My name is Graham Pruitt and I grew up here in Northern Virginia. I am a Senior Loan Officer at Intercoastal Mortgage in Fairfax. As head of The Pruitt Team, my goal is to make sure we provide clients with tons of communication, close on time, and give a WOW experience. Before getting into the mortgage business in 2006, I graduated from culinary school and worked in the restaurant industry for some time. Over the years, helping all different families through financing, I realized I had a passion for divorce financing. I became a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist, as well as a Certified Divorce Lending Professional in 2018. My goal is to educate agents and other professionals on how we can assist families from all angles that may be going through a life change. In my free time, I love spending time with my wife Karen, and two sons, Graham (6) and Andrew (4). I’m always looking to make new connections and work together on building a strong business!

Frank McLaughlin is the Managing Attorney at EKKO Title’s Arlington. In the last 8 years that he has worked in the real estate industry, Frank has been involved in commercial and residential transactions totaling more than $3bil.  Frank also owns, manages, and advises clients on various commercial real estate projects in VA, MD, DC, NJ, & NY.  Prior to joining EKKO Title, Frank was the Managing Attorney at MBH Settlement Group and also served as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for a large commercial developer and liquor store chain operator in New Jersey.  Although Frank loves real estate, his true passion is spending quality time (preferably outdoors) with his growing family in the DC Metro Area and at their DC home.

Joey Donofrio is an entrepreneur and is a home services industry veteran with over two decades of experience. With the largest home inspection company in Virginia as his principal business, Joey has extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.

 In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joey is committed to helping other entrepreneurs grow their business and as a passion project co-founded and hosts the Inspection Pro Joe podcast which helps inspectors grow their business by giving them access to experts in marketing, finance, HR, operations, and more.

Lisa S. Mitchell is a principal at EKKO Title and branch manager for the EKKO Title office in Centreville VA.  Lisa entered the title industry in 1998 as a marketing representative fully focusing on business development throughout Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, and Culpeper Counties.  Lisa was the director of marketing and was the VP of Marketing for a large title entity throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Now fully entrenched in every aspect of the title industry, Lisa has been a licensed settlement agent since 2000. She is known throughout the industry for her customer focused approach to real estate settlements and going above and beyond as a standard course of business.  Lisa lives in Loudoun County with her husband Todd of 26 years, two wonderful adult children and two dogs. 

Mona has been an attorney in Arlington, Virginia for over a decade. She was counsel to executives at the Department of Justice and served as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. She later represented and litigated matters on behalf of buyers, sellers, and developers in all phases of real estate transactions, and served as counsel to small business owners helping them run and manage their businesses.

As a real estate settlement attorney, she performed hundreds of settlements and taught continuing education courses in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Mona is a member of the bar in all three jurisdictions and is an active member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, where she served as the Chair of the Attorney Roundtable.

Owner of National Property Inspections-Novawest

John has been a home inspector and instructor for 20 years, along with over 15 years as a general contractor. John has conducted many continuing education courses for realtors and enjoys teaching his clients about their properties every day during residential and commercial property inspections. John loves to share tips and tricks that help educate buyers about the properties they are purchasing so they can take care of and make smart improvements to their investment. 

In his free time he enjoys organic gardening and growing many of his own vegetables and tending to chickens. He also loves touring with his wife in their RV and visiting new places. 

Chris is a Jack-of-all-Trades with two young children and two young dogs.  He has been the lead inspector and instructor for NPI-Novawest for more than 8 years and is the trainer for new inspectors for the company.  He has instructed many continuing education courses for realtors as well as teaching his clients every day during residential and commercial property inspections.  He also is his neighborhood handy-man who assists to improve and repair his neighbors homes out of a selfless desire to help those who need it.  Chris’s inspection philosophy is to teach buyers about the properties they are purchasing so they can take care of and make smart improvements to their investment.  He is also in the relationship business, making, maintaining and cultivating relationships with buyers, sellers and real estate agents alike.

