Imagine the value of a Realtor who, as a former award-winning builder, knows the ins and outs of home construction.

Now imagine one who is a licensed attorney—who understands the legal ramifications of complicated real estate transactions.

It sure would be nice to have just one of those, right? Russell Arkin can do both. Russell graduated from Duke University School of Law in 1977. He developed his legal skills in the private sector, working for two Washington, D.C., law firms until 1984. During his last few years of practice, Russell realized that he was drawn to the field of real estate development and construction.

In 1984, Russell left his legal practice and opened a real estate development company. Using his legal skills and his knowledge of IRS tax incentives, Russell organized the renovation of historic buildings in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Westminster, Maryland. The projects brought new housing opportunities for low-income residents of both communities and valuable economic benefits for the investors in both projects.

From 1986 through 1999, Russell, through his companies, built single-family homes and developed new communities in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. A number of Russell’s homes won both local and national awards for their focus on energy-efficient building principles.

Through these experiences, Russell developed an understanding of construction, land development and zoning issues that enables him to provide valuable advice to his current clients.

Since 2000, Russell has devoted his energies to his real estate brokerage business at RE/MAX Distinctive. Having lived in Arlington for twenty-five years and with offices in Arlington and McLean, Russell’s professional focus is on the Arlington, McLean and Falls Church communities.

Russell is a dedicated husband and father and knows all about the local school systems. He is a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, where he reaches out to other businesspeople in the community. Russell also volunteers his time on behalf of the Arlington Free Clinic, which provides free medical services to low-income members of the community.

Russell brings dedicated professional expertise to the representation of his clients. Over the past five years, the confidence that Russell’s clients have placed in his skills has allowed Russell’s business to blossom. In 2004, he ranked in the top two-tenths of one percent of all RE/MAX Realtors in the mid-Atlantic region. His 2002–2004 transactions approached $70,000,000. In 2004, his listings, on average, sold for almost $19,000 above list price.

Russell is known throughout the industry for his excellence and professionalism. He understands the market. His background allows him to protect his clients on every level. Whether you are purchasing or selling, Russell will ensure the integrity of your transaction and help you negotiate the best possible terms.

Russell has spent years developing a sophisticated marketing system that delivers proven results time after time. In order to ensure the best possible service, Russell’s professional staff includes an administrative assistant/marketing coordinator and two buyers’ agents. Outside consultants include brochure and video production companies and a Web design/advertising agency.

New homes are a special corner of our industry, and one in which Russell has helped many of his clients. Many purchasers hire an agent to help them build a home only to find that the agent knows little about construction and how to sift through the builder’s contract. Russell knows all the local builders, especially in the Arlington, McLean and Falls Church areas.

In fact, Russell represents a half-dozen of the area’s best builders. His construction knowledge allows him to walk you through the entire process and evaluate your home at all stages of construction, from inception to final walk-through. Russell’s industry connections often give him access to new homes before they officially come to the marketplace.