Philippa Main
Samson Properties & Future Home Realty
Discover Your Burke Home's Value.
What’s My Home Worth in Northern Virginia? Curious about your home’s value in the area? Whether you’re preparing to sell or just exploring your options, getting a local, accurate valuation is key. Here’s what’s driving the market in Northern Virginia right now—and how you can use that to your advantage.
Find Out Instantly What Your Burke Home is Worth
It will be better and more accurate than what you find on Zillow or Redfin!

Philippa Main is simply the best real estate professional I have ever worked with. I’ve lived in five states over the years and bought and sold several homes. Working with Philippa was by far my best experience. Her process knowledge, market experience, and pricing strategy were extraordinary. Super easy to work with, very responsive, and highly professional. Five stars all the way!
When getting our property ready to sell, we worked with Philippa. She was extremely knowledgeable about the market and helped us price it appropriately. She has one of the best response rates and follow through that we have experienced in our history of buying and selling multiple homes. We would recommend her to our friends and family for sure!
Philippa was great to work with for the sale of our home. We're out of state and she made it super easy. She was up front about a pre-planned trip out of the country but still answered our questions in a timely manner while she was on vacation. Her trade contacts were awesome, responsive, and priced well. And best of all she predicted it would sell the first weekend and it did! Excellent experience!
One of the best realtors in Burke. Below are over 100 reviews for Burke real estate agent, Philippa Main.
Realtor Reviews for Philippa Main

Questions About Selling Your Burke Home? Get In Touch.
What Impacts Home Values in Burke?
School district reputation: Homes zoned for Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary often see stronger demand and higher prices.
Access to VRE and major commuter routes: Proximity to the Burke Centre VRE station and roads like Fairfax County Parkway increases value for Northern Virginia commuters.
Home condition and age: Many homes in Burke were built between the 1970s and 1990s, so updated systems and finishes are a major plus.
Community amenities: Neighborhoods with pools, walking trails, and access to Burke Lake Park tend to attract families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lot size and privacy: Larger wooded lots or cul-de-sac settings are highly desirable and can boost pricing compared to homes on through streets.
Why Local Area Expertise Matters When Hiring a Realtor in Burke
Knowledge of Burke’s planned communities: Familiarity with HOA rules, amenities, and differences between neighborhoods like Burke Centre and Cherry Run affects pricing strategy.
Understanding of VRE and transit access: Highlighting rail options and commute times is key for buyers working in DC or Tysons.
Experience marketing family-oriented properties: Homes with multi-bedroom layouts, fenced yards, and finished basements are in high demand.
Awareness of local permitting history: Knowing what types of renovations are common or permitted helps set buyer expectations.
Connections with Burke-area service providers: Access to local stagers, landscapers, and inspectors speeds up preparation and improves presentation.
What’s the average time on market for homes in Burke?
Well-prepared homes typically sell within 7 to 14 days. The family-friendly nature of the area keeps demand strong year-round.
Are buyers looking for move-in ready homes?
Yes. While some buyers are open to minor updates, most are attracted to properties with modern kitchens, new flooring, and neutral paint.
Is it worth staging a home in this area?
Absolutely. Thoughtful staging helps buyers imagine their lifestyle in your home and can set it apart from other listings in Burke’s established neighborhoods.
What price range sells fastest in Burke?
Homes priced under $850,000 tend to sell most quickly, though well-updated properties above that threshold also see strong interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home in Burke
Modernize the kitchen: Cabinet refacing, new countertops, and updated appliances can make a 1980s home feel brand new.
Refresh outdated flooring: Replacing old carpet or vinyl with hardwood or luxury vinyl plank improves visual appeal and durability.
Upgrade curb appeal: A clean exterior, refreshed landscaping, and modern house numbers can create a memorable first impression.
Finish unused spaces: Basement rec rooms, home offices, or bonus rooms increase usable square footage and perceived value.
Add energy-efficient features: New windows, smart thermostats, or upgraded insulation can appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
How To Increase Your Home's Value in Burke
Things to Highlight About Burke When Selling Your Home
Established suburban feel: Burke offers mature trees, quiet streets, and a strong sense of community that many buyers seek.
Outdoor recreation access: Proximity to Burke Lake Park, Lake Braddock, and the South Run Rec Center supports an active lifestyle.
Highly rated public schools: Local school pyramids consistently rank well in Fairfax County, making Burke popular with families.
Convenient to both work and play: Close enough to DC for commuters, yet peaceful enough for weekend relaxation.
Strong resale history: Burke homes tend to retain value due to consistent demand and a well-maintained housing stock.
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Online Estimates are automated and broad: Generated by algorithms using public data and recent sales, these tools provide a quick ballpark figure but often miss key property details like renovations, condition, or unique features. Online tools offer speed, not accuracy. While convenient, online estimates can be off by tens of thousands of dollars, especially in neighborhoods with diverse housing styles or limited recent sales.
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A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is agent-driven and tailored: Prepared by a licensed real estate agent, a CMA compares your home to similar recently sold properties, factoring in upgrades, location, layout, and current market trends to suggest a realistic listing price. CMAs reflect current buyer behavior. Agents conducting CMAs use real-time market knowledge, insight into active competition, and experience with local buyer demand to set strategic pricing.
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An appraisal is formal, independent, and required by lenders: Conducted by a licensed appraiser, an appraisal is used to protect lenders by confirming the property’s value during a purchase or refinance. It carries legal weight and follows strict industry guidelines. Appraisals are neutral but conservative. Unlike a CMA, an appraisal doesn’t aim to market your home, it simply aims to justify its value based on recent, closed sales and standardized adjustments.
The Difference Between Online Estimates, a CMA, and an Appraisal
More About Philippa Main - Top Burke Realtor
With over 10 years of real estate experience and more than $100 million of real estate sold since 2017, Philippa Main is a trusted, experienced, and full‑time Realtor with a proven track record. A Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and Certified Client Protection Expert, she has a deep knowledge of the Northern Virginia real estate market. She worked in new construction marketing at D.R. Horton and has guided first‑time homebuyers, probate estate sellers, people relocating in and out of state, and more.
Praised in reviews as “knowledgeable,” “hard‑working,” “dependable,” and “excellent,” clients often say she “works harder than any realtor I have worked with in the past” and "protected our best interests." Known for being prompt, proactive, and highly detail‑oriented, Philippa personally manages each transaction (with no assistants or junior team members) so clients receive her direct expertise at every step.
Available seven days a week, she customizes strategies tailored to each client, ensuring seamless experiences in both buying and selling.
As a top performing real estate agent in the country and recognized by HomeLight as a top producer and top negotiator, Philippa stands out for her comprehensive market insight, strategic pricing assistance, and home staging guidance.
Whether navigating probate sales, downsizing, upsizing, relocation, senior moves, or more, clients benefit from her strong negotiation skills and transparent communication.