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Quick answer Prince William County retiree-sellers benefit from a steady year-round buyer pool driven by the military and federal-contractor base at Quantico, Fort Belvoir-adjacent commutes, and Northern Virginia’s broader affordable-tier demand. Long-tenured PWC owners typically have 2x, 3x appreciation since the late 1990s. The Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion ($250K single / $500K married) shields all or most of the gain for typical PWC retirees. David Mount has 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions and has closed PWC sales in Manassas (Bradley Square, Blooms Hill, Lee Square), Woodbridge (Dale City, Markhams Grant, Port Potomac), and Dumfries (Country Club Lake). Call (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Prince William County’s 2026 retiree-seller market has different equity dynamics than the inner-Beltway counties. Original purchase prices in the 1990s were lower (a typical 1998 PWC home sold for $200K, $300K vs. $400K, $500K in Fairfax County), so 2026 sale prices are correspondingly more moderate. But the percentage appreciation is similar, a 2x, 3x lift over 25 to 30 years, and the Section 121 capital-gains exclusion typically shields the entire federal gain. This guide covers what’s distinct about PWC retiree-relocation sales: the Manassas vs. Woodbridge sub-area dynamics, the steady military and federal-contractor buyer pool, the property-tax comparison with Fairfax County that affects hold-vs-sell decisions, and the relatively narrower comp pools that require more careful pricing. Why Prince William County retiree sellers have a different equity story than inner-NoVA Recent retiring-seller transactions I've personally closed: South Run Forest (Springfield), 2015; Cardinal Forest (Springfield), 2022; Lakewood Hills (Springfield), 2026; Dale City (Woodbridge), 2022; the City of Alexandria, 2025; and Sully Station (Centreville), 2026. Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Haymarket (recent transactions in 2022, 2024). I’ve personally closed sales in Potomac Crest within Triangle. I’ve personally closed sales in Potomac Shores, Montclair, and Country Club Lake within Dumfries. I’ve personally closed sales in Markhams Grant, Dale City, and Port Potomac within Woodbridge. I’ve personally closed sales in Lee Square, Blooms Hill, and Bradley Square within Manassas. I’ve personally closed sales in Aquia Harbour within Stafford. Three structural factors shape the PWC retiree-seller picture: Lower original purchase prices. A 1998 PWC home cost roughly half what a comparable inner-Fairfax County home cost. Today’s PWC sale prices are correspondingly lower, though the multiplier (sale price divided by purchase price) is similar. Steady military / federal-contractor buyer pool. Quantico’s Marine Corps Base and the broader Fort Belvoir commuter shed keep year-round buyer demand stable. PWC has one of the most predictable buyer pools in the region, less volatile than tech-corridor submarkets. Newer housing stock. Most PWC inventory was built between 1985 and 2010. Long-tenured PWC retirees are typically first or second owners. The pre-listing prep is generally lighter than 30+ year-old homes elsewhere in the region. Sub-area pricing snapshot, PWC in 2026 Manassas (independent city) and Manassas Park. Single-family homes typically range $500K to $750K. Established subdivisions like Bradley Square, Blooms Hill, and Lee Square sit in the middle of this range. Townhomes range $400K to $550K. Manassas (Prince William County, outside the independent city). Yorkshire, Westridge, Sudley pockets, single-family homes $500K to $800K depending on size and lot. Woodbridge / Dale City / Lake Ridge. Single-family homes typically range $500K to $750K. Established subdivisions like Dale City, Markhams Grant, and Port Potomac sit in this range. Townhomes range $400K to $525K. Dumfries / Triangle. Single-family homes typically range $475K to $700K. Country Club Lake and similar established neighborhoods sit in this range. Quantico-adjacent buyer pool is especially strong here. Gainesville / Haymarket. Single-family homes range $700K to $1.1M. Newer subdivisions like Heritage Hunt (55+) and Piedmont have specific market dynamics. Higher-end PWC submarket. Bristow / Nokesville / Western PWC. Single-family homes range $650K to $900K for typical lots; equestrian and large-acreage properties exceed $1M. The Quantico / Fort Belvoir buyer factor Retiree-sellers in PWC benefit from a steady relocating-buyer pool that doesn’t depend on tech-cycle or federal-budget volatility. Marine Corps personnel rotating through Quantico (officer training, education command, support functions) generate consistent buyer flow. Active-duty and contractor families serving Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, and nearby installations also commute from PWC. For pre-listing positioning, this means VA-loan buyer compatibility matters more than in some inner-Beltway submarkets. Homes that need substantial repair to pass VA appraisal can have a narrower buyer pool. Pre-listing inspection and repair planning should account for VA appraisal standards (HVAC condition, roof condition, water-damage signs, electrical, exterior paint). For more on the military buyer dynamic, see Selling to Military and PCS Buyers. Prince William retiree timeline The PWC retiree timeline tracks the regional 6 to 12 month playbook. DOM varies by submarket but typically runs 21 to 45 days for properly priced homes. Listing-to-closing total runs 50 to 75 days. Capital-gains considerations for homes purchased pre-2000 For most PWC retirees, the Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion ($250K single / $500K married) shields the entire federal gain. A typical PWC home bought in 1998 for $250K and sold in 2026 for $700K with $50K in capital improvements has $400K of gain, fully excluded under the married-filing-jointly $500K cap, with no federal tax owed. The exception is Gainesville/Haymarket sellers with truly exceptional appreciation. For full Section 121 detail, see Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: The Section 121 Exclusion Explained. Coordinating sale + out-of-state purchase PWC’s slightly longer DOM means sell-first-and-rent is often the most reliable coordination strategy. For full coordination playbook, see How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty. With 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, David has closed PWC sales in Manassas (Bradley Square, Blooms Hill, Lee Square), Woodbridge (Dale City, Markhams Grant, Port Potomac), and Dumfries (Country Club Lake). NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025) with 90+ five-star reviews. David maintains a strong network of trusted REALTOR® connections in retirement destinations across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Arizona, and partners with you to interview and select the right destination-state buyer’s agent. Considering a PWC home sale and want a CMA plus equity projection? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Frequently asked questions What’s the median sale price in Manassas / Woodbridge in 2026? Manassas’s overall median single-family sale price in 2026 is approximately $575K. Woodbridge’s overall median is approximately $580K. Gainesville/Haymarket runs substantially higher (median around $850K). Townhome medians across PWC are roughly $450K. Specific neighborhood pricing varies meaningfully. How long does it take to sell in PWC in 2026? Properly priced PWC homes typically sell in 21 to 45 days. Total listing-to-closing timeline runs 50 to 75 days. DOM varies by submarket, Gainesville/Haymarket and well-priced Manassas homes often outperform; outer Western PWC and some Dumfries pockets run longer. Should I sell my PWC home before or after I retire and move to Florida? For most PWC retirees, sell first and rent in your destination state is the lowest-risk path. The PWC DOM compared to Arlington argues for slightly more lead time. The most important consideration is the Section 121 3-year clock if you’ve already moved. Are there military buyers actively looking in PWC, and does that help my sale? Yes. Quantico’s Marine Corps Base and the broader Fort Belvoir commuter shed generate steady year-round buyer demand from military and federal-contractor families. Retiree-sellers benefit from this stability. VA-loan compatibility matters more than in some inner-Beltway submarkets, pre-listing inspection should account for VA appraisal standards. How does PWC’s property tax compare to Fairfax County for retirees? PWC’s 2026 real-estate tax rate is approximately $1.07 per $100 of assessed value; Fairfax County’s is approximately $1.11. Modest difference. What pre-listing repairs make sense for a 25-year-old PWC home? Cosmetic refresh almost always pays back: paint, lighting, hardware, possibly carpet. For PWC’s largely VA-buyer-eligible inventory, also consider: pre-listing inspection to surface VA-appraisal-relevant issues (HVAC, roof, water damage, electrical, exterior paint). Do you handle PWC sales for retirees who’ve already moved out of state? Yes. David’s workflow is set up for remote document signing, video walkthroughs, and limited power-of-attorney arrangements where appropriate. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: Section 121 Explained How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years Moving from Northern Virginia to Florida in Retirement Prince William County Seller’s Guide 2026 Selling to Military and PCS Buyers

Quick answer Loudoun County retiree-sellers benefit from a unique 2026 dynamic: the Silver Line Metro extension has lifted Ashburn and Loudoun-station-adjacent pricing 15 to 25% over the past five years, while Western Loudoun (Leesburg, Purcellville, Lansdowne) has appreciated steadily on its own merits. Long-tenured Ashburn owners who bought in the 2000s often have appreciation of 2x, 3x. The Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion ($250K single / $500K married) shields most or all of the gain for typical Loudoun retirees. David Mount has 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions and has closed Loudoun sales in Metro Walk at Moorefield, Ashburn Village, Broadlands, and Main Street Village Purcellville. Call (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Loudoun County’s 2026 retiree-seller market splits into three distinct submarkets: the Silver Line corridor (Ashburn, Brambleton, One Loudoun, Broadlands, Ashburn Village, Belmont Country Club, Metro Walk at Moorefield Station) where the Metro extension has dramatically lifted pricing; the Leesburg / Lansdowne core where established neighborhoods continue to appreciate steadily; and Western Loudoun (Purcellville, Round Hill, Hamilton) where the equity story is different, driven by lifestyle and acreage rather than commuter access. This guide covers what’s distinct about Loudoun County retiree-relocation sales: the Silver Line pricing effect, the Loudoun-vs-Fairfax tax comparison that affects hold-vs-sell decisions, and the relatively younger housing-stock dynamic that means most Loudoun retiree-sellers are first or second owners. Why Loudoun County is a unique market for retiree sellers in 2026 Recent retiring-seller transactions I've personally closed: South Run Forest (Springfield), 2015; Cardinal Forest (Springfield), 2022; Lakewood Hills (Springfield), 2026; Dale City (Woodbridge), 2022; the City of Alexandria, 2025; and Sully Station (Centreville), 2026. Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Ashburn Village and Broadlands within Ashburn. I’ve personally closed sales in Providence Village within Sterling. I’ve personally closed sales in Main Street Village within Purcellville. Loudoun County in 2026 has the youngest housing stock of the five priority counties, much of Eastern Loudoun was built between 1995 and 2015. This means most Loudoun retirees selling in 2026 are first or second owners, the homes are generally in better cosmetic condition than 30+ year-old homes elsewhere in the region, and pre-listing prep is often lighter. The Silver Line Metro extension reaching Ashburn in 2022 has been the single largest pricing driver in the county. Walk-to-Metro-station condo and townhome inventory at Metro Walk at Moorefield, Loudoun Station, and adjacent developments has appreciated 30 to 40% since 2020. Single-family inventory within a 10-minute drive of Metro stations has appreciated more modestly but still meaningfully. The Silver Line / Metro effect on Ashburn pricing The Silver Line extension changed Loudoun’s pricing geometry. Walk-to-Metro condos at Metro Walk at Moorefield Station, which sold in the high $300Ks in 2018, now sell in the $500Ks. Townhomes within a 10-minute walk of Ashburn Station have similarly appreciated above the broader Loudoun average. Single-family homes within 5 miles of Metro stations have appreciated faster than those further west. For retiree-sellers, the implication is sub-area-specific. If your Ashburn home is walking distance to Metro, you’re benefiting from a pricing premium that didn’t exist 5 years ago. If your home is in Western Ashburn, Aldie, or further west, you’re benefiting from the broader Loudoun appreciation but not the Silver Line premium specifically. Sub-area pricing snapshot, Loudoun County in 2026 Ashburn (Brambleton, Belmont Country Club, One Loudoun, Broadlands, Ashburn Village, Lansdowne). Single-family homes typically range $750K to $1.4M. Larger Brambleton and Belmont Country Club homes can exceed $1.6M. Townhomes range $550K to $850K. Walk-to-Metro condos $450K to $650K. Loudoun Station / Metro Walk at Moorefield. Condos and townhomes specifically priced for Silver Line walkability. Condos $475K to $700K; townhomes $650K to $900K. The most appreciated sub-segment in the county since 2020. Leesburg. Single-family homes range $700K to $1.2M depending on neighborhood and age. Historic Leesburg downtown homes can range higher. Established subdivisions like Beacon Hill, Country Club, and Exeter range similarly to broader Loudoun. Lansdowne. Single-family homes range $850K to $1.4M. Lansdowne on the Potomac and Lansdowne Woods (55+) have specific market dynamics worth understanding. Purcellville and Western Loudoun (Round Hill, Hamilton, Bluemont). Single-family homes range $650K to $1.0M for typical lots; equestrian and large-acreage properties can exceed $2M. Lifestyle and acreage dominate pricing rather than Metro access. Aldie and South Riding. Single-family homes range $700K to $1.1M. South Riding’s planned-community structure makes for predictable comp pools. Selling a newer Loudoun home (built 2000+) vs. an older Leesburg / Purcellville home Different pre-listing strategies apply. Newer Loudoun home (1995 to 2015 construction). Cosmetic refresh is usually lighter than for older NoVA homes. Buyers expect updated kitchens and baths to match the home’s apparent age. Often the right pre-listing investment is a fresh paint, lighting, hardware, and minor landscape, total $5K, $15K. Some homes built 2002 to 2008 may need an HVAC update or roof in the 2026 range. Older Leesburg / Purcellville home (pre-1995). More similar to the broader NoVA long-tenured-home strategy, see Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years. Cosmetic refresh + targeted updates, no major renovations. Loudoun retiree timeline The Loudoun County retiree timeline tracks the regional 6 to 12 month playbook. DOM in Loudoun’s strongest submarkets (walk-to-Metro Ashburn, Brambleton, One Loudoun) typically runs 14 to 28 days. DOM in Western Loudoun and outer submarkets typically runs 30 to 60 days because the comp pool is sparser. Capital-gains and tax considerations For most Loudoun retiree-sellers, the Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion ($250K single / $500K married) shields most or all of the gain. The relatively younger housing stock means total appreciation per home is generally less extreme than in long-tenured Arlington or McLean homes, so taxable-gain-above-exclusion is less common. For full Section 121 detail, see Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: The Section 121 Exclusion Explained. Always work with a qualified tax professional. Coordinating sale + out-of-state purchase The 14 to 28 day DOM in strong Loudoun submarkets makes coordination achievable. For Western Loudoun, the longer DOM argues for a sell-first strategy with destination-state rental as a buffer. For full coordination playbook, see How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty. With 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, David has closed Loudoun County sales at Metro Walk at Moorefield, Ashburn Village, Broadlands, and Main Street Village Purcellville, with substantial familiarity across Brambleton, One Loudoun, Leesburg, and Western Loudoun. NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025) with 90+ five-star reviews. David maintains a strong network of trusted REALTOR® connections in retirement destinations across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Arizona, and partners with you to interview and select the right destination-state buyer’s agent. Considering a Loudoun County home sale and want a CMA plus equity projection? