come highly recommended by clients, making them a reliable choice for our readers to work with.
Comparison
| Agent | Agency | Years of Experience | Sales in the Last 12 Months* | Price Range Last 24 Months** | Unique Details and Recognition | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casey Aboulafia | Compass | 17 | 51 | $155,000-$2.3M | Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Producer Award | homeswithcasey.com |
| Laura Schwartz | McEnearney Associates, Inc. | 13 | 39 | $230,000-$2.2M | Virginia Living Magazine’s Top Agent since 2018 | guidingyourmove.com |
| David Shotwell | Compass | 9 | 29 | $225,000-$2.3M | Member of The Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) | davidshotwell.com |
| David Bediz | Keller Williams | 20 | 62 | $154,000-$3.5M | Leads a team of nine full-time agents | bediz.com |
| Carolyn Sappenfield | RE/MAX Realty Services | 17 | 42 | $168,000-$4.7M | RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Member | carolynhomes.com |
| Arnita Greene | Compass | 15 | 36 | $65,000-$929,000 | Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Agent Award | greenegrouphomes.com |
| Agent | Agency | Years of Experience | Sales in the Last 12 Months* | Price Range Last 24 Months** | Unique Details and Recognition | Website |
*Figures pulled from Zillow.com as of March 25, 2021.
**Figures pulled from Realtor.com as of March 25, 2021.
Conclusion
Before you begin the buying or selling process, we recommend speaking to a few different real estate agents. Typically, your first discussion will be informal and relaxed, giving them the opportunity to get to know you and your needs, as well as giving you the chance to feel out their personality and unique methods.
Washington, D.C. Real Estate: Frequently Asked Questions
How many homes are for sale in Washington, D.C.?
According to Long & Foster’s monthly housing market report, the active inventory in February 2021 was 1,491 homes on the market in Washington, with more for sale in the surrounding suburbs. This number has stayed fairly steady throughout the year.
How much do real estate agents charge?
Typically, real estate agents charge between 3% and 7% commission on a sale. Considering they can help get the highest price for your home, this percentage can pay off in the long run.
Should I hire a real estate agent to help sell my condo?
Condos in Washington, D.C., tend to spend less time on the market, since there are thousands of residents looking for condos in the area. A local real estate agent can likely sell it even quicker and at the best price.
What are the hottest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.?
Northwest Washington has one of the hottest real estate markets in the area. These neighborhoods include Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Gloverpark, and Tenleytown. Outside of the District, some hot areas include most of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, and many neighborhoods in Montgomery County, Maryland such as Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Rockville.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.