Twelve years ago, Jamie Waller and her husband arrived in Charlottesville with their newborn and toddler, ready for a new adventure. His job had brought them to this vibrant corner of Virginia, and it didn’t take long for Jamie to realize that Charlottesville was special. “Charlottesville is, without a doubt, the best place I’ve ever had the privilege to call home,” she says.
Now, Waller is an established real estate agent with a deep connection to the area. She specializes in Albemarle and Nelson Counties, where she’s not only a realtor but a resident, which gives her unique insight into the communities she serves. Living in Glenmore and owning property at Wintergreen, she can speak firsthand about the area, the neighborhoods, and all the little things that make this a special place to call home.
Helping Buyers Find Their Place
For Waller, helping clients is about finding the right fit. "We typically begin with a comprehensive tour, gradually narrowing down to the areas that best align with their preferences and needs,” she said. “This personalized approach ensures clients find the community that suits them best.”
Her strong local ties also help give buyers a leg up in a competitive market. “For both new residents and local buyers, I leverage my extensive network of personal and agency listings, providing clients with a competitive advantage in discovering potential homes that meet their criteria,” she said. “In this highly competitive market, being able to capitalize on those relationships often leads to off-market deals with homes that aren’t made available to the public.”
Selling a Home, the Right Way
When working with sellers, Waller knows the importance of a well-prepared home. “In today’s competitive real estate market, buyers are increasingly drawn to turnkey properties -- homes that are move-in ready without the need for immediate repairs or renovations. Staging a home can also drastically increase the appeal of a home to potential buyers.” Sometimes, that means working with a stager to make sure everything looks its best, making the home as inviting as possible.
What’s Changed in the Market
Waller has seen some changes in the market over the years, especially since the pandemic. “I’ve observed a notable increase in buyer interest toward communities that offer amenities such as walking trails, pickleball courts, and communal gathering spaces.”
For buyers, she stresses the importance of being prepared. Having your mortgage pre-approved or showing proof of funds can make a big difference. Being ready to move quickly means you're more likely to secure the right property.
A Community-Focused Approach
When she’s not working, Waller is fully involved in her community. With two teenagers, she spends a lot of time at local sports events, supporting her kids and the organizations they’re involved in. "Having a 12 and 13-year-old lends itself to spending a lot of time on the sidelines of many different community sports organizations and trying to support them in any way that I can," she says. “I am also proud to support several local nonprofits through volunteering and financial support.”
The Best Part of Her Job
At the end of the day, Waller says the best part of her job isn’t just finding clients the perfect home -- it’s watching them settle into life in this community. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing new homeowners acclimate to our community, exploring and enjoying all that the area has to offer,” she says. Whether she’s working with out-of-town or local buyers, or helping someone sell and move on to their next chapter, Jamie Waller’s easygoing approach and knowledge of the area make her an invaluable guide.
Charlottesville is, without a doubt, the best place I’ve ever had the privilege to call home.