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Frequently asked questions What’s the median sale price in Ashburn in 2026? Ashburn’s overall median single-family sale price in 2026 is approximately $900K, $950K. Brambleton and Belmont Country Club run higher; outer Ashburn neighborhoods run lower. Townhome and condo medians are substantially lower, with Metro Walk and Loudoun Station condos running approximately $475K, $650K. Does the Silver Line Metro affect my Ashburn sale price? If your home is within walking distance of Ashburn Station or Loudoun Station, yes, meaningfully. Walk-to-Metro condos and townhomes have appreciated 30 to 40% since 2020. Single-family homes within 5 miles of Metro have appreciated faster than the broader Loudoun average. Western Ashburn and beyond benefit less directly. How does Loudoun’s property-tax growth affect my decision to sell now vs. later? Loudoun’s real-estate tax base has grown faster than Fairfax County’s over the past decade as data centers have come online. Loudoun’s homeowner tax rate has stayed roughly stable. The hold-vs-sell decision is more affected by the Section 121 3-year clock and your equity position than by tax rate trajectory. Should I sell my Loudoun home before or after I move to Asheville / Wilmington? For most retirees, sell first and rent in your destination state is the lowest-risk path, particularly if your Loudoun home is in a strong-DOM submarket. The most important consideration is the Section 121 3-year clock if you’ve already moved. How long does it take to sell in Loudoun County in 2026? Strong submarkets (walk-to-Metro Ashburn, Brambleton, One Loudoun, central Leesburg) typically see 14 to 28 day DOM. Western Loudoun and outer submarkets typically see 30 to 60 days. Listing-to-closing total runs 50 to 80 days. Is it harder to sell a home in Purcellville than in Ashburn? Generally yes, the comp pool is sparser in Western Loudoun and the buyer pool is more targeted (lifestyle and acreage buyers vs. commuter buyers). DOM tends to be longer. Pre-listing pricing strategy in Purcellville requires more careful comp identification because there are fewer truly comparable recent sales. Do you handle Loudoun County sales for retirees who’ve already moved? Yes. David’s workflow is set up for remote document signing, video walkthroughs, and limited power-of-attorney arrangements where appropriate. See Selling Your Northern Virginia Home From Out of State. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: Section 121 Explained How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years Moving from Northern Virginia to Florida in Retirement Moving from Northern Virginia to North Carolina in Retirement Loudoun County & Ashburn Seller’s Guide 2026

Quick answer Fairfax County is the largest Northern Virginia jurisdiction with the widest pricing range, from McLean and Great Falls at the top end to Burke, Springfield, and Centreville in the broad middle. Long-tenured Fairfax County retirees typically have substantial equity, with the Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion shielding the first $250K (single) / $500K (married) of gain. Fairfax County retiree-seller timeline runs 45 to 75 days listing-to-close. David Mount grew up in Burke, Virginia and graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School. With 12+ years and 200+ NoVA transactions, David has closed sales in Fairfax City, Fairfax Station, Oakton, Burke, Centreville, and Springfield, and owns a rental property in Fairfax City. Call (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Fairfax County is the most populous and geographically largest Northern Virginia jurisdiction, and the one where retiree-relocation seller dynamics vary the most across sub-areas. McLean and Great Falls at the high-luxury end. Vienna and Oakton in the upper-middle. Mantua and Fairfax Station as established mid-to-upper. Burke, Springfield, and Centreville as solid family-neighborhood mid-tier. Reston and Herndon as planned-community + tech-corridor. Annandale, Falls Church, and the close-in pockets as inner-Beltway value. Each calls for a different selling strategy. This guide covers what’s distinct about Fairfax County retiree-relocation sales: the sub-area pricing landscape, the Fairfax City vs. Fairfax County tax distinction, the HOA/civic-association disclosure considerations that vary by neighborhood, and the equity story for homes purchased in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Why Fairfax County retirees have unique selling dynamics Recent retiring-seller transactions I've personally closed: South Run Forest (Springfield), 2015; Cardinal Forest (Springfield), 2022; Lakewood Hills (Springfield), 2026; Dale City (Woodbridge), 2022; the City of Alexandria, 2025; and Sully Station (Centreville), 2026. Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Fairfax Villa, Penderbrook, and Greenbriar within Fairfax. I’ve personally closed sales in Old Courthouse Square within Fairfax City. I’ve personally closed sales in Pickwick Woods, Pohick Station, and Glenverdant Estates within Fairfax Station. I’ve personally closed sales in Stonehenge and Sully Station within Centreville. I’ve personally closed sales in Burke Station Square, Old Mill Community, Burke Centre, Caroline Oaks, Bent Tree, and Dunleigh within Burke. I’ve personally closed sales in Newington Forest, Springfield Village, Japonica, Charlestown, North Springfield Park, South Run Forest, Rolling Forest, Cardinal Forest, and Lakewood Hills within Springfield. I’ve personally closed sales in Little Rocky Run within Clifton. I’ve personally closed sales in Vienna Woods, Country Creek, Tysons Green, Lakevale Estates, Westwood Manor, and Wolftrap Ridge within Vienna. I’ve personally closed sales in Van Vlecks within Herndon. I’ve personally closed sales in Reston (recent transactions in 2016). I’ve personally closed sales in Alexandria (Fairfax County) (recent transactions in 2026). Fairfax County’s 2026 market reflects the buyer pool’s diversity. Federal employees and contractors continue to drive demand, but tech employees (Amazon HQ2 in adjacent Arlington spilling into Reston/Herndon, Google’s Northern Virginia data-center build-out, Booz Allen and other consultancies), military families relocating to Fort Belvoir, and university faculty (George Mason in Fairfax City) all add to the pool. For retiree sellers, this means an unusually broad buyer pool by NoVA standards, with pre-listing strategy varying based on which buyer segment is most likely to make the offer for your specific home. McLean luxury sellers prepare differently than Centreville mid-tier sellers, who prepare differently than Reston townhouse sellers. Sub-area pricing snapshot, Fairfax County in 2026 McLean and Great Falls. Single-family homes typically range $1.6M to $4.5M+. Long-tenured McLean owners may have appreciation of 4x, 5x. Great Falls’ larger lots support some of the highest absolute pricing in the region. Both submarkets have substantial luxury buyer demand including international relocators. Vienna and Oakton. Single-family homes typically range $1.0M to $2.0M. Vienna in particular has appreciated sharply since 2010 due to Metro accessibility. Oakton’s larger lots and established neighborhood character keep pricing strong. Buyer pool blends federal/contractor families and tech relocators. Mantua and Fairfax Station. Single-family homes typically range $850K to $1.6M. Mantua is unusual in that it has civic associations (not HOAs) which is a small but real seller advantage. Fairfax Station’s larger lots and septic-system inventory require some pre-listing planning specific to that submarket. Burke and Springfield. Single-family homes typically range $700K to $1.1M. Townhomes range $500K to $700K. The Burke and Springfield retiree-seller demographic is particularly strong because much of the housing stock was built in the late 1970s through early 1990s, meaning many original or second owners are now retirement-age. David grew up in Burke and has closed sales in Burke Centre, Lake Braddock, Dunleigh, Signal Hill, and Longwood Knolls/Cherry Run. Centreville and Clifton. Single-family homes typically range $700K to $1.1M in Centreville (more affordable submarket like Sully Station and Compton Valley Estates) up to $1.5M+ in Clifton’s upper-middle and equestrian properties. David has closed Centreville sales in Sully Station, Woodgate Manor, Compton Valley Estates, and other submarkets. Reston and Herndon. Single-family homes typically range $750K to $1.4M. Townhomes range $550K to $850K. Condos $400K to $700K. The Silver Line Metro in Reston/Herndon has lifted pricing meaningfully since 2018. The Reston Association membership structure is a unique disclosure consideration. Annandale and Falls Church (Fairfax County portions). Single-family homes typically range $750K to $1.3M. Inner-Beltway location keeps pricing strong despite older housing stock. Fairfax City (separate independent city, but functionally part of the Fairfax County market). Single-family homes typically range $800K to $1.4M. Mosby Woods, Old Courthouse Square, and Country Club Hills are established submarkets. Fairfax City has different property tax rates than Fairfax County (see below). The Fairfax City vs. Fairfax County tax difference for retirees Fairfax City is a separate independent city, not part of Fairfax County’s tax jurisdiction. For retirees deciding whether to sell now or hold, the property-tax difference matters: Fairfax County’s 2026 real-estate tax rate is approximately $1.11 per $100 of assessed value (varies slightly by year). Fairfax City’s 2026 rate is approximately $1.04 per $100. On a $1.2M assessed home, that’s a difference of roughly $840/year, modest but real over a multi-year hold-or-sell decision. The more significant distinction is that Fairfax City has its own school district, separately funded, which affects both tax allocation and buyer-pool demographics. For retiree-sellers leaving the area entirely, the school distinction matters less for timing and more for which buyer-pool segment to target with pre-listing positioning. Note: David owns a rental property in Fairfax City and has closed recent sales there. The Fairfax City market has its own rhythm distinct from the surrounding county. Fairfax County 2026 market for the retiree seller (DOM, inventory, buyer pool) Days-on-market in Fairfax County varies significantly by sub-area. Inner-Beltway and Metro-adjacent submarkets (Vienna, Oakton, Annandale, Reston/Herndon walk-to-Metro) typically see 14 to 28 days. Outer submarkets (Centreville, parts of Springfield, Western Fairfax County) typically see 21 to 45 days. Inventory remains tight by historical standards in 2026, particularly in the $700K, $1.2M family-home segment that drives much of Fairfax County’s volume. Buyer pool: federal/contractor professionals (still the plurality), tech relocators (growing), military relocations into Fort Belvoir, dual-income families upgrading from townhomes to single-family, downsizers from McLean/Vienna into Burke/Springfield, and a meaningful international-relocator share in McLean. Common Fairfax County retiree-seller scenarios Long-tenured single-family. Bought 1995 to 2005 for $300K, $500K, selling 2026 for $900K, $1.4M. Section 121 $500K married-filing-jointly exclusion typically shields most or all of the gain. Pre-listing strategy: cosmetic refresh + targeted updates, no major renovations. Downsized condo. Bought 2008 to 2015 for $300K, $450K, selling 2026 for $500K, $650K. Lower equity per transaction but typically all-shielded by Section 121. Large-lot Fairfax Station / equestrian Clifton. Bought 1995 to 2005 for $500K, $800K, selling 2026 for $1.2M, $2.0M+. May have taxable gain above the Section 121 exclusion. Pre-listing strategy: targeted high-end updates if needed; staging for luxury buyer pool. Inner-Beltway (Annandale, Falls Church-area pockets). Bought 1990s for $250K, $400K, selling 2026 for $750K, $1.2M. Strong appreciation, typically Section-121-shielded if married-filing-jointly. Fairfax County retiree timeline The Fairfax County retiree timeline tracks the regional 6 to 12 month playbook. Worth noting: HOA / civic-association disclosure packets in many Fairfax County communities have specific delivery timing under Va. Code §55.1-1809. David’s process surfaces these requirements early so they don’t surprise the timeline. Capital-gains (Section 121) and Virginia tax considerations For most Fairfax County retirees with married-filing-jointly status, the $500,000 federal exclusion shields most or all of the gain. McLean, Great Falls, large-lot Fairfax Station, and Vienna sellers with extraordinary appreciation may have taxable gain above the exclusion. For full Section 121 detail with worked examples, see Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: The Section 121 Exclusion Explained. Always work with a qualified tax professional. Coordinating sale + out-of-state purchase Fairfax County’s somewhat slower DOM (compared to Arlington) means coordination requires more planning. The sell-first-then-rent strategy is the most common preference. For full coordination playbook, see How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty. David grew up in Burke, Virginia and graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School. Across 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, David has closed Fairfax County sales in Fairfax City, Fairfax Station, Oakton, Burke (Burke Centre, Lake Braddock, Dunleigh, Signal Hill, Longwood Knolls/Cherry Run), Centreville (Sully Station, Woodgate Manor, Compton Valley Estates), Springfield, Mantua, and Greenbriar. He owns a rental property in Fairfax City. NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025) with 90+ five-star reviews. David maintains a strong network of trusted REALTOR® connections in retirement destinations across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Arizona, and partners with you to interview and select the right destination-state buyer’s agent. Considering a Fairfax County home sale and want a CMA plus equity projection? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Frequently asked questions What’s the median sale price in Fairfax County in 2026? Fairfax County’s overall median single-family sale price in 2026 is in the $850K, $950K range, with substantial variation by sub-area. McLean medians exceed $2.0M; Great Falls comparable. Vienna and Oakton run $1.2M, $1.5M. Burke, Springfield, and Centreville run $750K, $950K. Reston and Herndon vary by Metro proximity. How does Fairfax City property tax compare to Fairfax County for retirees? Fairfax City’s 2026 real-estate tax rate is approximately $1.04 per $100 of assessed value; Fairfax County’s is approximately $1.11. On a $1.2M home, that’s roughly $840/year difference. Fairfax City also has its own school district. The distinction affects multi-year hold-or-sell decisions modestly but is rarely the deciding factor. How long does it take to sell in Fairfax County in 2026? Days-on-market varies significantly by sub-area. Vienna, Oakton, Mantua, and Metro-walk Reston/Herndon typically see 14 to 28 days. Burke, Springfield, Centreville, and outer submarkets typically see 21 to 45 days. Listing-to-closing total runs 45 to 75 days for most transactions. Should I sell my Fairfax Station home or rent it after I retire? Selling captures the Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion and provides liquidity for your destination-state purchase. Renting generates ongoing income but starts the 3-year clock on losing Section 121 if you don’t sell within 3 years of moving out. Work with a CPA on the rent-vs-sell math. What’s the equity story for a Fairfax County home bought in 1995? A typical Fairfax County home bought in 1995 for $350K is worth approximately $950K, $1.2M in 2026, depending on sub-area, condition, and updates. McLean and Great Falls homes from 1995 are worth substantially more. Burke, Springfield, and Centreville homes from 1995 are worth around the lower end of the range. Are HOA / civic-association disclosure timelines different for retiree sellers? The disclosure-timing rules under Va. Code §55.1-1809 apply to all sellers regardless of age, but the practical impact varies because retiree-sellers are often less familiar with the disclosure-packet ordering process. David’s pre-listing process orders the packet early so the 3-day buyer-receipt window doesn’t slow your contract-to-close timeline. How does the school-quality factor affect my sale price if I’m leaving the area? Buyers will price your home assuming they value the school. A home in a strong school pyramid (Langley, Madison, McLean, Oakton, Robinson, Lake Braddock) typically sells for a measurable premium vs. a comparable home in a less-sought pyramid. Should I list my Fairfax County home before or after my Florida purchase? For most retirees, sell first and rent in your destination state is the lowest-risk path. Buy-first is workable if you have strong cash reserves or a HELOC. Simultaneous closings require careful coordination but are common. Do you handle Fairfax County sales for retirees who’ve already moved out of state? Yes. David’s workflow is set up for remote document signing, video walkthroughs, and limited power-of-attorney arrangements where appropriate. The Section 121 capital-gains exclusion has a 3-year clock from when you stop using the home as your primary residence. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: Section 121 Explained How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years Moving from Northern Virginia to Florida in Retirement Moving from Northern Virginia to North Carolina in Retirement Selling Your Home in Fairfax County: 2026 Guide

