Northern Virginia Homes & Condos – Arbour Realty

In 2008 we started Arbour Realty so that we could provide people with a better choice when it comes to buying & selling their homes. It starts with putting together a group of highly educated real estate professionals and developing a culture that encourages fresh ideas. For example, we were the first real estate firm that I know of to go paperless with all our contracts. A move that saves paper, reduces driving and makes the contract process far more convenient for our clients. Arbour Realty has been recognized for innovation by Better Homes & Gardens, Washington Business Journal, Washington City Paper, Norther Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), Northern Virginia Magazine, EcoBroker, Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Arlington County. This is because we are constantly looking for new ways to add value to our clients. You are the reason we exist and we want to make you a raving fan. It is through word-of-mouth (not advertising) that the Arbour Realty name continues to spread.

I’ve also found it important to give back to the real estate community beyond my own first. For the past two years I have been working with the NVAR Green Task Force. In 2010 as Chairman, I have put an emphasis on education of my fellow Realtors. It is no longer about choosing whether you are “green” or not. More efficient, healthier, smarter homes is what consumers are asking for and builders are delivering. One third of all US construction has moved to these high performance homes. It is important that the leaders in real estate, understand as much as they can about this evolution of home building and renovating so that they can provide value to their clients.

I am also a part of the Green Committee formed by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. It’s been a great opportunity to share ideas and learn from other local businesses that are choosing to make environmentally responsible business decisions.

We don’t only work with green clients or green homes. That has never been our goal. But, I am building a team of EcoBroker certified agents that have an understanding of the latest building practices and we do our best as a team to minimize our impact on the environment. Our clients are grateful for the money we are able to save them, during and after the real estate transaction.

I grew up in Northern Virginia and spent a little bit of time in California after graduating from JMU. That’s where I added surfing to the list of things I enjoy the most. I feel pretty lucky to live in an area where I can go surfing, snowboarding, hiking or up the street to a favorite restaurant.

Designations: EcoBroker, NAR Green, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)

Licensed: Virginia, DC, Maryland

Favorite Restaurant: Acadiana

Favorite Place To Surf: Costa Rica

Football Team: Redskins

Lived in Northern Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, Oakton and Fairfax

Previous Career: Marketing Director for Outtask

Lisa’s background is in management and customer service; she has a degree from the University of Cambridge in Human Resources. Lisa was born and grew up in a small town near Cambridge in the United Kingdom. She moved to Washington DC in 2004 with her husband Tom, who is originally from New York State. 2008 was an exciting year for Lisa. In July Lisa was proud to gain her United States Citizenship, and in early September she started working for Arbour Realty.

Lisa’s position as Client Care Manager, allows her to utilize her customer service background, while continuing to manage the office. Lisa has many roles within the Arbour Realty Team, which include marketing the Arbour Realty name, ensuring that every contract is processed smoothly, and working to uphold and improve Arbour’s environmental commitment. Lisa understands the importance of customer service and strives to ensure every Arbour client is given the attention they deserve. She looks forward to working with you on your next home purchase.

Licensed: Virginia

Hobby: Skiing

Favorite Town: Breckenridge, CO

Favorite Gadget: Food Saver

Coolest Vacation Spot: Cairo, Egypt

Favorite Neighborhood: Clarendon

Genevieve Concannon brings a dynamic green construction and real estate knowledge to the Arbour Realty’s team. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Genevieve stepped into her career in real estate. Since then, she has worked in all facets of real estate from REIT management, commercial development, sales, and residential construction to design. Having worn her share of hats in this industry, Genevieve has gained a wealth of valuable information and has developed major strengths in business development and relationship building. Acting as the Director of Green Building for a very high end custom home builder in Austin, Genevieve was responsible for working with Austin Energy’s architects and engineers to achieve impeccably high standards or 4 and 5 star ratings for 7,000+ sf multi-million dollar homes.

For Arbour clients looking to build new homes or remodel and/or retrofit their resale homes, it is important to Genevieve that you understand the importance of dealing with all parts of a real estate or design build team, from the agent to the subcontractor. She has truly done it all, and her experiences can help guide newcomers in knowing what to expect. Since 2005, she has been a member of the City of Austin’s Green Building Program, and has recently become a member of the North Virginia Sustainability Network. Genevieve loves working with clients who have different backgrounds and is proficient at speaking Spanish.

