Selling with Tamara

Sell your Northern Virginia home with confidence.

From your free home value report to settlement day, I’ll handle the details and keep you informed at every step.

Why hire an agent?

Experience that works for you.

Studies show that sellers who use a real estate agent generally get a better price than those who sell on their own. It’s my job to stay on top of the latest market trends and changes, so there are no surprises and you have the latest information at every important moment.

My sellers say it best: homes sold in days, offers above asking, and a calm, organized process even when hurdles come up. Let me put my experience to work for you.

Tamara Barnes chatting with clients at The Collective’s client appreciation event
Resources for sellers

Before Your Home Is Listed

Make sure everything is in great showing condition before buyers start touring. Here’s what I recommend.

  • Start packingPut things in storage and clean out the basement and garage. Remove family photos and personal items so buyers can picture themselves in your home.
  • Spot paintTouch up interior and exterior paint.
  • Update carpetClean or replace carpet in areas with heavy wear.
  • Extra cleaningKeep the inside and outside clean and odor free.
  • Curb appealTrim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and keep walkways clear of leaves and snow. Make a strong first impression.
  • Find problems earlyConsider a pre-listing inspection. Buyers will hire inspectors too, so this is your chance to fix issues first.
  • Professional stagingStaging helps buyers see how each space can be used and makes your listing photos stand out.
  • Let Concierge cover itCompass Concierge can front the cost of updates like paint, flooring and staging, with no interest until your home sells.
How it works

From First Visit to Settlement

1

Home value consultation

We walk through your home together and I prepare a free, detailed home value report based on recent sales near you.

2

Prep and staging plan

I’ll tell you honestly which projects will pay off, connect you with contractors and stagers, and help you use Compass Concierge if it makes sense.

3

Pricing strategy

We set a price based on what’s actually selling in your neighborhood, so your home attracts serious buyers from day one.

4

Launch and showings

Your home goes live on Compass, the MLS and the major home search sites, and I coordinate showings around your schedule.

5

Offers and negotiation

I explain every offer in plain English and negotiate hard on price, terms, inspection requests and timing.

6

Under contract to settlement

I keep the inspection, appraisal and loan on track and handle the details all the way to settlement day.

During the listing period

Patience pays off.

Plan to have somewhere to go while buyers tour your home. If early offers don’t meet your expectations, don’t dismiss them right away; there may be room to negotiate. And if a few weeks go by with little interest, we’ll look at the feedback together and adjust. Working together, we’ll arrive at a price that works for everyone.

Seller reviews

What My Sellers Say

Burke seller
“Tamara has exceeded my expectations all around. She is professional, kind and very responsive. She totally took charge of listing my house and went above and beyond to put her contractor hat on, get everything ready and take it to the finish line.”
Mary F.
“We have had the unique experience of being able to use Tamara’s expertise both buying a home and then later selling that home. Tamara is knowledgeable and professional. Her caring and friendliness made the transitions much easier. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tamara.”
Franconia homeowner
“Tamara is the most wonderful realtor I’ve ever worked with! Our entire buying and selling process went so smoothly because of Tamara’s hard work. She is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met!!”
Questions

Seller Questions, Answered

How much is my home worth?

The best answer comes from recent sales of similar homes near you, plus your home’s condition and updates. Tamara prepares a free, no-obligation home value report for Northern Virginia homeowners.

Should I make repairs or updates before I list?

Some projects pay off and some don’t. Fresh paint, small repairs, deep cleaning and curb appeal usually help. Tamara will walk through your home and tell you honestly which projects are worth doing.

What is Compass Concierge?

Compass Concierge is a Compass program that pays the upfront cost of home improvement services before you list, like painting, flooring, staging and landscaping. There’s no interest, and you repay it when your home sells.

How long will it take to sell my home?

It depends on price, condition, location and the market at the time. Well-priced, well-prepared homes often go under contract quickly. Tamara can show you how long similar homes near you took to sell.

Do I need to stage my home?

Staging helps buyers picture themselves in the space and makes listing photos stand out. Even staging just the main rooms can make a difference. Tamara helps sellers stage and can recommend professional stagers.

What’s your home worth?

Get a free, no-obligation home value report based on recent sales in your neighborhood.