Quick answer Alexandria’s retiree-seller market in 2026 splits sharply between the Old Town historic district (premium pricing, board approvals on exterior changes, condo-heavy inventory) and the rest of the city (Del Ray, Rosemont, Seminary Valley, Riverside Estates, Kingstowne, Cameron Station). Long-tenured Alexandria homeowners are sitting on substantial appreciation, with Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion shielding the first $250K (single) / $500K (married) of gain. Well-priced Alexandria homes sell in 14 to 30 days in 2026. David Mount has closed sales in Rosemont, Seminary Valley, Riverside Estates, and Kingstowne over the past five years and has 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions overall. Call (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Alexandria has been one of the most desirable submarkets in Northern Virginia for decades, but the city is far from monolithic. The Old Town historic district, the Del Ray and Rosemont single-family pockets, the Seminary Hill / Seminary Valley belt, the Beverly Hills area, the West End (Cameron Station, Kingstowne), and the Riverside Estates pocket each have their own pricing dynamics, buyer pools, and pre-listing considerations. This guide covers what makes Alexandria distinct among Northern Virginia retirement-relocation sales: the Old Town historic-district disclosure factors, the sub-neighborhood pricing landscape, the condo-vs-single-family decisions, and the tax considerations specific to a city with one of the higher transfer-tax burdens in the region. Why Alexandria is a strong retiree sellers’ market in 2026 Recent retiring-seller transactions I've personally closed: South Run Forest (Springfield), 2015; Cardinal Forest (Springfield), 2022; Lakewood Hills (Springfield), 2026; Dale City (Woodbridge), 2022; the City of Alexandria, 2025; and Sully Station (Centreville), 2026. Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Alexandria (City) (recent transactions in 2022, 2025). I’ve personally closed sales in Alexandria (Fairfax County) (recent transactions in 2026). Alexandria’s 2026 market is supported by several structural factors. The city has limited buildable land, especially in the desirable older neighborhoods. The Metro and VRE access (Braddock Road, King Street, Eisenhower Avenue, Van Dorn) keeps commuter-buyer demand steady. The proximity to DC, the National Harbor, and Reagan National Airport supports an unusual mix of residential and weekend-residential demand. And the buyer pool blends federal/contractor professionals, military families, and Old Town second-home buyers. For retirees selling, this means a well-priced Alexandria home in 2026 typically sells in 14 to 30 days, often with 2 to 3 offers. Old Town single-family and Del Ray homes tend to outperform the city average; outer-city condos and townhomes run closer to the average. Alexandria sub-neighborhood pricing snapshot Rough 2026 ranges for typical homes in the most common Alexandria submarkets: Old Town single-family. $1.5M to $3.5M+ depending on block, lot, and historic significance. Long-tenured Old Town owners may have appreciation of 4x, 5x original purchase. Pre-1900 row houses on north blocks of King Street can exceed $4M. Del Ray single-family. $850K to $1.4M for most homes; up to $1.8M for larger lots and updated kitchens. Del Ray has appreciated faster than most Alexandria submarkets since 2010. Rosemont single-family. $900K to $1.5M. Walk-to-King-Street-Metro premium adds value at the southern edge. Seminary Valley / Seminary Hill / Beverly Hills. $750K to $1.3M depending on size and condition. Established mid-century neighborhood. Kingstowne / Cameron Station / Landmark. Townhomes in the $550K to $850K range; single-family in the $750K to $1.1M range. Cameron Station and Kingstowne were largely 1990s/2000s construction so the equity story is shorter than older neighborhoods. Riverside Estates. $850K to $1.2M for typical homes. Long-tenured owners often have substantial appreciation. Old Town condos. $400K (1-bed) to $1.2M+ (3-bed waterfront). Wide range. Buyer pool is heavily second-home / pied-à-terre and recent retirees who want walkable urban living. The Old Town factor: historic-district considerations If your home is in the Old Town historic district, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) has approval authority over exterior changes, including paint colors, window replacements, fence styles, and any structural modifications visible from the public way. For retirees selling, this matters in three ways: 1. Disclosure. Buyers expect a clear summary of the BAR rules and any pending permits or violations. David’s process surfaces these early. 2. Pre-listing decisions. Some cosmetic improvements that work on a non-historic home (replacement windows, modern landscaping, fence style changes) require BAR approval if visible from the public way. The pre-listing prep plan adjusts accordingly. 3. Buyer expectations. Old Town buyers in 2026 generally want the historic character, wood windows, brick walks, period-appropriate paint. This works in your favor for marketing but constrains the universe of acceptable updates. If your home is outside the historic district, BAR considerations don’t apply. The pre-listing strategy reverts to the same playbook used for any long-tenured NoVA home, see Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years. Alexandria retiree timeline The Alexandria retiree timeline tracks the regional 6 to 12 month playbook. Worth noting: Alexandria’s transfer tax is among the highest in the region, buyers and sellers split it, but the seller’s share affects net proceeds slightly more than in some surrounding jurisdictions. Plan for that in the equity model. Capital-gains and tax considerations For long-tenured Old Town and Del Ray sellers, gain above the Section 121 exclusion is common. A Del Ray home bought in 1998 for $400,000, sold in 2026 for $1.3M, with $100,000 in capital improvements has roughly $830,000 of gain. After the $500,000 married-filing-jointly exclusion, $330,000 is taxable at long-term federal rates plus Virginia 5.75%. Total tax: approximately $66,000. For full Section 121 detail with worked examples, see Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: The Section 121 Exclusion Explained. Always work with a qualified tax professional. Coordinating sale + out-of-state purchase Alexandria’s predictable 14 to 30 day listing timeline makes coordination straightforward. Sell-first is the most common preference. For full coordination playbook, see How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty. With 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, David has closed Alexandria sales in Rosemont, Seminary Valley, Riverside Estates, and Kingstowne over the past five years. He is NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025) with 90+ five-star reviews. David maintains a strong network of trusted REALTOR® connections in retirement destinations across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Arizona, and partners with you to interview and select the right destination-state buyer’s agent for your move. Considering an Alexandria home sale and want a clear-eyed CMA plus equity projection? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Frequently asked questions What’s a typical 2026 sale price for Old Town Alexandria homes? Old Town single-family homes range from approximately $1.5M to $3.5M+ depending on block, lot size, historic significance, and condition. Old Town condos range from approximately $400K (1-bed) to $1.2M+ (3-bed waterfront). Pricing varies sharply by specific block. Are there special disclosure rules for historic Alexandria properties? Yes. Homes inside the Old Town historic district fall under Board of Architectural Review (BAR) jurisdiction, which controls exterior changes visible from the public way. Buyers expect a clear summary of BAR rules and any pending permits or violations. David’s pre-listing process surfaces these early. How long does it take to sell in Alexandria in 2026? Well-priced Alexandria homes typically sell in 14 to 30 days, often with 2 to 3 offers. Old Town single-family and Del Ray homes tend to outperform the city average. Listing-to-closing timeline runs 45 to 60 days. Does Alexandria’s higher transfer tax affect retiree sellers? Slightly. Alexandria’s transfer tax is among the highest in the region; buyers and sellers split it, but the seller’s share affects net proceeds modestly more than in some surrounding jurisdictions. Plan for it in the equity model, typically a few thousand dollars on a typical sale. Should I sell my Alexandria condo before or after I move to Florida? For most retirees, sell first and rent in your destination state is the lowest-risk path. Alexandria’s predictable timing makes simultaneous closings achievable too. The most important consideration is the Section 121 3-year clock if you’ve already moved, see the Section 121 article. What pre-listing repairs make sense for a 30-year-old Alexandria home? Cosmetic refresh almost always pays back: paint, lighting, cabinet hardware, possibly carpet. Major kitchen and bath renovations rarely recoup their cost in 2026. The exceptions are non-functional kitchens and high-end Old Town homes where buyers expect move-in-ready finishes. Do you handle Alexandria sales remotely if I’ve already moved? Yes. David’s workflow is set up for remote document signing, video walkthroughs, and limited power-of-attorney arrangements where appropriate. The Section 121 capital-gains exclusion has a 3-year clock from when you stop using the home as your primary residence, see Selling Your Northern Virginia Home From Out of State for the full remote-sale playbook. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: Section 121 Explained How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years Moving from Northern Virginia to Florida in Retirement Moving from Northern Virginia to North Carolina in Retirement How to Sell Your Home in Alexandria, VA: 2026 Seller’s Guide

Quick answer Arlington has the highest median sale prices in Northern Virginia, which means long-tenured Arlington retirees are sitting on extraordinary equity in 2026, particularly in North Arlington (Donaldson Run, Country Club Hills, Bellevue Forest) and the Clarendon/Courthouse condo corridor. The Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion shields the first $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married) of gain, and Arlington’s unusually competitive 2026 buyer pool means well-priced listings sell in 7 to 21 days. David Mount has 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions and a workflow set up for the remote signing and dual-state coordination this kind of move requires. Call (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Arlington homeowners who bought in the late 1990s or early 2000s are sitting on some of the most concentrated equity in the country. North Arlington single-family homes have appreciated 3x to 4x since 2000. Clarendon and Courthouse condos bought in 2002 for $300,000 are now selling in the $700,000s and $800,000s. For Arlington retirees ready to relocate to Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, or Arizona, the question isn’t whether to sell, it’s how to maximize the equity transfer and coordinate the move. This guide covers what makes Arlington unique among Northern Virginia retirement-relocation sales: the equity story, the sub-neighborhood pricing landscape, the condo-vs-single-family dynamics, and the tax considerations specific to the highest-priced submarket in the region. Why Arlington is a strong sellers’ market for retirees in 2026 Recent retiring-seller transactions I've personally closed: South Run Forest (Springfield), 2015; Cardinal Forest (Springfield), 2022; Lakewood Hills (Springfield), 2026; Dale City (Woodbridge), 2022; the City of Alexandria, 2025; and Sully Station (Centreville), 2026. Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Arlington (recent transactions in 2023). Arlington’s 2026 seller’s market is driven by a few unusual structural factors. First, Arlington has almost no buildable land, the inventory is essentially fixed, and demand keeps growing. Second, the Amazon HQ2 development in Crystal City / Pentagon City has continued to drive new buyer demand into the county, including high-income tech and government-contractor employees who can afford North Arlington pricing. Third, the Metro accessibility continues to lift any walk-to-Metro property significantly above non-Metro comps. Fourth, the buyer pool tilts toward dual-income professionals and empty-nesters relocating into Arlington, both of whom shop seriously and close quickly. For retirees selling, this combination means a well-priced, well-presented Arlington home in 2026 is typically under contract within 7 to 21 days, often with multiple offers. Days-on-market and price-cut frequency are both substantially below the regional NoVA averages. Arlington equity check: what 20 to 30 years of appreciation looks like Specific examples vary by neighborhood and condition, but the rough Arlington equity story: North Arlington single-family (Donaldson Run, Country Club Hills, Bellevue Forest, Lyon Village, Aurora Hills, Williamsburg). A home bought in 2000 for $500,000 is typically worth $1.4M to $1.9M in 2026. A home bought in 1995 for $300,000 may be worth $1.2M to $1.6M. South Arlington single-family (Fairlington single-family pockets, Westover, Aurora Highlands). A home bought in 2002 for $400,000 is typically worth $900,000 to $1.2M. Clarendon/Courthouse condos. A 2-bed condo bought in 2002 for $300,000 is typically worth $700,000 to $850,000. A 1-bed bought in 2002 for $200,000 is typically worth $450,000 to $600,000. Fairlington / Shirlington townhomes. Bought in 2002 for $250,000, typically worth $550,000 to $700,000 in 2026. For most Arlington retirees with married-filing-jointly status, the $500,000 Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion shields most or all of the gain. North Arlington single-family sellers with truly extraordinary appreciation may have taxable gain above the exclusion, see the Section 121 article for worked examples. The Arlington retiree’s 6-month sale timeline Arlington’s competitive buyer pool means the timeline can run shorter than other NoVA counties. A typical Arlington retiree timeline: 6 months out. Engage David for a CMA. Begin meeting with vendors (organizer, mover, CPA). Begin decluttering with focus on the easiest categories (storage, basement, garage, attic, paperwork). 3 to 4 months out. Complete cost-effective updates (paint, lighting, hardware, minor landscape). Schedule pre-listing inspection. Begin destination-state research and, if relevant, identify a destination metro. 6 to 8 weeks out. Final declutter pass. Stage the home (Arlington’s competitive market makes professional staging reliably ROI-positive in upper price bands). Order professional photography and 3D tour. List week. Active for 7 to 14 days; offers typically due by a deadline. Best-priced listings often see 3+ offers. Contract to close. 