Genevieve joined Arbour Realty because she was intrigued by their concept and everything that this truly green business exemplifies. “There is so much to be said for what Arbour Realty is doing. As an industry leader, they are paving the way for DC Metro area real estate professionals as well as their current and potential clients. The fact is that they practice what they preach. Adam Gallegos, broker/owner of Arbour, set out to create an environmentally conscience business. All of his agents are certified eco-brokers and they even pay for their clients to have energy audits on their homes! This is no small feat and it is a fabulous thing to be a part of. A fundamental part of the green philosophy is to teach and reach out to the community – Arbour Realty wants to live the philosophy and so do I as a part of their team. It is my honest desire to share what I know so that together, we can all have an impact on our community in a very positive way.”

For more about how Genevieve can help you with your next home purchase or sale, visit: HomesByGen.com

Designation: EcoBroker

Licensed: Virginia

Favorite Hobbies: Gardening and Hiking

University Attended: University of Texas at Austin and a summer at Oxford

Favorite Magazines: Elle Decor and Organic Gardening

Favorite Town in Northern Virginia: Arlington

Pets: Duke, a Catahoula and Stormy, a German Shepherd mix

After moving from Hawaii in grade school, Sonia has lived throughout Fairfax and Arlington Counties. With some encouragement from Adam… she began her career in Real Estate at family owned and local Arbour Realty in 2007.

Sonia started off her real estate career specializing in home sales as an EcoBroker. After realizing her penchant and keen eye for design, she became a certified home stager and was able to help Arbour Realty clients understand the importance of having a home “show perfect.” Beyond Sonia’s artistic eye is a fantastic attention to detail. Sonia is also responsible for facilitating all Real Estate Owned transactions from conducting all interactions with the property owner and the banks’ asset managers to project coordination with multiple subcontractors. There is no one you would rather have managing your transaction whether you are a buyer or seller from the transaction and business side.

One of the many benefits of working with Arbour Realty is that our clients know that they are going to get an honest opinion 100% of the time with Sonia and they seem to love that about her. All the while, their transaction will be made to look effortless as she handles every aspect of the business efficiently, effectively and with great respect.

Designation: EcoBroker

Licensed: Virginia & DC

Previous Hometown: Oahu, HI

Mac or PC: Mac

Coolest Place Visited: Machu Picchu

Pets: Two Dogs – Snoopy and Jasmine

Favorite Place to Shop: Anthropologie

It has been more than ten years since Brooke Schara left Virginia Beach to attend Marymount University in Arlington; since then she has called Northern Virginia home. Raised by a family involved in the home building, engineering and real estate industries, Brooke has a true passion for community and real estate. She recounts her oceanfront youth when she would work hand in hand with her father on his new developments and how it inspired her career path. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing, Brooke honed her networking and communications skills keenly while working as a recruiting and production manager for a trade show businesses. Translation: Brooke knows people and she knows how to get things done!

Brooke’s desire to provide clients a great, environmentally friendly real estate service stems from her own personal conviction and strong commitment to Arbour Realty’s company philosophy to provide top notch service. Brooke is a fun-loving and patient real estate professional: “Dedication and patience are something I respect and admire…” touts a pleased client in a note regarding his recent transaction with Brooke.

When asked why she chose to work in green real estate, Brooke’s answer is to the point: “Green living is the right thing to do; everything is going green, so why not save money and keep your family healthier?” Brooke enjoys showing her clients how to be more environmentally friendly, while saving money through her educational approach to buying and selling real estate. Brooke will find the perfect solution for you and your needs. Whether you’re looking for a new construction or a resale property, Brooke will couple her knowledge of the Northern Virginia area, ability to negotiate properties for the best price under the best terms, and her no-nonsense business practices into exceeding your expectations.

Designation: EcoBroker

Licensed: Virginia

Sports Played: Volleyball at Marymount U.

Favorite Magazine: National Geographic

Favorite Town: Charleston, SC

Favorite Vacation Spot: British Virgin Islands

Mac or PC: Mac

Theo Theologis is, again, one of the Arbour Realty Agents who has been entrenched in the real estate industry for as long as they can remember. When you grow up in a Theo Theologis Photofamily involved in residential construction, and at the age of 6 entertain yourself by mixing cement and asbestos, it is hard to escape the real estate gene in your DNA. Real Estate becomes a part of you.