Helen Krause earned her undergraduate and masters degree from James Madison University. After graduation, she worked for a local homebuilder.  She has been in title business for 16 years, focused primarily on the sales and marketing side.  She also has her title insurance license and has conducted thousands of settlements.  Her background is in marketing and her passion is to help others achieve their goals.  She likes to partner with her clients to provide value for their business.  She loves speaking to agents who are starting and growing their careers and teaches educational and motivational classes and events.

Nick Vlissides is native of Northern Virginia. He grew up in McLean and is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.  Nick is licensed to practice law in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia and, in addition, is licensed as a title insurance producer/agent in all three jurisdictions.  Following law school, Nick entered into private practice, where he litigated cases in all levels of state and federal courts.  In 2002, Nick transitioned into real estate settlements  and  founded New World Title & Escrow. He has operated it continuously for the last 20  years. Over those years, he has witnessed the evolution of the title industry and has striven to keep New World Title & Escrow at the forefront in its adherence to industry best practices.

Eric Boll is your local, Virginia-based professional Pillar To Post home inspector,  serving Northern Virginia and DC. With approximately 3400 inspections successfully completed since 2012, you can trust the Boll team with your home inspection.

Prior to becoming a professional home inspector and owning his own business, Eric attended McGill University in Montreal Canada, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering Degree (Electrical). He spent almost two decades in the semiconductor industry as an applications engineer, supporting customers, training salespeople, field applications engineers and, customers. Additionally, Eric visited customers in numerous European and Asian countries providing on-site technical support, presenting new product overviews, and working closely with strategic customers to define new products.

Since moving to the US, Eric has mostly purchased homes that were foreclosure or headed that way and has done a lot of home repair and upgrade work over the years. Eric and his wife, Beth Riddick, redid their kitchen in 2010-2011. They gutted three rooms down to the sheathing and created a large combined kitchen and dining area. The company that supplied the cabinets and countertops liked the kitchen so much that they highlighted it on their website for many years.

Becoming a professional home inspector has had many benefits for Eric and his family. He very much enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. In his previous career, Eric had the opportunity to travel to many countries. He and his wife, Beth, like good food from a wide variety of cultures. This helps make a personal connection with many clients. It is fun to learn about how similar people are in many ways, even when from different cultures.

Eric’s first priority is to be there for the client—to educate them in friendly and professional manner, putting things in the proper context without being an alarmist. To him, a home inspection is an education event for the home buyer.

In Eric’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, electronics, trying food from all over the world, and home construction projects. He brewed beer as a hobby for 20 years, his favorites being IPAs and stouts.

 

Mr. William “Bill” Horan is the president and owner of Realty Exchange Corporation, a qualified intermediary for Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, which has successfully structured thousands of exchanges since 1990.  Bill has held the designation of Certified Exchange Specialist® from the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) since 2003 and as FEA’s president for its 2013-2014 term.  He also received its President’s Award for outstanding dedication and service twice.  Bill has been instructing in the subject of 1031 exchanges for over 18 years.

All my life I have been taking things apart, figuring out what was wrong, repairing it, and putting it back together.  I used to work on everything from small equipment like lubrication injectors and pumps, to air compressors that were larger than a truck. I have done repairs both in my own home and for other people since I was a teenager. So when I needed a change in career, home inspecting seemed like a great fit.

I like doing inspections because I am always meeting new people and learning new things.  Even after 15 years in the business I’m seeing new and interesting things all the time!  The best part of being an inspector is helping my clients really understand the home they are investing in.  Sometimes it’s pristine, and sometimes it’s not, but at least they know what they are getting into.  I enjoy talking with my clients and explaining not only what is found at the inspection, but also how their new home works.  I feel that I am really helping my clients and that my work is important and appreciated.

 I have been working with people in all areas of Real Estate. During the rapidly changing times, from the times with foreclosures and short sales, to today in home shortages and pandemic. I am an effective agent. I coordinate projects involving numerous people and have an impressive ability to work collaboratively.

My strong commitment to clients and my thirst for excellence is contagious. I have real passion and creativity for the real estate and property management industries. I am a gardener who likes to grow things! .Growth in relationships, education, buying, selling, and leasing.

I am an experienced  REALTOR® with the MRP certification which understands that when military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. The MRP certification is earned by real estate professionals working with current and former military service members which helps their clients find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support that are available. I am proud member of this important team.