30 to 45 days. If coordinating with a destination-state purchase, this is when David and the destination-state buyer’s agent align timing. Sub-neighborhood considerations North Arlington single-family (Donaldson Run, Country Club Hills, Bellevue Forest) The premium Arlington submarket. Buyer pool is high-income dual-earner professionals and empty-nesters relocating in. Lots are larger than most of Arlington, which adds value. Pricing strategy: tight comp identification, position at the high end of comparable sales rather than averaging. Clarendon, Courthouse, Ballston, Virginia Square (the Orange Line corridor) Condo and townhouse density. Walk-to-Metro is the dominant pricing factor. Buyer pool is younger (late 30s to 50s) high-income professionals plus downsizers from elsewhere in NoVA. Pricing strategy: walk-time-to-Metro-station premium quantified; in-building amenity premium quantified. Westover, Lyon Village, Cherrydale (older established neighborhoods) Pre-1960 housing stock with strong neighborhood identity. Premium for walkable-to-shops/restaurants locations. Often appeals to architectural-character buyers willing to pay above strict square-foot comps. South Arlington (Fairlington, Aurora Highlands, Crystal City, adjacent) Generally lower per-square-foot pricing than North Arlington but with strong appreciation tailwinds from Amazon HQ2 proximity. Buyer pool is more diverse; both younger first-timers and older relocators. Capital-gains, Section 121, and Virginia state tax considerations Arlington’s high sale prices mean a meaningful share of long-tenured retirees do face taxable gain above the Section 121 exclusion. A Donaldson Run home bought in 1996 for $400,000 and sold in 2026 for $1.7M, with $150,000 in capital improvements over 30 years, has approximately $1,150,000 of gain. After the $500,000 married-filing-jointly exclusion, $650,000 is taxable at long-term capital-gains rates federally plus 5.75% Virginia state. Total tax: roughly $135,000, meaningful, but the homeowners still keep approximately $1.5M+ from the sale. For full Section 121 detail with three worked examples, see Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: The Section 121 Exclusion Explained. Always work with a qualified tax professional on your specific situation. Coordinating your Arlington sale with an out-of-state purchase Arlington’s quick-sale timing is actually an asset for retiree-relocation coordination, the home can sell faster than your destination-state purchase, giving you time to rent or stay with family while shopping. The three coordination strategies (sell first, buy first, simultaneous closings) all work for Arlington retirees, with sell-first being the most common preference because of how reliably Arlington homes sell in 2026. For full coordination playbook, see How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State. Selling Arlington condos vs. single-family homes when retiring Two different buyer-pool dynamics, two different pre-listing strategies. Single-family homes attract families and high-income relocators in 2026. They expect updated kitchens and baths in upper price bands ($1.4M+) and accept “good bones” in lower price bands ($1.0M, $1.4M). Pre-listing investment typically focuses on cosmetic refresh (paint, lighting, hardware, landscape) plus targeted appliance updates if needed. Condos attract younger professionals, downsizers from elsewhere, and a meaningful international-relocator pool in the Clarendon/Courthouse corridor. Buyers expect move-in-ready finishes, hardwood floors (or LVP), newer appliances, fresh paint. The unit’s view, in-building amenities, and parking arrangement matter more than for single-family. Pre-listing investment typically focuses on flooring refresh and full paint. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty. With 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, David serves Arlington retirees across the full pricing spectrum, from Clarendon condos to Donaldson Run single-family. He is NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025), has 90+ five-star client reviews, and maintains a strong network of trusted REALTOR® connections in retirement destinations across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Arizona. As part of his retirement-relocation engagement, David partners with you to interview and select the right destination-state buyer’s agent for your move. Considering an Arlington home sale and want a clear-eyed CMA plus equity projection? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Frequently asked questions How long will it take to sell my Arlington home in 2026? Well-priced Arlington homes typically go under contract within 7 to 21 days in 2026, often with multiple offers. Total listing-to-closing timeline runs 45 to 60 days for most transactions. Arlington consistently outperforms the NoVA regional average on days-on-market. What’s the median sale price in Arlington in 2026? Arlington’s median single-family sale price in 2026 is in the upper-$900,000s to low-$1.0M range across the county, with North Arlington averages well above $1.4M and South Arlington averages closer to $850K. Condo medians are lower (mid-$500,000s), with substantial variation by Metro-corridor location and building age. Do I need to update my Arlington home before listing? For most retiree-seller homes, low-cost cosmetic refresh (paint, lighting, hardware, minor landscape, possibly carpet) is the right level of pre-listing work. Major renovations rarely return their cost. The exception is condos in the upper Clarendon/Courthouse price bands, where buyers expect move-in-ready finishes, there, flooring and full paint are typically necessary. Will I owe capital gains tax on a long-held Arlington home? If the gain after Section 121 exclusion is positive, yes, at long-term federal capital-gains rates plus Virginia 5.75% state tax. For most Arlington single-family sellers with substantial appreciation, some taxable gain is likely. For most condo sellers, the $500,000 married-filing-jointly exclusion shields all or most of the gain. Always work with a CPA on your specific situation. Can I sell my Arlington condo and buy a single-family home in Florida the same month? Yes, simultaneous closings are common and David has done many of them. Coordination requires close communication between David and your destination-state buyer’s agent on inspection-period timing, financing-contingency timing, and closing dates. The fact that Arlington condos sell quickly in 2026 makes simultaneous timing more achievable than in slower-moving submarkets. What’s the difference between selling in North Arlington vs. South Arlington in 2026? Pricing is the most obvious difference (North Arlington single-family medians run 50 to 80% above South Arlington). Buyer pools differ too, North Arlington draws more high-income relocator families; South Arlington draws more younger first-time buyers and Amazon HQ2-driven relocators. Pre-listing strategy adjusts accordingly: North Arlington benefits from staging in upper price bands; South Arlington often performs well with cleaner cosmetic refresh alone. Do you work with retirees relocating to The Villages, Naples, Asheville, or Wilmington? Yes, these are some of the most common destinations David’s Arlington clients move to. David maintains a strong network of trusted REALTOR® connections in retirement destinations across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Arizona. As part of his engagement, David partners with you to interview and select the right destination-state buyer’s agent based on your destination metro, price band, and timeline. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: Section 121 Explained How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Selling a Northern Virginia Home You’ve Owned 20+ Years Moving from Northern Virginia to Florida in Retirement Moving from Northern Virginia to North Carolina in Retirement Arlington Home Sellers Guide 2026

Quick answer Northern Virginia homes purchased in the late 1990s or early 2000s have appreciated dramatically, often 3x to 5x the original purchase price by 2026. After Section 121 capital-gains exclusion ($250,000 single / $500,000 married), most long-tenured retirees keep the substantial majority of the gain. The 2026 selling challenge for a 20+ year home isn't appreciation, it's presentation. A 25 or 30 year old home shows differently than a newer comp, the comp pool is narrower, and the cost-effective pre-listing improvements pay back better than major renovations. David Mount has 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, including many long-tenured-homeowner sales. Call (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. If you bought your Northern Virginia home in 1998, 2002, or 2008 and you're thinking about selling in 2026, to retire, downsize, relocate, or just take chips off the table after a generation of appreciation, this guide is for you. The financial story for long-tenured NoVA homeowners is genuinely remarkable. Across Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County, homes have generally appreciated 3x to 5x their late 1990s and early 2000s purchase prices. After the Section 121 federal capital-gains exclusion shields the first $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly) of gain, the substantial majority of that appreciation lands in your pocket. The selling story is more nuanced. A 25 or 30 year old home shows differently than a 5 year old comp. The comp pool is narrower. Buyers in 2026 expect different finishes than buyers in 2006. Pre-listing decisions about what to update, what to leave alone, and how to price all matter more for a long-tenured home than for a newer one. This article walks through how to think about each. The Northern Virginia appreciation story since 2000 Here's a rough by-county view of how a typical Northern Virginia home has appreciated. Specific neighborhoods vary widely; these are price-band ballparks, not promises. Arlington. A North Arlington single-family home bought in 2000 for $500,000 is worth roughly $1.4M to $1.9M in 2026, depending on neighborhood and condition. A Clarendon/Courthouse condo bought in 2002 for $300,000 is worth roughly $650,000 to $850,000. Arlington has the highest appreciation in the region, driven by limited inventory, Metro access, and Amazon HQ2 / Pentagon proximity. Alexandria. Old Town and Del Ray single-family homes bought in 2000 for $400,000 are worth roughly $1.1M to $1.5M in 2026. Kingstowne and Cameron Station condos and townhomes bought in 2002 for $300,000 are worth roughly $550,000 to $750,000. Alexandria's range is wide because Old Town pricing diverges sharply from outer-city neighborhoods. Fairfax County. A Mantua / Oakton / Vienna single-family home bought in 2000 for $400,000 is worth roughly $1.0M to $1.4M in 2026. McLean and Great Falls range higher. Burke, Springfield, and Centreville range somewhat lower. A Reston townhome bought in 2002 for $250,000 is worth roughly $550,000 to $700,000. Loudoun County. An Ashburn single-family home bought in 2002 for $400,000 is worth roughly $850,000 to $1.1M in 2026, the Silver Line Metro has lifted Ashburn pricing meaningfully. Leesburg ranges similar. Western Loudoun (Purcellville, Lansdowne) is generally somewhat lower per square foot but has appreciated steadily. The Loudoun appreciation story is younger than inner-Beltway counties because the area was still semi-rural in 2000. Prince William County. A Manassas or Woodbridge single-family home bought in 2000 for $250,000 is worth roughly $500,000 to $700,000 in 2026. Gainesville/Haymarket ranges higher. PWC has appreciated but at a lower multiple than inner-Beltway counties, partly because much of PWC was farmland or new construction in the late 1990s, partly because the buyer pool tilts more toward first-time and move-up buyers than the higher-end DC commuter pool. The takeaway: long-tenured NoVA owners are sitting on substantial equity in 2026, with the magnitude varying meaningfully by county. The decision to sell now, sell later, or hold long-term should be informed by your specific home's market position, which is what a current CMA from David provides. Why a 30 year old home shows differently than a 5 year old home The biggest 2026 buyer-perception gap on long-tenured NoVA homes isn't structure or location, it's finishes and feel. Buyers comparing your 1998 colonial to a 2018 colonial in the same neighborhood notice: Original or 2010 era kitchens with granite counters and brown cabinets, vs. quartz and white cabinet 2024 kitchens. Brass and oil-rubbed-bronze fixtures vs. matte black or brushed nickel. Wall-to-wall carpet vs. luxury vinyl plank or hardwood. Beige or "tuscan" wall colors vs. warm white or pale gray. Older vinyl windows vs. newer black-frame composite. Smaller primary bathrooms vs. spa-style primary suites. Smaller closets vs. walk-ins. You don't need to address all of this. In fact, addressing all of it is usually the wrong move (see "What pays back" below). The key insight is that 2026 buyers will mentally subtract the cost of updating from your asking price, so you want to be the home that's good enough not to trigger the subtraction, while leaving room for the next buyer to make it their own. The equity check: original purchase + improvements + market appreciation = your number Three numbers define your equity position: 1. Original purchase price. What you paid when you bought. 2. Adjusted cost basis. Original purchase price plus capital improvements over the years (kitchen, baths, roof, HVAC, windows, additions, finished basement, etc.). Every dollar of improvement reduces your taxable gain dollar for dollar, see the Section 121 article for what counts and what doesn't. 3. 2026 market value. What a comparable home in your neighborhood and condition is selling for today. This is the CMA David provides at the start of any retirement-sale conversation. Your gross equity = (2026 market value minus selling costs) minus adjusted cost basis. Your net equity after tax = gross equity minus federal and Virginia tax on the portion above the Section 121 exclusion. For most long-tenured NoVA retirees, the after-tax number is within 5 to 10 percent of the gross. Pre-listing repairs and updates that pay back vs. ones that don't The single highest-leverage decision a long-tenured NoVA homeowner makes in the 90 days before listing is which updates to fund. The wrong choice can cost $50,000 in upgrades that return $25,000 in sale-price lift. The right choice can return $3 of sale-price lift for every $1 spent. Almost always pays back Fresh interior paint in a current neutral. $5,000 to $12,000 typical NoVA cost. Returns 3x to 5x on sale price for a long-tenured home. New carpet in bedrooms if existing carpet is worn. $4,000 to $8,000 typical. Returns 2x to 3x. Light-fixture refresh (kitchen pendants, bath vanity lights, foyer chandelier, ceiling fans). $1,500 to $3,500. Returns 3x to 4x because it's the cheapest "modernization" signal. Cabinet hardware update (kitchen and bath knobs/pulls). $500 to $1,500. Returns 4x to 6x. Buyers register "updated" instantly. Power-wash and minor landscape refresh (mulch, edging, a few new plantings). $1,000 to $3,000. Curb-appeal returns are outsized in NoVA's competitive 2026 market. Pre-listing inspection. $400 to $700. Lets you address surprises before a buyer's inspector finds them. Sometimes pays back Refinish hardwood floors if they're scratched but in otherwise good shape. $4,000 to $8,000. Returns 1.5x to 2.5x in upper price bands; less in entry-level bands. Bath cosmetic refresh: paint, new vanity top, new fixtures, fresh grout. $3,000 to $6,000 per bath. Returns 1.5x to 2x. Full bath remodel rarely pays back. Kitchen counter replacement (granite to quartz) if cabinets are otherwise sound. $4,000 to $8,000. Returns 1x to 1.5x. Modest. Full kitchen remodel rarely pays back. Replacing major appliances if existing ones are dated. $2,000 to $5,000 in stainless steel package. Returns 1x to 1.5x. Almost never pays back for a 25 to 30 year old home you're selling Full kitchen renovation (cabinet replacement). $30,000 to $80,000. Typically returns 50 to 70 percent of cost in sale price. Big loss. Full primary-bath renovation. $25,000 to $50,000. Returns 50 to 65 percent of cost. Adding square footage, finishing a basement, building a sunroom. Massive cost, modest sale-price impact unless your home is mispriced for its current size. Major landscape redesign (hardscape, mature trees). $15,000+. Buyers don't pay for it. High-end appliances (Wolf/Sub-Zero) in a mid-tier kitchen. Mismatch. Buyers expect the rest of the kitchen to match. The general rule: in 2026 NoVA, low-cost cosmetic updates are returning outsized multiples; major renovations are returning less than they cost. The buyer pool is willing to renovate themselves, they don't want to pay for your renovation taste. Why the comp pool for a 30 year old home is narrower (and how David handles that) Modern AVMs (Zestimate, Redfin Estimate, Realtor.com Estimate) work by averaging recent sales of "comparable" homes. For a newer home in a planned community with 50 nearly-identical comps within 0.5 miles, AVMs are reasonably accurate. For a 30 year old custom-modified home in a mature neighborhood with 4 imperfect comps in the past 12 months, AVMs are notoriously off, see When Your Zillow Zestimate Is Wrong in Northern Virginia. David's CMA process for long-tenured homes treats this directly. Instead of averaging recent sales, David identifies the 3 to 6 closest true comps (same neighborhood, similar age, similar size, similar lot, similar level of updating) and adjusts each for the specific differences vs. your home. The result is a pricing range, not a single AVM number, and a defensible logic for whichever number we pick within the range. This matters at listing time because mispricing a long-tenured home is the single most common reason it sits. Listing $30,000 above market on a $1.0M home in 2026 NoVA can mean 60+ days on market and an eventual price-cut sale below where it should have started. Listing $30,000 below market often produces multiple offers and a final price above market. The "should I update the kitchen or sell as-is" decision The most common single question David hears from long-tenured NoVA homeowners. The honest answer: almost always sell as-is, with cosmetic refresh only. The math: a $50,000 kitchen renovation returns roughly $30,000 in sale-price lift in most NoVA price bands in 2026. That's a $20,000 loss. Plus 6 to 10 weeks of disruption. Plus the risk that you pick finishes the buyer doesn't love. The exceptions: (1) the kitchen is genuinely non-functional (broken appliances, plumbing issues, severely water-damaged cabinets); (2) the home is in a luxury price band where buyers expect move-in-ready; (3) the kitchen is so dated that it will deter buyers from touring at all. In those exception cases, a targeted refresh, not a full renovation, is usually right. Section 121 capital-gains framing for long-tenured homes The Section 121 exclusion is the financial magic for long-tenured retirees. $500,000 of gain (married filing jointly) excluded from federal tax means an extra $75,000 to $100,000 in your pocket compared to investment-property gain. The exclusion is per-sale, not pro-rated by years owned, so a 30 year hold gets the same $500,000 exclusion as a 5 year hold. Capital improvements over 30 years often add $80,000 to $200,000 to your basis, further reducing taxable gain. Keeping records of those improvements pays direct dollars. For full Section 121 detail and worked examples, see Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: The Section 121 Exclusion Explained. