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Laura Schwartz has spent more than 17 years helping buyers and sellers navigate Northern Virginia’s competitive housing market, building much of her business through referrals rather than traditional advertising.

Based in McLean, Schwartz began selling real estate in 2008. Her career totals have been described as more than 400 completed home sales and nearly 500 transactions, primarily involving clients referred by others.

She works throughout the Arlington, Falls Church, McLean and Vienna corridor and is licensed in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Her practice serves both buyers and sellers across the wider region.

Schwartz also holds a master’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University. She applies that background when evaluating market data, pricing properties and explaining the financial considerations behind a purchase or sale.

Her home base of McLean sits in Fairfax County outside Washington, D.C. The community, known as a home to athletes, politicians, diplomats and members of Congress, includes highly ranked schools, historic sites, trails, playgrounds, restaurants and locally owned stores.

Recognition Across the Region

Schwartz’s industry recognition began early. She was named Rookie of the Year in her McLean office in 2009 and was selected as one of Realtor Magazine’s top 50 Realtors under age 30 nationally in 2012.

Washingtonian has recognized her as a top-producing agent since 2015 and as the “Face of Vienna Real Estate” since 2020. Northern Virginia Magazine has included her among its top-producing and “Best” agents since 2016, while Arlington Magazine has recognized her as a top producer since 2019.

She has also appeared on the Wall Street Journal Real Trends list of Virginia’s top 100 agents since 2020. Within six months of joining Real Brokerage, she reached Elite Status and received $16,000 in company stock.

Schwartz belongs to the national, Virginia and Northern Virginia associations of Realtors. She is a Certified Distressed Property Specialist and a graduate of the Realtor Institute. Her real estate insights have also been quoted by outlets including CNN and Women’s Health Magazine.

Buyers and Sellers Point to Strategy and Candor

Client accounts consistently emphasize Schwartz’s patience, responsiveness and willingness to advise against a purchase when it does not fit a buyer’s goals.

In one case, buyers lost a bid on a particular home model in their preferred neighborhood. Schwartz proposed sending flyers directly to owners of similar properties. The effort ultimately helped the buyers secure a more extensively upgraded version for nearly the same price.

Another family credited her with listing their property shortly before interest rates increased. The home went under contract within 24 hours for $50,000 above the asking price and without a home-inspection contingency.

Other clients have described receiving detailed guidance through their first purchase, including clear explanations of the process and candid answers to their questions. Sellers have cited quick sales, multiple offers and help anticipating each stage of a transaction.

A Focus on Education

Schwartz’s services include pricing, staging guidance, timing and negotiations for sellers. For buyers, she explains the practical and financial demands of homeownership and helps them decide whether purchasing is appropriate for their circumstances.

She also provides market consultations without requiring clients to commit to buying or selling. During a home search, clients receive current comparable sales and market updates. Sellers receive step-by-step preparation guidance before their property is listed.

Across McLean, Vienna, Arlington, Falls Church and nearby communities, Schwartz has built her business around local market knowledge, economic analysis and a low-pressure approach designed to help clients make informed decisions.