Kristian Smith

Advice for Homebuyers Get Pre-Approved Early Before you even start looking, know your numbers. A pre-approval not only tells you what you can afford but also shows sellers you’re serious. Work With a Trusted Local Agent The right agent knows the neighborhoods, market trends, and hidden gems that don’t always make it online. They’ll also help you negotiate with confidence. Think Beyond the House Location, schools, commute, and community matter just as much as the property itself. You’re not just buying a home—you’re buying into a lifestyle. Don’t Skip Inspections Even in a competitive market, protecting yourself with inspections can save you thousands down the road. Be Ready to Act Quickly The best homes move fast. If you love a house and it fits your goals, be prepared to make a strong, clean offer. Stay Focused on Your Long-Term Goals Don’t get caught up in bidding wars beyond your comfort zone. Buy the home that supports your future, not just today’s excitement.

Advice for Home Sellers Price It Right From the Start The first two weeks on the market are crucial. An overpriced home lingers and loses momentum, while the right price attracts serious buyers and multiple offers. First Impressions Matter Curb appeal sells. Fresh landscaping, a power wash, and a welcoming entryway make buyers want to come inside. Declutter and Stage Less is more. A clean, well-staged home allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Small investments in paint, lighting, or décor can bring big returns. Highlight Upgrades and Maintenance Show off what you’ve done—new roof, updated systems, fresh paint. Buyers pay more when they see value and peace of mind. Professional Marketing is Non-Negotiable Professional photos, video, and online exposure maximize your home’s reach. The right marketing plan positions your home as a “must-see.” Flexibility Wins Be accommodating with showings and open houses. The easier it is for buyers to see your home, the faster it sells. Work With a Local Expert Every market is different. A trusted local agent knows how to position your home, negotiate strategically, and get you the best possible outcome.

At North Real Estate, we’ve had the privilege of helping a wide variety of clients reach their real estate goals, including: First-Time Homebuyers – guiding them step-by-step through financing, inspections, and negotiations so their first purchase feels exciting, not overwhelming. Luxury Buyers & Sellers – representing high-end properties in Northern Virginia, Lake Anna, and gated golf course communities where marketing, discretion, and expertise make all the difference. Move-Up Buyers – families looking for more space, better schools, or a dream community to fit their next chapter. Investors – advising on rental properties, flips, and long-term investments to maximize ROI. Downsizers & Empty Nesters – helping clients transition to homes that better fit their lifestyle while capturing top dollar for the property they’re leaving behind. Relocating Families – guiding buyers moving in and out of the Northern Virginia market with a seamless plan, from virtual tours to local area insights. We believe no matter the price point or circumstance, every client deserves the same level of service, strategy, and attention to detail.

One of our favorite recent transactions was a luxury lakefront home at Lake Anna. This property was one-of-a-kind — stunning architecture, direct water access, and truly a dream home. But the road to closing wasn’t straightforward. We actually had to sell the home twice. The first time, we executed a detailed launch strategy that generated multiple record-breaking offers within just 3 days on market (compared to the area average of 53 days). Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of the seller’s control, the first contract didn’t make it to the finish line. Instead of losing momentum, we went back to our plan, relaunched with fresh energy, and once again delivered the same incredible result: multiple offers and a successful sale within 3 days active on the market. This transaction really speaks to what we believe in at North Real Estate: Preparation matters – a clear timeline, professional staging, and top-tier marketing. Execution matters – every showing, photo, and detail positioned the home as a luxury “must-have.” Perseverance matters – even when challenges arise, our clients can count on us to see it through. At the end of the day, our sellers walked away with results that exceeded expectations — and we were proud to deliver a dream selling experience that matched the beauty of their home.

“We never set out to start a real estate business. It all began when we were buying our very first home together. Not long after, family and friends started asking for our help — and we realized how much we loved guiding others through the process. What began as simply helping people we cared about turned, through a lot of hard work and passion, into a life-changing business. Today, that journey has grown into North Real Estate, our own boutique brokerage, built on relationships, trust, and community.”