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty. With 12+ years and 200+ Northern Virginia transactions, David has handled many long-tenured-homeowner sales across Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun, and Prince William. He's NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025), FastExpert 5-Star Agent, and Zillow Premier Agent. David grew up in Burke, Virginia and graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School. He's known for honest CMAs, calibrated pre-listing recommendations, and the patience that long-tenured-homeowner conversations deserve. Want a no-pressure CMA on your long-tenured Northern Virginia home? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Frequently asked questions What has a Fairfax County home purchased in 1998 for $400,000 appreciated to in 2026? Most Fairfax County homes purchased for $400,000 in 1998 are now worth $1.0M to $1.4M in 2026, depending on neighborhood, condition, and updates over the years. Mantua, Vienna, and Oakton tend to be at the higher end; Burke, Springfield, and Centreville at the lower end. McLean and Great Falls trend higher still. A specific CMA from David is the only way to get a defensible 2026 number for your specific home. Should I update my 25 year old kitchen before selling? Almost always no. A $50,000 kitchen renovation typically returns roughly $30,000 in sale-price lift in 2026 NoVA, a $20,000 loss plus weeks of disruption. The exceptions are non-functional kitchens, luxury price bands where move-in-ready is expected, or kitchens so dated they deter showings. A targeted cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, lighting, counters) almost always beats a full renovation. Are buyers paying for an updated bathroom in 2026? Cosmetic refresh of a bathroom (paint, new vanity top, fixtures, fresh grout) typically returns 1.5x to 2x cost. Full bath renovation typically returns 50 to 65 percent of cost, a loss. Targeted updates beat full renovations. What's the ROI on fresh paint and new carpet for a long-tenured home? In 2026 NoVA, fresh interior paint typically returns 3x to 5x cost. New carpet in bedrooms (when existing is worn) returns 2x to 3x. Both are among the highest-ROI pre-listing improvements available. How does my home's age affect my list-price strategy? Older homes have narrower comp pools, so AVM (Zestimate) accuracy is poor. Pricing requires identifying 3 to 6 true comps and adjusting for specific differences, rather than averaging algorithmic data. Mispricing is the most common reason a long-tenured home sits, overprice by 3 percent and it can sit 60+ days; correct-price often produces multiple offers. Should I get a pre-listing inspection if my home is 30 years old? Yes. A $400 to $700 pre-listing inspection lets you address surprises before a buyer's inspector finds them and uses them as leverage. For a 30 year home, the typical findings are HVAC age, roof age, water-heater age, and minor electrical updates needed to meet 2026 code. Knowing about them in advance lets you decide what to fix and what to disclose. Will my home show worse than newer comps? Probably yes, on the same metric scale. The right strategy is to position your home in a different price tier, same square footage and bedroom count, but priced as a "great bones, ready for your touches" listing rather than a move-in-ready listing. Different buyer segments value each. David positions long-tenured homes for the segment that values them most. Is it worth doing a major renovation before selling, or sell and let the buyer renovate? Almost always sell and let the buyer renovate. The math works against the seller in 2026. The exception is true functional defects (broken systems, water damage, structural issues) that need to be addressed regardless. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Long-Held Northern Virginia Home: Section 121 Explained When Your Zillow Zestimate Is Wrong in Northern Virginia How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Senior Move Management for Northern Virginia Retirees

A real Arlington listing-agent success story — and what it means if you're thinking about selling in Claremont or South Arlington, especially if you're relocating. A home in Arlington's Claremont neighborhood — 2213 S Dinwiddie St — listed by David Mount of The Redux Group at eXp Realty for $850,000, sold for the full asking price — with no seller concessions — after just four days on the market. The sellers were relocating out of state, so a fast, certain sale mattered as much as the price — and they got both. The result came down to two things working together: focused listing prep before the home ever hit the market, and a multi-channel marketing plan built to put the home in front of the right buyers immediately. Here's the full story of the sale, the prep and marketing that made it happen, and what it tells you if you're choosing a listing agent in Arlington. A Full-Price Sale in a Single Weekend When the sellers of 2213 S Dinwiddie Street decided it was time to sell, they were preparing to relocate out of state. That made the stakes clear: they needed a clean, well-timed sale that wouldn't drag on while they were managing a move across the country. The goal was the strongest possible price and the certainty of a quick result. We listed at $850,000, the home generated serious buyer interest right away, and it went under contract within four days — over its very first weekend on the market. It then sold at exactly the list price, $850,000, with no seller concessions to chip away at the bottom line. In a market where many sellers expect to negotiate down from their asking price or cover buyer closing costs, a clean full-price sale in four days is the kind of outcome every seller hopes for — and exactly the kind of speed and certainty a relocating seller needs. It didn't happen by luck. It happened because the home was prepared well, priced right, and marketed hard from day one. The short version: Listed at $850,000 → under contract over its first weekend → sold at full price ($850,000) with zero concessions, in 4 days on market — for sellers relocating out of state. How Light Listing Prep Helped This Home Sell Fast Before we ever scheduled photos, I walked the sellers through a focused, low-cost listing-prep plan — the handful of things that make the biggest difference to how buyers perceive a home. The sellers largely followed the recommendations, and that head start is a big part of why the home showed beautifully and sold so quickly. That mattered even more here because they were juggling prep with planning an out-of-state move, so we kept the list short, high-impact, and manageable. Listing prep doesn't mean a gut renovation. It means doing the right small things: decluttering and depersonalizing so buyers can picture themselves living there, handling minor touch-ups, making sure the home is clean and bright for photos, and presenting the property at its best for that critical first weekend of showings. When a home is prep-ready before it's photographed and marketed, every other part of the plan works harder — the photos look better, the listing stands out, and buyers show up ready to write strong offers. This is the part many sellers underestimate. A little guidance and a weekend of focused effort up front can be the difference between full price in four days and a price reduction three weeks later. The Marketing That Drove a 4-Day, Full-Price Sale Great prep gets a home ready; great marketing gets it seen. For this Claremont listing, we used a full professional marketing stack designed to make the home look its absolute best and reach the maximum number of qualified buyers the moment it went live. Here's what went into it. Drone (aerial) photography Aerial drone shots show buyers what a standard photo can't — the lot, the rooflines, the tree canopy, and how the home sits within the Claremont neighborhood. For a property where location and setting are selling points, that bird's-eye perspective adds real context and aspiration. Virtual dusk (twilight) photography A virtual dusk treatment turns a daytime exterior into a warm, glowing twilight shot — windows lit, sky in soft color. These images consistently stop the scroll online and make a listing feel like a home people want to come home to. HDR photography High-dynamic-range (HDR) photography balances the light inside and outside a room at the same time, so interiors look bright, true-to-life, and inviting — no dark corners, no blown-out windows. It's the difference between photos that look like a real estate listing and photos that look like a magazine. Virtual staging For spaces that show better with furniture, virtual staging lets buyers instantly picture how a room functions — where the sofa goes, how the dining area flows — without the cost and hassle of physically staging the whole house. It's especially useful when sellers have already started packing or moving out for a relocation, because it lets empty rooms still feel like home. 2D floor plan and 3D tour Buyers want to understand how a home flows before they ever visit. We gave them a clear 2D floor plan to see the layout and room dimensions at a glance, plus an immersive 3D tour they could walk through online from anywhere. That combination is especially valuable for out-of-area and relocating buyers who can't easily drop by in person — and listings with floor plans and 3D tours consistently earn more engagement and more serious showings. Zillow Showcase We also marketed the home as a Zillow Showcase listing — Zillow's premium, AI-powered listing experience that gives a home a richer, more prominent presence on the most-visited real estate site in the country. Showcase listings feature an interactive floor plan, an immersive photo tour, and enhanced placement in search, and Zillow's own data shows Showcase homes tend to get more views and saves and can sell faster and for more. For sellers who needed both speed and a strong price, that extra visibility mattered. Video marketing A video walkthrough ties it all together. Video is what online buyers and the search and social algorithms reward most right now — it keeps people engaged longer, travels further on social media, and gives out-of-area and relocating buyers a real feel for the home before they schedule a showing. Used together, this marketing stack meant that the moment the home hit the market, it looked its best everywhere a buyer might find it — and that's what turns “on the market” into “under contract” in a single weekend. Claremont Neighborhood Spotlight: One of South Arlington's Most Sought-After Communities Claremont is a well-established residential neighborhood in South Arlington, Virginia, known for its tree-lined streets, mix of classic and updated homes, and a location that puts residents minutes from everything that makes Arlington one of the most desirable places to live in the D.C. metro area. Buyers are drawn to Claremont for its convenience and community feel: easy access to major commuter routes and Metro, proximity to shops, restaurants, and parks, and a setting that strikes the balance many Northern Virginia buyers are looking for — a real neighborhood within reach of Washington, D.C., Amazon's HQ2 in National Landing, the Pentagon, and the region's major employment centers. That combination of location, lifestyle, and steady demand is exactly why a well-prepared, well-marketed Claremont home can command full price and move fast. If you own a home in Claremont or elsewhere in South Arlington and you're wondering what it's worth in today's market — or how quickly it could sell — that demand is working in your favor. What This Means If You're Choosing a Listing Agent in Arlington A four-day, full-price sale with no concessions isn't an accident, and it isn't only about the house. It's about having a listing agent in Arlington who builds the whole plan — pricing, prep, presentation, and marketing — to work together from day one. When you're interviewing real estate agents to sell your home in Arlington, here's what this sale shows you to look for: A clear listing-prep plan up front — specific, low-cost recommendations that maximize how your home shows, not a vague “it'll be fine.” Professional, multi-channel marketing as the standard — drone, twilight, HDR, virtual staging, a 2D floor plan, a 3D tour, Zillow Showcase, and video, not just a few phone photos uploaded to the MLS. Pricing strategy that earns full price — listing at the right number so the market responds quickly and competitively, rather than chasing the price down later. Real, local Arlington experience — an agent who knows neighborhoods like Claremont and South Arlington and can position your home to the buyers who want to live there. Experience helping relocating sellers — if you're moving out of state, you need an agent who can manage prep, marketing, showings, and closing smoothly while you're focused on the move. That's the standard I bring to every listing. With 12+ years in Northern Virginia real estate, 200+ homes sold, and recognition as an NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025), my job as your listing agent is to get you the strongest result the market will give — and to make the process feel clear and well-handled the whole way through. Thinking of Selling Your Home in Claremont or South Arlington? If you're considering selling — this year or just exploring, and especially if you're relocating out of the area — the best first step is knowing what your home is worth in today's market. I'll give you a straightforward, no-pressure home valuation and a custom plan for how I'd prepare and market your specific home to sell quickly and for top dollar. Get your free home valuation I'd be glad to help you get the same kind of result we got in Claremont — full price, fast, and handled right. — David Mount, REALTOR®, The Redux Group of eXp Realty Frequently Asked Questions How fast can homes sell in Arlington, VA? A well-prepared, well-priced, professionally marketed home in Arlington can sell very quickly — this Claremont home went under contract in just four days, over its first weekend on the market, and sold at full price. Speed depends on pricing, condition, prep, and marketing. The right listing strategy is what turns interest into a fast offer. What does a listing agent do? A listing agent (also called a seller's agent) represents the homeowner who is selling. That includes pricing the home strategically, advising on listing prep, arranging professional marketing like photography and video, getting the home in front of qualified buyers, managing showings and offers, and negotiating the contract through to closing — all to get the seller the strongest result. How much does it cost to sell a home in Arlington? Typical seller costs in Arlington include the real estate commission, plus closing costs such as transfer taxes, settlement fees, and any agreed seller concessions. In this Claremont sale, the seller paid no concessions and netted the full $850,000 list price. Exact costs vary by home and situation — I'm happy to walk you through a personalized net-proceeds estimate before you list. Can you help me sell my Arlington home if I'm relocating out of state? Yes — relocation sellers are a big part of my business. The Claremont sellers in this story were moving out of state, and we sold their home at full price in four days. I coordinate prep, professional marketing, showings, offers, and closing so the sale moves smoothly even when you've already left the area or are focused on your move. How do I sell my home fast in Claremont or South Arlington? The fastest sales come from prep, pricing, and marketing working together: smart listing prep before you go live, accurate pricing, and professional multi-channel marketing — drone, twilight, HDR, virtual staging, a 2D floor plan, a 3D tour, Zillow Showcase, and video. South Arlington neighborhoods like Claremont have steady buyer demand, so a well-presented home can attract strong offers within the first weekend. Why should I hire a local Arlington listing agent? A local listing agent knows how buyers value specific neighborhoods like Claremont, how to price for the current Arlington market, and how to market a home so it reaches the right buyers immediately. Local experience and a proven marketing system are what produce fast, full-price results rather than price reductions and long days on market.