Tara Furges Houston is the Founder and Vice-President of Houston Consulting Group & Associates, LLC, a consulting practice providing branding, marketing, and business development training and consultation to small businesses and independent contractors so they can leverage new business opportunities. She is a real estate professional with eXp Realty, where she is the former State Broker for the District of Columbia (DC) and Maryland (MD); as well as the former State Compliance Broker for Virginia (VA). Now, she works, alongside her husband Michael, leading the Legacy Builders Global agent partner group of eXp Realty with a gross sales volume of over $100MM a year! Tara and Michael are trainers, mentors, and coaches for their personal agent group as well as agents and brokers across the country. Their mission is to help agents and brokers build better businesses to live better lives.  

LaGreta Dennis has been a Real Estate Salesperson for over 20 years and is licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. She enjoys teaching and training real estate professionals. Currently, LaGreta is a Branch Manager for Long & Foster Real Estate. As a Branch Manager, her role includes creating and delivering training for agents. In addition to training and managing, LaGreta is an active Salesperson, which helps her stay current with the listing and selling process. She also holds the following designations: Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI); Certified Residential Specialist (CRS); Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR); and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). LaGreta is holds a B.S. Degree in Statistics from Virginia Tech. Go Hokies!

Karen is an attorney who has been practicing law since 2003, and a resident of Northern Virginia since 2013.  Karen is a settlement attorney and currently manages the One Loudoun/Ashburn Branch for EKKO Title LLC.  Karen has extensive experience in civil litigation, business litigation, and real estate law. Since 2009, Karen has focused on residential and commercial real estate, foreclosure, title resolution, landlord/tenant law, creditor's rights, and boundary and easement disputes.  Karen graduated from James Madison University, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Music Degree, emphasis in the music industry.  Karen attended and graduated from University of Richmond School of Law. 

Sandra Stewart is the District Manager of the Greater Washington Region. In this role, she performs the duties of Branch Vice President of Coldwell Banker's Arlington and Capitol Hill Sales Offices. Sandra is a non-competing manager whose primary focus is to support the business development and success of each Sales Associate affiliated with these offices. She works closely with both new and experienced associates to create strong business plans to ensure their success. Conduct monthly business development workshops and host quarterly continuing education courses. She provides one on one coaching and her "open door" policy allows associates to know there is support and guidance available at all times.

Sandra has over 20 years of real estate experience. She is known for her infectious enthusiasm for real estate, knowledge of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia real estate contracts, and her ability to motivate high-performing Agents. Prior to becoming a Branch Vice President in the Greater Washington Region, Sandra was the Assistant Branch Manager for Coldwell Banker's Annapolis Church Circle Sales Office located in Annapolis, MD. There she was responsible for managing profitability and education for over 100 Agents.

With more than 25 years of experience as a mortgage banker and title attorney, Marty began his legal career with Ridgway and Griffin in Rockville, Maryland. Rising to the rank of partner and subsequent co-owner of the firm’s title company, Universal Settlements, LLC, he conducted thousands of settlements. His contribution to Universal was instrumental in the firm’s growth and eventual sale to First American Title Insurance Company, where Marty assumed the role of Regional Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Direct Operations Manager.

Marty brought his dedication and experience to KVS Title, LLC, where he focuses his time on conducting residential and commercial real estate settlements and teaching continuing education courses for real estate professionals. He is an affiliate member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, and the District of Columbia Association of Realtors.

Colleen Sweeney is currently the Managing Attorney at MBH Settlement Group in the Fair Oaks office.  Colleen has 20+ years of legal experience ranging from drafting complex contracts, litigation, and conducting real estate closings.  Colleen has represented clients from cases at the trial court through the Supreme Court of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.  She is an active member of the legal community and a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia.

Reggie Copeland is the 2022 NVAR President.

Reggie has served in a number of positions, giving back to the industry that he loves. He has especially enjoyed his time of service on the BOD and both the Grievance/ Professional Standards committee. Reggie is fully committed to the value that service on committees provides through NVAR, wholeheartedly believing he’s helping to impact realtors productively. Reggie remains committed to serving his fellow Realtor® colleagues through teaching, committees, board opportunities and being available as a direct resource to those who seek out his guidance. He looks forward to future growth opportunities with NVAR, and embracing creative ways to continue to improve upon a dynamic and ever-changing business.

