The Diane and Brian Hagarty Podcast

A lot of people dream about buying acreage. More privacy, space for horses or chickens, maybe a garden, or a place to ride ATVs. But after helping families make that move for years, and living it ourselves, we've seen buyers overlook some really important things that don't show up in the listing photos. In this video, we walk through five things every buyer should know before purchasing acreage in Virginia. Watch our video to see what we've learned the hard way.

Why are so many buyers making the move to Warrenton right now? It’s not just because it was named one of the hottest zip codes in the country. Buyers are coming here for more space, better value, easier access to the city, and a lifestyle that feels completely different from the suburbs they are leaving behind. Check out our video to find out what makes this area so appealing.

You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but you do need the truth. Too many buyers in Northern Virginia assume a few late payments or a past collection means the door to homeownership is closed. That assumption keeps more people on the sidelines than their actual credit score ever would. In our latest video, we sat down with our trusted lender to explain what really matters, what doesn’t, and how a clear plan can move you forward sooner than you think. Click below to see what your next step could look like.

Think your pre-approval letter makes you a strong buyer? That might not be the case. Most buyers (and even their agents) are relying on a weak version that sellers don't trust. In this must-watch interview, a 25-year mortgage veteran reveals the two-tiered system of pre-approvals and the "fully underwritten" secret that can close a deal in 10 days and make your offer look like cash. Stop leaving your dream home to chance. Click to learn the strategy that turns your financing into your biggest advantage.

As we wrap up another year, we wanted to pause and simply say thank you. Living and working in the Virginia countryside has given us the chance to help families grow, move forward, and begin new chapters. Every home, every conversation, and every referral reminds us why this work matters so much to us. We recorded a video where we share our gratitude and wish you a peaceful holiday season. From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our journey.

Home didn’t sell in 2025? If your listing expired or the offers fell short, and you’re thinking about relaunching in 2026, sticking to your old strategy won’t give you a different result. Most listings struggle because of pricing, presentation, or outdated marketing, not because the home itself is the problem. Today, we’ll walk you through the four steps that help sellers reset their listing and attract buyers. You’ll see how updated photos, staging, hyper-local pricing, and early-January timing create a stronger launch and attract better offers. Check out our video to learn more!

Everyone keeps asking us the same question right now. What will the 2026 real estate market look like in the D.C. area and Virginia? In this new video, we'll walk you through what falling interest rates could mean for buyers, how competition may pick up again, and why move-in ready homes are going to stand out even more. You will see why fully underwritten buyers will have an edge, and why sellers who prepare their homes now can attract stronger offers instead of investor discounts. Click the link to learn more!

Forget the old myth that spring is the only time to sell. Right now, the fall real estate market is filled with the most serious, ready-to-act buyers you'll find all year. They want to be in their new home for the holidays and are prepared to make quick decisions. In this video, we reveal the three powerful reasons why fall buyers mean business and how you can benefit from lower competition and dropping interest rates. If you’re thinking about selling, now’s your chance to meet buyers who are ready to close quickly and confidently. Click below to learn more.

The fall market is here, but is your home ready for buyers? The last thing you want to do is scare them away with easily fixable mistakes. As experienced Northern Virginia agents, we see three common issues that kill deals every season: mysterious odors, minor maintenance fails, and unflattering lighting. Today, we break down exactly how to identify and fix these problems so your home feels warm and inviting, not creepy and neglected. Click play to learn the simple tricks that make a multi-thousand-dollar difference in your sale price.

Picture this: you’ve saved for the down payment and secured a pre-approval, but are you really financially ready to buy a home? In 2025, the price on the listing is only the beginning. Before finalizing anything, we’re sharing five extra costs you need to prepare for when buying a home. From inspections and escrow accounts and more, hidden costs can add up fast and throw your budget off track. By understanding these hidden costs now, you can confidently buy your dream home without added stress. To learn what they are, just check out our video!

We know that a lot of sellers check Zestimate first before listing their home, but here’s what they don’t tell you: that number isn’t always reliable. Zillow’s algorithm is smart, but it can’t see upgrades, location advantages, or your selling goals. In this video, we’ll break down how the tool works and share tips on how you can avoid costly pricing mistakes. We’ll also share a real situation where one seller gained an extra $50K by using a more strategic approach. If you want a clearer picture of your home’s value, check out our video to learn more.