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Before you write an offer

I'll call the listing agent for you.

The listing agent knows what no website shows: how many offers are in, when they're due, and what the seller needs besides money. One call can change your whole offer.

41%of Fairfax County homes for sale had cut their price as of September 2026Realtor.com via FRED · updated monthly
+26%change in Fairfax County homes for sale from a year earlierRealtor.com via FRED · updated monthly
36 daysmedian time on the market for Fairfax County listings, vs. 29 a year agoRealtor.com via FRED · updated monthly
44%of DC-area sales included a seller concessionRedfin, Aug. 2026

Well-priced homes still draw several offers; more are sitting and cutting their price. One call tells us which kind of home this is — before you set your offer.

The button on Zillow

“Contact agent” usually isn't the listing agent

“For most listings on Zillow, you'll be connected with your own personal Zillow Premier Agent in just a few minutes.”— Zillow Help Center

Premier Agents pay Zillow for buyer connections, with prices that vary by ZIP code. The agent you reach is whoever bought that connection — not the person who listed the home and not necessarily someone who knows the street.

Since August 17, 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring a home. That's a good reason to choose your agent on purpose.

What I do instead

A real conversation with the person who knows the house

Listing agents talk more freely with another local agent they'll work with again than with a stranger on a lead form. I call, ask the questions below, and send you a short, plain summary — usually the same day.

To be clearThe listing agent works for the seller and may decline to answer some questions. I'll tell you plainly what I learned and what I couldn't — no guessing dressed up as facts.

My call list

The ten questions I ask

  1. Are there offers yet? Is there a deadline?Tells us whether to move today, or take time and negotiate.
  2. Besides price, what matters to the seller?A settlement date, a rent-back or an as-is sale can win over a higher price.
  3. Why are they selling, and when do they need to move?Not every agent will say — but a timeline often slips out, and it shapes the offer.
  4. Has it been under contract before? Why did it fall through?A failed inspection or appraisal is a warning sign worth knowing before you fall in love.
  5. Is there a pre-listing inspection or a repair list?Saves you money and surprises, and shows how the house was cared for.
  6. How old are the roof, the heating and cooling, and the water heater?The three biggest replacement costs in most homes — worth knowing before you set a price.
  7. Is there an HOA or condo association? Any special assessments?Virginia gives you 3 days to cancel after the resale certificate — better to know before.
  8. Would the seller help with closing costs or a rate buydown?44% of DC-area sales in August 2026 included a seller concession.
  9. What do utilities usually run?Old windows and an old heat pump can add hundreds a month.
  10. Would the seller consider a home-sale contingency?If you need to sell first, this tells us right away whether to try.

Try it

Paste the link. I'll make the call.

Works with any listing site. See an example →

Sources

  1. FRED — Realtor.com housing inventory, Fairfax County (price cuts, days on market, active listings)
  2. Redfin — Seller concessions, August 2026
  3. Zillow Help Center — working with an agent on Zillow
  4. Zillow Premier Agent — FAQ (pricing varies by ZIP)
  5. NAR — written buyer agreements from Aug. 17, 2024
  6. Va. Code § 55.1-2312 — 3-day right to cancel after the resale certificate

Contact

Found a home? Let's call about it.

Tell me a little about what you're looking for. I'll reply personally, usually within one business day.

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(703) 966-8905