Licensed as a Virginia Real Estate Salesperson in 1976, Larry currently serves as the director of education for Fairfax Realty in Annandale, Virginia. In 1982, he obtained his broker’s license and began his career in real estate management and agent training. Larry has been active in NVAR for more than 30 years, serving on the Board of Directors and on many committees, including chair of the Commercial Forum. A real estate educator for over 25 years, Larry teaches more than 15 courses for NVAR and VAR. He has received many association awards, but two he truly values are the NVAR Code of Ethics Award and the VAR George Rink Educator of the Year Award.

An Attorney and Entrepreneur, Keith founded Vesta Settlements in 2011 and has overseen its growth from one employee in a temporary office space to a team of over 20 across three offices. Keith established and oversees the “big picture” for Vesta and ensures execution across operations and business development. Vesta has been included in the Washington Business Journal’s List of Top Title Companies 7 years in a row. Keith is also the Managing Member of the law firm Keith D. Barrett, PLLC.

Keith is a licensed attorney in Virginia, New York, Connecticut and D.C., a licensed title agent, and a Virginia Real Estate Board approved instructor. He also serves on the NVAR Standard Forms Committee (including as Past Chairman), the NVAR Attorney Roundtable Committee, is a member of the Virginia Bar Association Real Estate Section and serves on the Virginia Bar Association Real Estate Council.

Doug Enger is a native of Washington, D.C. and has been active in residential real estate finance for over 20 years. Doug is currently a sales manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for Northern Virginia and is actively involved in finance and sales training on a national level for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Doug has also written “Residential Financing Handbook” for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. It has been also been adopted by NVAR as a training manual for all the Real Estate Finance Training courses. Doug still actively originates purchase mortgages for his clients to keep current on all new trends and creative financing alternatives. 

Licensed since 1969, and a principal broker since 1975, Tom is licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. He began teaching real estate in 1972. Tom is currently certified in four states as an instructor for continuing education, and he also teaches the GRI Designation program for the Duchess County Association of Realtors®. When not teaching, managing agents or consulting, Tom is an expert witness in trial court for the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland and federal venues.

A partner in the law firm of Friedlander, Friedlander & Earman PC, Jerome’s law practice of more than 44 years focuses on wills, trusts, estate planning, real estate law, entity formation and disputes, as well as the litigation arising from those areas. He is a member of the VA and D.C. bars and a past president of the McLean Bar Association and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Jerome has been a substitute judge in the General District courts since 1985. He is the author of law books in landlord tenant law, real estate law (Broker’s Guide to Virginia’s Real Estate Law), and limited liability companies and has also written articles and conducted seminars. He has been an NVAR instructor for about 20 years. Jerome received his B.S. from Georgetown University and LLB from the University of Virginia.

Certified Residential Appraiser Diane is the owner of Quigley Appraisal Service, and has been appraising residential properties in Virginia and Maryland for more than 25 years. She has taught real estate principles and real estate appraisal for NVAR since 1995. Diane also holds a broker’s license in Florida, and is the broker/owner of Quigley Realty Services, LLC. She is currently the chairperson for the Virginia Appraisal Board, and has been involved in many professional appraisal organizations over the past 25 years.

A private mortgage banker with Wells Fargo Mortgage Banking, James offers over 30 years mortgage origination experience. In addition to his origination experience, James has also served as an industry speaker and trainer. Throughout his tenure in the mortgage banking industry, he has trained thousands of mortgage loan officers, underwriters, and real estate professionals on best practices for qualifying homebuyers utilizing both manual and automated underwriting technologies. James has received certifications from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for training Desktop Originator®, Desktop Underwriter®, Loan Prospector® and FHA’s TOTAL Mortgage Scorecard®. James has been a loan originator and licensed Realtor® since 1986, and for 28 years has provided financing courses for the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors® and the Graduate, Realtor® Institute. He has also provided training for the Maryland Association of Realtors® and the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. James graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.