After a successful career in marketing and mobile communications, Theo decided to return to his “routes” and enter the real estate profession in 2003. Licensed as an Associate Broker in Virginia, DC and Maryland, Theo has helped clients buy and sell homes throughout the DC metro area.

His commitment to professional development has led him to take hundreds of hours of training and earn multiple designations including Accredited Buyer Representative, Accredited Staging Professional, LEED Green Associate, EcoBroker Certified, and NAR’s Green Designation.

Theo believes it is important for a client to be familiar with the details of buying & selling real estate therefore he tries to educate clients about the process, and give them an insider’s view, so they always feel comfortable about the decisions they are making. Education is one of the key components of being a green certified real estate agent, and Theo takes this to heart by walking each of his clients through their transactions with great care and professionalism. Proactive and cautious he ensures every detail is covered so nothing goes wrong with your transaction.

Over the years he has lived in many different neighborhoods in the DC metro area, including McLean, Reston, Rosslyn and the City of Falls Church in Virginia, North Cleveland Park and Georgetown in the District, and he has spent a lot of time in Bethesda, Rockville and Potomac in Maryland. Armed with his great knowledge of the DC Metro area, Theo blogs in his DC area green real estate blog, Propertylicious, and over the years has created McLeanHouse.com, the most extensive resource for McLean, VA Homes.

Designations: Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), LEED Green Associate, EcoBroker Certified, and NAR’s Green Designation

Licensed: Virginia, DC, Maryland

“Life is change” a wise man once said. Karen Moya understands that change can be both scary and exciting all at the same time. Buying a new house or selling a loved home can be an emotional experience, and she is here to bring tranquility, peace of mind and fun to your overall real estate experience!

Raised in Potomac, Maryland and now an Arlington resident, Karen Moya has intimate knowledge of both suburban and urban lifestyles and neighborhoods. An expert on the areas surrounding Potomac, Karen is also very familiar with McLean, Arlington and Falls Church, VA. In addition, Karen brings her marketing and recruiting background to her career in real estate which provides a distinct advantage in today’s marketplace.

The marketing positions she held immediately out of University provide her with a strong flair for how to best position your home for sale. For the past 4 years, Karen has been an active defense contractor recruiter, and much like the successful matchmaker she is for her job, she feels that finding the perfect new home for her real estate clients is a great way to showcase her passion for paring. Karen is driven by the challenge to fulfill her client’s requirements and is committed to providing personal service that exceeds expectations.

Karen wants to promote well-being through green real estate; she is dedicated to giving back to the community and the earth by educating her clients about sustainability. Karen actively promotes environmental responsibility in her own business as well as with those she partners with.

The journey begins today, and Karen is here to here to begin that journey with you!

Sharonda Ware has been a REALTOR® licensed in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia for over 6 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in and a Masters of Professional Studies in Real Estate at Georgetown University. Sharonda earned the coveted Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and the Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) designations. Less than 5% of real estate agents nationwide hold the CRS designation proving that Sharonda is a great real estate professional to have on your side. By continuing to educate herself in the latest legal and technological issues affecting real estate Sharonda empowers her clients as their most valuable real estate resource. By attending the most up-to-date training courses, Sharonda can help guide her clients to make better investment decisions.

Aside from the dedication to her continuing education, Sharonda has also earned several real estate awards as a top producer. Her knowledge of the local markets allow her to be a buyer and seller’s dream agent; she understands market trends and conditions and how to use these important details to her clients’ benefit. Sharonda is an efficient, focused and proactive agent who understands our impact on the environment and hopes to aid her clients in making smart choices in the buying and selling of their home by guiding them through their real estate transaction.

Real estate is not work to Sharonda, it is a part of her heart and that shows through in her dedication to her profession and to her clients. A family woman and dedicated educator, Sharonda enjoys working with the Arlington Jaycees, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, an organization that promotes the development of young leaders in the Arlington community and serving the community in her free time.

Designations: EcoBroker, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) designations

Licensed: Virginia, DC, Maryland

Schools Attended: Friends Seminary, University of Virginia and Georgetown University

Sport Played in College: Basketball

Favorite Vacation Spot: Barbados

Favorite quote: If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up some place else. --Yogi Berra

Club She Belongs To: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

With over ten years’ experience, Dave Moya brings a warm and inviting approach to real estate. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Dave spent most of his youth around the McLean and Falls Church area and knows NOVA intimately and is dedicated to constantly learning more about his community and current market trends.

