Karen loves to slip into her favorite pair of jeans and spend time on her family farm. Whether horseback riding with her daughter, Krissy, or watching her husband and son race Porsches, Karen gets back to the basics of life with her family.

There was nothing unusual about the day when Karen Close set out for the local golf course, but something truly profound was about to unfold. Shortly after arriving to the course, she bumped into a woman who instantly recognized her. Karen is a hard person to forget. In her years as a nurse, she has helped countless patients often through very fragile times, but rarely does she run into them after their stay in the hospital. The woman warmly greeted her and explained that Karen was the operating room nurse several years ago when she underwent open-heart surgery. She was the last person she saw before slipping into unconsciousness.

But, for the woman, something about the kind look in Karen’s eyes comforted her, and she drifted off feeling confident that everything would be all right. She never forgot Karen or the comfort that she made her feel and has been grateful ever since. This story, like many others, is a testament to the genuine and compassionate person Karen is. She approaches life and people with a sincerity that is often rare to find.

A Benevolent Spirit

Raised in Massachusetts by incredibly hard-working but impoverished parents, Karen was taught from an early age that if she wanted to rise above her financial challenges, she would have to get an education. Following in the footsteps of her mother, a local well-respected nurse, she decided to put herself through nursing school. Beginning at the early age of 13, she worked in the tobacco fields near her house every summer. Making only $30 per week, she eventually earned enough money to go to nursing school right after high school. For three years, she studied hard and eventually completed the program. It was a day that changed the course of her life.

Facing Challenges Head-On

For the next 15 years, Karen worked, first as a staff nurse and then later in the intensive care and cardiovascular unit. Helping her patients through triumph and tragedy, her personable bedside manner and talent of dealing with challenges head-on gave her the ability to make people feel comfortable, despite sometimes-grim circumstances. She carries these traits into other areas of her life. For Karen, getting to the heart of things is the most honest way to approach any situation.

Karen really cares about her clients’ investment and goes the extra mile to negotiate a fair and mutually beneficial price for both buyers and sellers alike.

The Real Deal

As a real estate agent, Karen’s unique ability to put people at ease and offer up the facts in a straight-forward, but compassionate way is what makes her a natural success. A true people-person, she is able to work with people from all walks of life and truly enjoys the diversity of her clients. When working with Karen, you know she will give you the real deal.

Having lived in Arlington since 1979 with 25 years experience as a local real estate agent, Karen has a comprehensive knowledge of the area and understands your diverse needs. Because she knows that this is an emotional time, she goes the extra mile to nurture and protect your financial investment. Whether buying or selling your home, Karen is a savvy negotiator and goes above and beyond to create a win-win transaction for all parties involved. For sellers, she is relentless in getting the greatest return for your property and, for buyers, she gets the lowest price possible for your new home. Whatever your objective, Karen always keeps your best interests at heart.

A Personal Touch

A jeans and T-shirt kind of person, Karen exudes a relaxed, yet hard-working demeanor. A self described straight-shooter with a clever sense of humor, she provides unique one-on-one personal service. Karen has the flair for taking an often-stressful situation and turning it into a manageable, and even enjoyable experience. When you are ready to make a move in Northern Virginia, Karen will get to The Heart of the Matter to deliver the results you deserve.