Quick answer Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code lets a homeowner exclude up to $250,000 (single filer) or $500,000 (married filing jointly) of capital gain on the sale of a primary residence, provided you've used the home as your primary residence for at least 2 of the previous 5 years. For most long-tenured Northern Virginia retirees, this exclusion shields all or most of the federal capital-gains tax. Anything above the exclusion is taxed at long-term capital-gains rates plus Virginia state tax. Capital improvements over the years reduce your taxable gain. The 3-year clock after you stop using the home as your primary residence is the most common retiree-relocation tax mistake. Always consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Questions about a NoVA sale? Call David Mount at (571) 946-8418. The basics: Section 121 in plain English If you bought your Northern Virginia home in the 1990s or early 2000s and you're thinking about selling in 2026 to retire and relocate, the single biggest financial question on your mind is probably: how much of this gain do I actually get to keep? The answer for most NoVA retirees is "more than you think," thanks to Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides a substantial federal capital-gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence. This guide explains how Section 121 works in plain English, walks through three worked examples drawn from typical Northern Virginia scenarios, and flags the most common retiree-relocation mistakes that can erode the exclusion. Important: David Mount is a REALTOR®, not a tax advisor. This article describes how Section 121 works in general terms based on long-standing IRC provisions. Always work with a qualified tax professional (CPA or enrolled agent) on your specific situation. Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code provides what's commonly called the "primary-residence capital-gains exclusion." Here's the core rule: If you sell a home that has been your primary residence for at least 2 of the 5 years immediately preceding the sale, you can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain from federal income tax if you file as a single filer, or up to $500,000 if you're married filing jointly. The exclusion is per-sale, not per-lifetime, but generally cannot be used more than once every two years. The exclusion applies to your gain, not your sale price. Gain is calculated as: sale price, minus selling costs (commission, transfer tax, etc.), minus your adjusted cost basis (original purchase price plus capital improvements over the years). What counts as "ownership" and "use" for the 2-of-5-years test Section 121 has two tests that must both be satisfied: Ownership test. You must have owned the home for at least 24 months out of the 5 years ending on the sale date. The 24 months don't have to be consecutive. Use test. You must have used the home as your primary residence for at least 24 months out of the same 5 years. Again, not necessarily consecutive, but the use must be as your main home, not as a vacation property or a second home. For long-tenured NoVA retirees who have lived in the home continuously, both tests are easily met. The tests become important if you've moved out before selling, used the home as a rental for a period, or had complex ownership history (divorce, inheritance, etc.). Worked example #1: Fairfax County couple, married filing jointly The Smiths bought their home in Mantua in 1998 for $400,000. They've lived in it continuously ever since. In 2026 they sell for $1,200,000 to relocate to Sarasota, Florida. Sale price: $1,200,000Selling costs (commission + transfer tax + minor repairs): $80,000Net sale proceeds: $1,120,000 Original purchase price: $400,000Capital improvements over 28 years (kitchen renovation 2010, two bath remodels 2014, roof 2018, HVAC 2021): $120,000Adjusted cost basis: $520,000 Capital gain: $1,120,000 minus $520,000 = $600,000 Section 121 exclusion (married filing jointly): $500,000 Taxable gain: $600,000 minus $500,000 = $100,000 The $100,000 is taxed at long-term federal capital-gains rates (15% for most retirees in this income range, potentially 20% at the top brackets) plus Virginia state income tax (5.75% in 2026 at this gain level). Federal: roughly $15,000. Virginia: roughly $5,750. Total tax on the sale: approximately $20,750. The Smiths keep approximately $1,099,250 of the $1,200,000 sale price. The most important takeaway: the $120,000 in capital improvements reduced their taxable gain by $120,000, saving them roughly $25,000 in combined federal and Virginia tax. Keeping records of every capital improvement matters. Worked example #2: Arlington single retiree Ms. Johnson bought her two-bedroom condo in Clarendon in 2002 for $280,000. In 2026 she sells for $750,000 to retire to Asheville, North Carolina. Sale price: $750,000Selling costs: $50,000Net proceeds: $700,000 Original purchase price: $280,000Capital improvements (kitchen remodel 2015, in-unit washer/dryer addition 2018): $35,000Adjusted cost basis: $315,000 Capital gain: $700,000 minus $315,000 = $385,000 Section 121 exclusion (single filer): $250,000 Taxable gain: $385,000 minus $250,000 = $135,000 Federal long-term capital-gains tax (15%): $20,250Virginia state tax (5.75%): $7,762Total tax: approximately $28,000 Ms. Johnson keeps roughly $722,000 of the $750,000 sale price. If she had been married filing jointly with a $500,000 exclusion, she would have owed almost no capital-gains tax at all, illustrating why marital status and surviving-spouse rules matter (more on the surviving-spouse rule below). Worked example #3: Loudoun County couple, recent purchase The Patels bought their Ashburn home in 2010 for $625,000. In 2026 they sell for $1,050,000 to retire to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Sale price: $1,050,000Selling costs: $70,000Net proceeds: $980,000 Original purchase price: $625,000Capital improvements (basement finish 2014, deck and patio 2017, kitchen update 2022): $90,000Adjusted cost basis: $715,000 Capital gain: $980,000 minus $715,000 = $265,000 Section 121 exclusion (married filing jointly): $500,000 Taxable gain: $0, the entire gain is shielded by the exclusion. The Patels owe no federal capital-gains tax on the sale. They may still have Virginia tax considerations on income earned during their part-year residency if they move mid-year, but the home-sale gain itself is fully excluded. What if you've already moved and are selling from out of state? The 3-year clock This is the single most common retiree-relocation tax mistake. The 2-of-5-years use test is measured backward from the sale date. So if you stop using your NoVA home as your primary residence and don't sell within 3 years, you no longer meet the use test, and you lose the exclusion entirely on the next sale. Concretely: you move to Florida on June 1, 2024. You leave the NoVA home empty (or rent it out) intending to sell "when the market is right." If you don't sell by approximately June 1, 2027, the exclusion is gone. A $500,000 federal tax shelter, gone. The fix is straightforward: if your move-out date is set, your sale-by date should be set with it. David's workflow is set up for clients who have already moved (see Selling Your Northern Virginia Home From Out of State) so the 3-year clock isn't a binding constraint on relocation timing. The surviving-spouse 2-year window If your spouse has died and you're selling within 2 years of their death, you can still claim the full $500,000 married-filing-jointly exclusion, even if you're now technically a single filer. This provision matters significantly for widowed retirees who sell their long-tenured NoVA home and relocate to be near family. Outside that 2-year window, a surviving spouse who has not remarried files as single and gets the $250,000 exclusion. The $250,000 difference is roughly $50,000 to $60,000 in federal tax for high-equity NoVA homes. Don't miss the window. Adjustments to basis: capital improvements that reduce your gain Your adjusted cost basis is the original purchase price plus the cost of capital improvements over the years. Capital improvements add to your basis dollar for dollar, every dollar of basis increase is a dollar of gain you don't pay tax on. What counts as a capital improvement: Kitchen renovations (cabinets, counters, appliances)Bathroom renovationsRoof replacementHVAC system replacementWindows and doorsAdditions (room addition, deck, patio, sunroom)Basement finishingMajor landscaping (hardscape, irrigation, mature trees)Solar panel installationDriveway replacementFencingGarage construction or expansion What does not count (these are repairs, not improvements): Routine paintingCarpet cleaning or replacement of worn-out carpetAppliance repairsLawn maintenancePest controlRoutine HVAC servicing The line is sometimes fuzzy. A new roof is an improvement; patching a roof leak is a repair. Gutting and remodeling a bathroom is an improvement; replacing a single faucet is a repair. Your CPA will help draw the line on borderline expenses. Practical guidance: dig out 25 years of receipts before you sell. Even imperfect records are better than none, the IRS generally accepts reasonable substantiation, including photos with date stamps, contractor invoices, and bank/credit-card statements. Virginia state income tax considerations Virginia taxes capital gains as ordinary income at a top rate of 5.75% in 2026. Unlike Florida, Tennessee, or other no-state-income-tax destinations, Virginia does not exempt long-term capital gains. The Section 121 federal exclusion does, however, apply to your Virginia tax calculation: gain that's excluded for federal purposes is also excluded for Virginia. Only the portion above the federal exclusion is subject to Virginia state tax. If you're moving mid-year, talk to your CPA about Virginia part-year residency rules and how to allocate the home-sale gain to your Virginia tax-year. There can be planning value in aligning your closing date and your move-date with your tax-year strategy, particularly if you're moving to a no-state-income-tax state. When to consult a CPA vs. an enrolled agent For most Northern Virginia retiree home sales, a competent CPA who has handled long-tenured primary-residence sales before is the right professional. If the situation is more complex (a partial-rental period, a divorce-related sale, an inherited basis question, or a multi-state residency-shift), an enrolled agent who specializes in real-estate taxation may be a better fit. David is happy to make introductions to several NoVA-area CPAs and EAs experienced with retiree-relocation sales. Common Section 121 questions from NoVA retirees How does the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gains exclusion work? Section 121 lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain (single filer) or $500,000 (married filing jointly) on the sale of a primary residence, provided you've owned and used the home as your main home for at least 2 of the 5 years before the sale. Any gain above the exclusion is taxed at long-term capital-gains rates federally, plus Virginia state tax. What's the 2-of-5-years rule? You must have owned the home for at least 24 months and used it as your primary residence for at least 24 months, both within the 5 years immediately preceding the sale. The 24 months don't have to be consecutive. For continuously-occupied NoVA retirees, this test is automatically met. Can I claim the exclusion if I've already moved out of my Northern Virginia home? Yes, as long as you sell within 3 years of moving out. After 3 years of non-residency, you fail the 2-of-5-years use test and lose the exclusion. This is the most common retiree-relocation tax mistake; if you've moved out, set a sale-by date. What if I've owned the home for 30 years, does the exclusion still cap at $500,000? Yes. Section 121 is per-sale, not pro-rated by years owned. A home owned for 30 years gets the same $500,000 exclusion as a home owned for 5 years. The exclusion is generous but capped. Does Virginia tax my home-sale gain on top of federal? Virginia taxes capital gains as ordinary income at a top rate of 5.75% in 2026. The Section 121 federal exclusion also applies for Virginia purposes, only the portion above the federal exclusion is subject to Virginia state tax. If you're moving mid-year to a no-state-income-tax state, talk to your CPA about residency-shift planning. What capital improvements reduce my taxable gain? Improvements that materially add value or extend the home's useful life: kitchen renovations, bath renovations, roof, HVAC, windows, additions, basement finish, major landscaping, solar, driveway, fencing. Routine repairs and maintenance do not. Keep receipts; even imperfect records help. How does the surviving-spouse capital-gains window work? If your spouse has died and you sell the home within 2 years of their death, you can still claim the full $500,000 married-filing-jointly exclusion. After the 2-year window, you file as a single and the exclusion drops to $250,000. Can I use the exclusion more than once in retirement? Yes, Section 121 can generally be used once every 2 years on different primary residences. So if you sell your NoVA home, buy a Florida primary residence, live there for 2+ years, and then sell to move again, you can claim a fresh exclusion. What if the home was a rental for some years, does that affect Section 121? Yes. Rental periods generally don't count toward the 2-of-5-years use test, and depreciation deductions taken during rental periods can be subject to recapture even if the rest of the gain is excluded. If your home had a rental period (Airbnb, long-term rental, accessory dwelling rental), the analysis gets more complex. Work with a CPA. Should I sell before I retire or after, does it change my capital-gains tax? The Section 121 exclusion itself is the same either way. What changes is your overall tax bracket. Pre-retirement sellers may be in a higher ordinary-income bracket but the same long-term capital-gains bracket. Post-retirement sellers may have lower ordinary-income brackets but the same long-term capital-gains bracket. The ordinary income surrounding the sale is what matters most for the gain above the exclusion. Your CPA can model both scenarios. What's the most common Section 121 mistake retirees make? Letting the 3-year non-residency clock expire. Moving out, leaving the home empty or rented, and not selling within 3 years, losing the entire $250,000 / $500,000 federal exclusion. If your move-out date is set, your sale-by date should be set with it. About David Mount David Mount is a REALTOR® with The Redux Group of eXp Realty, specializing in helping Northern Virginia homeowners navigate complex sale situations including retiree relocations, inherited property, divorce, and military PCS moves. David grew up in Burke, Virginia and graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School. With 12+ years of experience and 200+ NoVA transactions, David is well-versed in Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code as it applies to long-tenured Northern Virginia primary residences. He is an NVAR Top Producers Club Platinum Member (2024 and 2025) with 90+ five-star client reviews. Reminder: David is a REALTOR®, not a tax advisor. This article describes Section 121 in general terms. For tax advice specific to your situation, work with a qualified CPA or enrolled agent. David is happy to introduce you to several NoVA-area tax professionals experienced with retiree-relocation home sales. Considering a NoVA home sale and want a clear-eyed look at your equity and likely net? Call David at (571) 946-8418 or email david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. Related articles Selling Your Northern Virginia Home to Retire: 2026 Cornerstone Guide Selling a Northern Virginia Home You've Owned 20+ Years How to Coordinate Selling Your Northern Virginia Home and Buying in Another State Selling Your Northern Virginia Home From Out of State Capital Gains and Stepped-Up Basis on Inherited Virginia Property Does Virginia Have an Inheritance Tax?