Dave’s charismatic passion for real estate stems from his love of working with and educating each of his clients. A graduate of James Madison University with a degree in Marketing and Computer Information systems, right out of college, Dave became a marketing consultant and ultimately an IT business development consultant. As a consultant, his main goal is to “educate his clients how to solve their own problems and give them the expertise they need to be successful.” This goal is something that marries into Dave’s real estate approach; as one of the founding members of Arbour Realty’s unique business model, Dave’s EcoBroker knowledge is something that he values and shares with his clients making him a valuable resource. Dave wants for his clients to be aware and as an Eco-Broker, he is able to educate his clients about the value of the home and about its impacts on the environment.

Balance is something that we all strive for in our daily lives. Having a good time while also understanding the deeper importance of certain decisions, Dave brings a sense of balance to his life and his business by being a man who his clients can relate to. By listening carefully and understanding his clients’ goals, Dave is able to establish a strong relationship built on trust; Dave’s clients know that he represents their best interests during the transaction and beyond.

Designations: EcoBroker, Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), ePro

Licensed: Virginia, DC, Maryland, Florida

Favorite College Football Team: Hokies

What You Should Know: People love Dave on Yelp

Once Lived In: Florida

Children: A son

What You Might Not Know: He loves old black & white war movies

A native to the Falls Church area who has recently come full circle back to her roots, Colleen Morris Sparda has made her way around the country and knows what it’s like to have a new family faced with relocation to the Northern Virginia area.

Getting back to her roots in more ways than one is something Colleen is quite passionate about; take it as a throwback to her youth when she spent hours researching properties for sale or helping her James Madison University friends find the perfect apartment – just for fun. This passion and the opportunity to work with the Arbour team is what led Colleen to add the real estate profession to her extensive marketing career. “It’s a privilege to learn about people and their interests …. I realize and respect that everyone’s needs are different and my goal is to help them find what they are looking for, and have a positive experience along the way.”

Colleen is able to leverage her professional background in consumer marketing to help her clients identify the perfect home or market an existing home. After receiving her MBA from Wharton, she spent the past decade helping companies build their brands. And, as a new mom, Colleen also knows the importance of ensuring the safety and happiness of her family. This sensitivity allows her to dig deep into the details of the homes that she presents to her buyers, and aids her sellers in marketing those features in their own homes. Colleen’s experience, passion, and natural ability to understand insights and motivations will be a unique asset to your real estate needs and will help guide you through the buying and selling process.

Licensed: Virginia

Universities Attended: James Madison University and Wharton Business School

Favorite Restaurant: Michel Richard’s Central (DC)

Favorite Town: San Francisco

Pets: Two Tibetan Spaniels

Favorite Gadget: iPad

You know you are bound to become a realtor when you drive around looking at houses and wandering into open houses for fun. Katie Silverthorne Hayes was one of those people, who found that her love for real estate would lure her into a fun and exciting career where she would be able to get excited about the process, right along side her clients.

Driven to succeed, Katie spent all four years of university playing for William & Mary’s Division 1 AAA Field Hockey Team. While there, she helped lead her team to their 1st Sweet Sixteen trip in school history and a high 7th in the Nation Team Ranking. She was awarded CAA Player of the Week, CAA All-Tournament Team, North/South Senior All-Star, All CAA, VASID All-State, and Regional All-American. Being a part of a team and helping others achieve their goals is something Katie understands all too well. This team spirit rang true when it came time to choose her career path. Katie had no doubt that being in real estate was what she was set out to do after graduating with a degree in public policy and ultimately beginning her career in the mortgage banking industry. She loved working in mortgages, but found that she was drawn to the real estate process and being able to work so closely with her clients to help them achieve their goals. Her innate devotion to “her team” extends into all she does.Armed with her strong financial background and intimate knowledge of the Northern Virginia area, Katie gives her clients the extra edge they need from a realtor in the Fairfax area. Katie has lived in Fairfax for her whole life, aside from her time away at university; she knows the area backwards and forwards which is a fantastic bonus for her clients. Her strong ties and sense of community run deep; Katie graduated from a local high school and has coached area junior hockey with 7th and 8th graders.