Quick answer: The top-rated real estate agents for home sellers in Fairfax County in 2026 are the ones who understand that Fairfax is not one market. A Centreville split-level, a Burke colonial, a McLean modern, a Clifton acreage estate, and a Springfield townhouse each follow their own pricing rules and require different listing strategy. This page is a Fairfax-County-specific guide to choosing the right listing agent in 2026, with links to dedicated resources for each city and a written framework for evaluating any agent before you list. Fairfax County Real Estate at a Glance for Sellers in 2026 Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Fairfax Villa, Penderbrook, and Greenbriar within Fairfax. I’ve personally closed sales in Old Courthouse Square within Fairfax City. I’ve personally closed sales in Pickwick Woods, Pohick Station, and Glenverdant Estates within Fairfax Station. I’ve personally closed sales in Stonehenge and Sully Station within Centreville. I’ve personally closed sales in Burke Station Square, Old Mill Community, Burke Centre, Caroline Oaks, Bent Tree, and Dunleigh within Burke. I’ve personally closed sales in Newington Forest, Springfield Village, Japonica, Charlestown, North Springfield Park, South Run Forest, Rolling Forest, Cardinal Forest, and Lakewood Hills within Springfield. I’ve personally closed sales in Little Rocky Run within Clifton. I’ve personally closed sales in Vienna Woods, Country Creek, Tysons Green, Lakevale Estates, Westwood Manor, and Wolftrap Ridge within Vienna. I’ve personally closed sales in Van Vlecks within Herndon. I’ve personally closed sales in Reston (recent transactions in 2016). I’ve personally closed sales in Alexandria (Fairfax County) (recent transactions in 2026). Fairfax County is the largest residential real estate market in Virginia and one of the larger county-level markets on the East Coast. The county’s seller market has fragmented into very different micro-markets over the past five years, driven by school pyramid pricing shifts, the continued growth of the tech corridor in Reston and Tysons, the impact of the Silver Line on McLean and Vienna pricing, and the steady demand for inside-the-Beltway communities from federal workers and contractors. A home seller in Fairfax County in 2026 is not selling in “Fairfax County.” You are selling in your specific city, in your specific neighborhood, often with a buyer pool that did not exist five years ago. The implication for choosing a listing agent: a Fairfax County agent who works mostly in Reston cannot price a Clifton acreage property correctly, and a McLean agent who knows the diplomatic-buyer pool cold may not understand the federal-contractor buyer pool driving Centreville pricing. Top-rated agents in Fairfax County for home sellers in 2026 are the ones with documented sold listings in your specific city, not just in the county. The Fairfax County Cities Where We Sell Most Often The cities below each have a dedicated page with the local pricing dynamics, neighborhood breakdowns, and what to look for in a listing agent specific to that submarket. If your home is in one of these cities, that page is the most useful next step. Centreville, VA Centreville’s market spans at least five distinct micro-markets, from Centre Ridge and Virginia Run to Sully Station and Compton Heights. A top Centreville listing agent will price each by its specific HOA, school pyramid pairing, and recent comps. Read more on Centreville listing agents. Burke, VA Burke has a stable suburban seller market with several large planned communities (Burke Centre, Lake Braddock, Caroline Oaks) that each have their own buyer profile. School pyramid pairing and commute-to-Tysons drive pricing variation. Read more on Burke listing agents. Clifton and Fairfax Station, VA Clifton and the Fairfax Station area run on a different rule book from the rest of Fairfax County: larger lots (often 1 acre or more), fewer HOAs, more well-and-septic systems, and a buyer pool that is willing to drive farther for space and privacy. The marketing playbook is different and the listing timeline is longer than for similarly-priced inside-the-Beltway product. Read more on Clifton listing agents. Alexandria, VA (Fairfax County portion) The Alexandria ZIP codes inside Fairfax County (Kingstowne, Cameron Station, Seminary Valley, parts of Rose Hill) follow different pricing rules than the City of Alexandria proper. Buyer demand here comes from federal workers, military families tied to Fort Belvoir, and downsizers from larger Fairfax County homes. Read more on Alexandria Fairfax County listing agents. Springfield, VA Springfield is one of the most affordable single-family neighborhoods of inside-the-Beltway Fairfax County, with strong commuter access via I-95 and the Franconia-Springfield Metro. Pricing varies meaningfully between West Springfield, North Springfield, and Newington. Read more on Springfield listing agents. Other Fairfax County Cities Fairfax City, McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Falls Church, Annandale, and Lorton each have their own micro-market dynamics. If your home is in one of these areas, the right starting point is a conversation about your specific neighborhood and price band. What Top-Rated Fairfax County Listing Agents Do Differently in 2026 Five things separate the top-rated Fairfax County listing agents from the broader pool in 2026: City-specific track record, not just county-level. A Fairfax County listing agent should be able to name their last six sold listings in your specific city and describe each by neighborhood, list-to-sale-price ratio, and days-on-market. Pricing strategy with comparable sales. A top-rated agent walks you through three to five comps within your immediate neighborhood, explains the adjustments for differences, and produces a defensible pricing range, not a single number. Professional photography and video as the default. Drone, twilight shots, and short walkthrough video are standard in Fairfax County listings priced above $700,000 in 2026. Listings without them lose buyer attention in the first 48 hours. Clear pre-listing preparation work plan. A written list of what to fix, paint, replace, or stage before going live, with rough costs and a defensible return-on-investment estimate for each item. Disciplined launch strategy. The decision of when to go live (coming-soon period, day of the week, time of day), how to handle pre-MLS showings, and how to manage offer review is articulated upfront. David Mount: Listing-Side Work Across Fairfax County David Mount is a Northern Virginia real estate agent with The Redux Group whose listing-side work covers most of Fairfax County’s seller submarkets. The credentials that matter most for Fairfax County home sellers in 2026: $130M+ in lifetime sales volume across Northern Virginia, with the majority concentrated in Fairfax County submarkets 12+ years of active licensure in the Fairfax County market 200+ closed transactions, the majority listing-side 100+ five-star verified reviews from clients Documented sold listings in Centreville, Burke, Clifton, Alexandria, Fairfax City, Springfield, Vienna, Herndon, and Falls Church (with photos in the gallery on this site) Fairfax County 2026 Seller Market Snapshot Through the first half of 2026, the Fairfax County seller market has been characterized by: Sustained median sale prices. Most submarkets are at or above 2024 levels with modest year-over-year gains, varying by submarket. Selective buyer behavior. Well-prepared and accurately-priced listings move quickly. Mispriced or poorly-prepared listings sit and force price reductions. Increased preparation-work returns. Sellers who invest $15,000 to $40,000 in targeted preparation (paint, flooring, lighting, simple kitchen and bath refresh) consistently see net proceeds gains that justify the spend, especially in the $600,000 to $1.4 million band. Diverging school pyramid effects. School pyramid pairing remains a major pricing driver. The same home a quarter-mile across a pyramid boundary can price 5 to 10 percent differently. Multiple offers on best-prepared inventory. The competition is concentrated on the best-prepared, best-priced 20 percent of listings, with a longer tail for the rest. Frequently Asked Questions Who are the top-rated real estate agents for home sellers in Fairfax County in 2026? The top-rated Fairfax County listing agents are submarket-specific. There is no single agent who is “top” across all Fairfax County cities. The right starting point for a seller is to look for documented recent listing-side work in the specific city and neighborhood where your home is located. David Mount works across many of Fairfax County’s seller submarkets and is reachable at 571-946-8418 or david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. What does a top-rated Fairfax County listing agent charge in 2026? Listing-side commissions in Fairfax County in 2026 generally range from 2.5% to 3% of the sale price. Buyer-side compensation is now negotiated separately following the 2024 NAR settlement changes. A top-rated agent will walk you through both numbers and the math of net proceeds upfront. How long does it take to sell a home in Fairfax County in 2026? Well-prepared and accurately-priced Fairfax County listings typically go under contract within 10 to 30 days. Higher-end product above $1.5 million and properties with unique features (acreage, well-and-septic, deeded common-area access) often run 45 to 90 days. Mispriced or poorly-prepared listings of any kind run longer. What is the best time of year to list a home in Fairfax County? Mid-March through mid-June is the traditional peak Fairfax County listing window. September and October are the strong fall window. December and January are slower months but with more motivated buyers, so a well-prepared December listing can still produce a strong result. The right month depends on your specific home and submarket. Should I do preparation work on my Fairfax County home before listing? In most Fairfax County submarkets in 2026, $15,000 to $30,000 of targeted preparation work returns meaningfully more in higher sale price. The math is most favorable in the $600,000 to $1.4 million band. Above $1.5 million, larger preparation budgets often pay back. Below $600,000, the preparation budget should be smaller and focused on cosmetics only. A top-rated listing agent runs this math with you before the photos are taken. Ready to Talk About Selling Your Fairfax County Home? The first conversation is a 30-minute walk-through of your specific home in your specific city. You get a defensible pricing range backed by recent comps, a written preparation work plan with rough costs, and a marketing plan tailored to your home. There is no pressure to list. To reach David Mount directly: 571-946-8418 or david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who are the top-rated real estate agents for home sellers in Fairfax County in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The top-rated Fairfax County listing agents are submarket-specific. There is no single agent who is top across all Fairfax County cities. The right starting point for a seller is to look for documented recent listing-side work in the specific city and neighborhood where your home is located." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does a Fairfax County listing agent charge in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Listing-side commissions in Fairfax County in 2026 generally range from 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price. Buyer-side compensation is negotiated separately following the 2024 NAR settlement changes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to sell a Fairfax County home in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Well-prepared and accurately-priced Fairfax County listings typically go under contract within 10 to 30 days. 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Quick answer: The top real estate agents in Northern Virginia for home sellers in 2026 share five things: deep submarket knowledge (the Alexandria buyer pool is not the Loudoun buyer pool), a current and growing book of seller reviews, a documented track record of recent listings sold at or above ask, marketing that includes professional photo and video, and clear listing-side strategy for a market that has split into very different micro-conditions across the region. This page is a sellers-first guide to choosing a Northern Virginia listing agent in 2026, organized by submarket, with what to look for in each. What Makes a Top Listing Agent in Northern Virginia in 2026 Where I’ve sold: I’ve personally closed sales in Alexandria (City) (recent transactions in 2022, 2025). I’ve personally closed sales in Alexandria (Fairfax County) (recent transactions in 2026). I’ve personally closed sales in Arlington (recent transactions in 2023). I’ve personally closed sales in Ashburn Village and Broadlands within Ashburn. I’ve personally closed sales in Burke Station Square, Old Mill Community, Burke Centre, Caroline Oaks, Bent Tree, and Dunleigh within Burke. I’ve personally closed sales in Stonehenge and Sully Station within Centreville. I’ve personally closed sales in Marbury within Chantilly. I’ve personally closed sales in Little Rocky Run within Clifton. I’ve personally closed sales in Potomac Shores, Montclair, and Country Club Lake within Dumfries. I’ve personally closed sales in Fairfax Villa, Penderbrook, and Greenbriar within Fairfax. I’ve personally closed sales in Old Courthouse Square within Fairfax City. I’ve personally closed sales in Pickwick Woods, Pohick Station, and Glenverdant Estates within Fairfax Station. I’ve personally closed sales in Falls Hill, Woodley, Ravenwood Park, and Southampton within Falls Church. I’ve personally closed sales in Haymarket (recent transactions in 2022, 2024). I’ve personally closed sales in Van Vlecks within Herndon. I’ve personally closed sales in Lee Square, Blooms Hill, and Bradley Square within Manassas. I’ve personally closed sales in Main Street Village within Purcellville. I’ve personally closed sales in Reston (recent transactions in 2016). I’ve personally closed sales in Newington Forest, Springfield Village, Japonica, Charlestown, North Springfield Park, South Run Forest, Rolling Forest, Cardinal Forest, and Lakewood Hills within Springfield. I’ve personally closed sales in Providence Village within Sterling. I’ve personally closed sales in Potomac Crest within Triangle. I’ve personally closed sales in Vienna Woods, Country Creek, Tysons Green, Lakevale Estates, Westwood Manor, and Wolftrap Ridge within Vienna. I’ve personally closed sales in Markhams Grant, Dale City, and Port Potomac within Woodbridge. I’ve personally closed sales in Aquia Harbour within Stafford. Northern Virginia is not one real estate market. The same agent who can price a 1970s split-level in Springfield correctly may not understand the buyer pool for a $1.8 million McLean modern, and the strategy that wins multiple offers on an Arlington townhouse can quietly underperform on a 4-acre Western Loudoun property. “Top agent” only means something when it is local to your specific submarket. The five criteria that consistently separate genuinely top Northern Virginia listing agents from the broader pool of licensees in 2026: Submarket-level expertise, not just regional. A top agent should be able to explain in concrete terms why a comparable home in Vienna prices differently than a comparable home in Falls Church, even though both are inside the Beltway and a 10-minute drive apart. Recent listing-side track record. Buyer’s-agent transactions are useful experience but they do not test the same skills as listing-side work. Ask for the last 12 months of listings sold and the days-on-market versus list-price ratio. Current and consistent