Patience, hard work, creativity and an unassuming nature lead Katie with her clients. Katie’s quite confidence and professionalism shine through all of her work as she goes above and beyond for her clients to get the job done.

Katie completed the qualifications necessary to become a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), which puts her in the upper echelon of Realtors when it comes to helping home owners and home buyers with short sales. If you are in a situation where foreclosure may be on the horizon, please take the time to speak with Katie about your other options.

Designation: Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)

Licensed: Virginia

A native of Eastern Europe, Anca Domnitanu started her real estate career in South Florida, working in one of the most vibrant markets in the country, while completing her Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Economics at the University of Miami.

Her successful career eventually allowed her to take some time off and travel the Middle East, volunteering her knowledge and language skills working with children of refugees and women affected by domestic violence.

As of 2009, she calls the DC area home, and envisions Arlington to be her permanent residence. Anca is a great listener and a communicator crossing all cultural dimensions. Anca also holds a loan officer's license and has extensive experience working with banks, negotiating contracts and short sales, for a smooth transaction and a positive experience. Her ability to successfully engage in all aspect of the real estate transaction helps make her a very distinguished Realtor.

Licensed in Virginia

Mike is a DC Metro area native, having grown up in Potomac, MD.  He has lived in Montgomery County, MD for over 20 years and has an intimate knowledge of the surrounding area.  Mike has always had a keen interest in Real Estate and has an exceptional ability to listen to his clients needs and match them with the perfect property.

Mike's professional background is in marketing, sales, communications, and client services; he received a degree from Elon University in Corporate Communications and Public Relations in 2005.  He has gained a variety of experience in the development and execution of strategic sales and marketing plans, wide-scale communications campaigns, designing marketing and sales collateral, use of new communication technologies, advertising, and consumer advocacy.  He has worked in several different industries including real estate, mortgage banking, health care management consulting, and technology services and solutions. If you are selling a home, you want someone with Mike’s marketing skills working on your behalf.

Mike knows how important it is for his clients to be informed about the details of buying and selling property.  By educating his clients it prepares them to make smarter decisions while he takes control managing every step of the process.  "Buying or selling a home shouldn't be stressful.  Leave all the hard work to me, that's what I'm here for.  It should be fun, and exciting, and leave you with a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.  That is something I work to achieve with each and every one of my clients."

Licensed: Maryland

Jayson Wingfield's background is in law. Leaving his position at a prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm, he chose to pursue his true passion, real estate. His legal background and personal experience investing in real estate is a priceless asset to his clients as he advises them in their purchase and selling decisions.

Jayson is pleased to provide his unparalleled services to all those interested in learning more about the Washington, DC area where he has lived most of his life. Jayson grew up in Arlington Virginia and attended Bishop O'Connell high school.

You can learn more about Jayson Wingfield and the services he offers by visiting: www.metrodcproperty.com

Veronica remembers being in the midst of house-hunting with her fiance, a first generation Arlingtonian. When deciding what was important to them in buying a home, family and community being at the top of their list, Arlington, Virginia met all the criteria truly making their new house feel like home.

Veronica hails from neighboring Delaware and before transitioning to a career in real estate, she gained over 12 years experience in the healthcare industry, with a background in compliance and contractual relationship management. Her attention to detail, patience, dedication and compassion drive her commitment to making your selling or buying experience enjoyable as well as successful.

Veronica welcomes the opportunity to help you discover Arlington and find your perfect home!

Licensed: Virginia

Favorite Vacation Spot: St. Barth’s

Favorite Small Town: Newport, RI

Favorite Place to Eat: Black Salt (Palisades)

Hobbies: Hiking, Exercising, Cooking, Eating

Born outside of Pittsburgh, Tricia relocated to the Northern Virginia area as a young child carrying with her a love of sports and living life to the fullest. Currently residing in Arlington, she decided to leave her career as a business consultant to follow through with her true passion of real estate and helping others find their dream homes.

Active in the real estate market for the past three years, Tricia brings a strong knowledge of new home sales and the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. Excited about the upswing of the market, she actively listens to each client’s specific wants and needs while maintaining astute in the entire sales process.

College: Virginia Tech

Favorite Team: Hokies

iPhone vs. Android: iPhone

Pet: kitty named Mica

Interesting fact: Used to live in Disney World

Favorite new band: Class Actress