reviews. Look for reviews dated within the last 12 months. A wall of 2019 reviews with a thin recent tail tells you the agent’s volume has dropped. Marketing that includes professional photography, drone, and video as a default. In Northern Virginia’s price points, listings without professional visual marketing lose money. This should not be an upcharge or an optional add-on in 2026. Listing-side strategy that reflects today’s market, not 2021’s. The 2026 Northern Virginia market is not the 2021 frenzy. Pricing strategy, days-on-market expectations, contingency negotiation, and marketing length have all shifted. A top agent will articulate this in the first meeting without prompting. Northern Virginia by Submarket: Where to Look for the Right Agent The right Northern Virginia listing agent for your home is usually the one with documented experience in your specific city or county. The submarkets below cover the highest-volume seller areas in the region, each with its own micro-market dynamics and a dedicated resource on this site. Alexandria, VA Alexandria spans three very different markets in one ZIP-code overlap zone: Old Town’s historic rowhouses with strict architectural review, the inside-the-Beltway neighborhoods of Del Ray and Rosemont with their craftsman bungalows, and the West End and Eisenhower corridor with newer condos and high-rises. A top Alexandria listing agent will price each of these submarkets distinctly. The buyer pool for an Old Town brick rowhouse is not the same as the buyer pool for a Cameron Station townhome. Read more on choosing an Alexandria real estate agent. Fairfax County (Centreville, Burke, Clifton, Springfield, Fairfax City, McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, and more) Fairfax County is the largest seller market in Northern Virginia. Within it, the pricing dynamics across cities are dramatically different: a Centreville colonial, a Burke split-level, a McLean modern, a Clifton acreage property, and a Springfield townhouse each follow their own pricing rules. The right Fairfax County listing agent should know your specific city and your specific neighborhood, not just “Fairfax County.” Sub-pages by city: Centreville, VA listing agents Burke, VA listing agents Clifton, VA listing agents Springfield, VA listing agents Selling a Fairfax County home (retirement and relocation) Arlington, VA Arlington’s seller market revolves around four very different buyer pools: the Pentagon-and-State-Department professionals south of Route 50, the federal-contractor and tech-worker corridors near Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn, the close-in single-family neighborhoods of Lyon Park and Cherrydale, and the Crystal City and Pentagon City condo high-rises now reshaped by Amazon HQ2’s continuing buildout. A top Arlington listing agent will know which buyer pool is most likely to compete for your home and will market the listing accordingly. Read more on the Arlington seller market. Loudoun County (Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Brambleton, Western Loudoun) Loudoun is the most geographically split of Northern Virginia’s seller markets. Eastern Loudoun (Ashburn, Sterling, Brambleton, Lansdowne) is dense suburban product built since 1995 with strong federal-contractor and tech-worker buyer demand. Western Loudoun (Purcellville, Round Hill, Middleburg, Lovettsville) is acreage, equestrian properties, and small-town homes with a completely different buyer pool and longer marketing timelines. A “top Loudoun agent” who only sells in Ashburn is not the right agent for a Round Hill property. Read more on the Loudoun seller market. Falls Church Falls Church (the independent city) and the adjacent Falls Church neighborhoods of Fairfax County are a tight market with a distinct buyer profile: young families chasing the Mosaic District amenities, federal workers drawn to the Metro access at West Falls Church and East Falls Church, and downsizers from larger Fairfax County homes who want to stay inside the Beltway. The Falls Church market also moves on its own pricing rhythm tied to the school pyramid quirks. McLean and Vienna McLean and Vienna are Northern Virginia’s highest-end consistent seller market, with median sale prices that have stayed above $1.5 million through 2025 and 2026. The buyer pool here includes diplomats, federal executives, executive-track contractors, and an active out-of-state relocator stream. Top McLean/Vienna listing agents work in different price-band micro-markets within these zips. Pricing a Vienna 4-bedroom traditional for $1.3 million takes different skill than pricing a McLean modern with new construction at $3.8 million. Reston and Herndon Reston is a planned community with a tightly-managed HOA system, mature trees, and a tech-corridor buyer pool that has shifted with the data center economy in eastern Loudoun and Reston Town Center’s continuing growth. Herndon’s older neighborhoods price differently than Reston’s because of school pyramid splits and HOA differences. A top Reston/Herndon agent should be able to walk through the Reston Association rules and architectural review process from memory. Prince William County (Manassas, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Stafford spillover) Prince William County has the broadest price range of any Northern Virginia seller market: townhouses starting in the high $300,000s in Woodbridge, single-family homes from $500,000 to $900,000 across Manassas and Bristow, and acreage properties in the western parts of the county at much higher prices. The PWC buyer pool also includes a meaningful military and federal contractor stream tied to Fort Belvoir and Quantico. Read more on the PWC seller market. About David Mount, Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent David Mount is a Northern Virginia real estate agent with The Redux Group, focused on the seller side of the market across Alexandria, Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, Falls Church, McLean and Vienna, Reston and Herndon, and Prince William County. The credentials that matter for home sellers: $130M+ in lifetime sales volume across Northern Virginia 12+ years working as a licensed agent in this region 200+ closed transactions, the majority listing-side 100+ five-star verified reviews from clients Active across the Northern Virginia submarkets listed above, with documented sold listings in each The reason for the multi-submarket coverage is simple: many Northern Virginia sellers own one home but move locally. A Fairfax homeowner downsizing to Alexandria, or a Loudoun retiree moving to Florida and asking for a referral, needs an agent who understands more than one corner of the region. A “Fairfax-only” agent and a “Loudoun-only” agent will each have blind spots when the sale and the next purchase span submarkets. How to Evaluate a Northern Virginia Listing Agent in Three Conversations Most home sellers find their agent through a referral, an online search, or a sign in the neighborhood, and then meet with one or two before signing. A more useful approach is to have three structured conversations with two to three candidates and compare the substance. Conversation 1: The 30-minute submarket conversation (by phone) Ask the agent to walk you through their last six closed transactions in your specific neighborhood or your closest comparable. Listen for whether they can name actual addresses, days-on-market, list-to-sale ratios, and what they did to differentiate the listing. Generic answers (“we marketed it well”) indicate that they are not deeply local. Specific answers (“we ran professional drone in October because the foliage was peak, and the buyer was a relocator from California who never set foot in the home before going under contract”) indicate they are. Conversation 2: The 60-minute home visit and pricing meeting Have the agent walk your home. Ask for a pricing range with three scenarios: as-is, with $5,000 to $10,000 of preparation, and with $20,000 to $40,000 of preparation. A top agent will give you a defensible number for each, with comparable sales to back it up. A weak agent will give one number and move quickly to listing paperwork. Conversation 3: The marketing plan review Ask to see the agent’s marketing plan in writing for a home like yours. Specifically: who takes the photos, are drone and video standard, how is the listing distributed beyond MLS, is there a launch strategy (private showings before MLS, coming-soon, etc.), and what is the days-on-market expectation. A top agent will have a written plan and will adjust it for your home’s specifics. A weak agent will improvise. 10 Questions to Ask a Northern Virginia Listing Agent Before You List How many listings have you closed in my specific city or neighborhood in the past 12 months? What is your average list-to-sale-price ratio on those listings? What is your average days-on-market for homes in my price range? Who takes the listing photos and is professional photography included? What about drone and video? What is your launch strategy? Coming-soon, private showings, or straight to MLS? How will you price my home? What comparable sales are you using? What preparation work do you recommend for my home, and what does it cost? How do you handle multiple offers if they arrive? What happens if my home does not sell in the first 30 days? Can you put me in touch with three sellers in this submarket whose home you sold in the past six months? Red Flags When Hiring a Northern Virginia Listing Agent The agent pushes a high price without comparable sales. A pricing strategy that is meaningfully above defensible comps almost always ends with a price reduction and a longer days-on-market. The agent does not work in your specific submarket. A McLean agent listing a Manassas home, or a Loudoun agent listing an Alexandria condo, is usually a sign of a sales-quota decision, not a fit. The agent’s recent reviews are sparse or dated. A wall of glowing 2019 reviews with two 2025 reviews is a signal that volume has dropped. The marketing plan is verbal only. A serious listing agent has a written plan they can email you before you sign. The commission discussion is the first conversation. The agents who lead with their commission are usually the agents whose value proposition is “I’m cheap.” That rarely correlates with net proceeds to the seller. Frequently Asked Questions Who are the top real estate agents in Northern Virginia in 2026? The top Northern Virginia listing agents are submarket-specific. There is no single agent who is “top” across all of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, McLean and Vienna, Reston and Herndon, Falls Church, and Prince William County. The right starting point for a home seller is to look for a documented track record in the specific city and neighborhood where the home is located. David Mount is a Northern Virginia real estate agent with The Redux Group whose listing-side work covers the submarkets listed on this page. How do I find a top listing agent in Northern Virginia? The most reliable approach is to interview two to three agents who have closed listings in your specific submarket within the last 12 months. Ask for addresses, days-on-market, list-to-sale-price ratios, and a written marketing plan. Compare the substance, not the commission rate. What does a top Northern Virginia listing agent charge? Listing-side commissions in Northern Virginia in 2026 generally range from 2.5% to 3% of the sale price, with separate negotiation around what is offered to a buyer’s agent. After the NAR settlement changes in 2024, the buyer-side compensation is now negotiated separately and disclosed differently. A serious listing agent will walk you through both numbers and the math of net proceeds in the first listing meeting. How long does it take to sell a Northern Virginia home in 2026? Days-on-market varies sharply by submarket and price band. As of mid-2026, well-prepared and accurately-priced listings in Northern Virginia typically go under contract within 14 to 30 days. Higher-end product ($1.5M+) and rural Western Loudoun properties run longer (45 to 90 days). Mispriced listings of any kind sit longer and force price reductions. What is the best time of year to list a home in Northern Virginia? Mid-March through mid-June is the traditional Northern Virginia listing window with the deepest buyer pool. September and October are the strong fall window. December and January are the slowest months but also the months with the most motivated buyers in many submarkets, so a well-prepared December listing can still net the seller a strong result. The right month for your specific home depends on the home, the submarket, and your personal timing. Should I sell my Northern Virginia home as-is or invest in preparation? It depends on the home, the price band, and the submarket. In most Fairfax County and Loudoun County submarkets, $10,000 to $30,000 of preparation (paint, flooring, light fixtures, simple kitchen and bath refresh) returns $30,000 to $80,000 in higher sale price. In ultra-high-end McLean and Vienna submarkets, larger preparation budgets often make sense. In Western Loudoun acreage properties, the calculus is different because the buyer is buying the property and the setting as much as the house. A submarket-specific listing agent will run the math with you before the photos are taken. Ready to Talk About Selling Your Northern Virginia Home? The first conversation is a 30-minute walk-through of your specific home in your specific submarket. You get a defensible pricing range, a written list of recommended preparation work with rough costs, and a marketing plan tailored to your home. There is no pressure to list. To reach David Mount directly: 571-946-8418 or david.mount@thereduxgroup.com. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who are the top real estate agents in Northern Virginia in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The top Northern Virginia listing agents are submarket-specific. There is no single agent who is top across all of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, McLean and Vienna, Reston and Herndon, Falls Church, and Prince William County. The right starting point for a home seller is to look for a documented track record in the specific city and neighborhood where the home is located." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I find a top listing agent in Northern Virginia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Interview two to three agents who have closed listings in your specific submarket within the last 12 months. Ask for addresses, days-on-market, list-to-sale-price ratios, and a written marketing plan. Compare the substance, not the commission rate." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does a top Northern Virginia listing agent charge in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Listing-side commissions in Northern Virginia in 2026 generally range from 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price, with separate negotiation around buyer-side compensation following the NAR settlement changes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to sell a Northern Virginia home in 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Well-prepared and accurately-priced listings in Northern Virginia typically go under contract within 14 to 30 days. Higher-end product over $1.5 million and rural Western Loudoun properties run longer, 45 to 90 days." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the best time of year to list a Northern Virginia home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Mid-March through mid-June is the traditional Northern Virginia listing window with the deepest buyer pool. September and October are the strong fall window. December and January are slower but more focused buyer months." } } ] }