The Rules Have Changed: Mark Worrilow on What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in 2025

You’ve heard it before: Location, Location, Location.

But according to seasoned Realtor Mark Worrilow, that old real estate rule just doesn’t cover it anymore.

“In today’s market, location is just one piece of the puzzle,” says Worrilow, who works with Fathom Realty and has helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties. “Buyers are more concerned about how they’re going to live — and how they’re going to afford it — than they are about a specific zip code.”

Financing is Now Front and Center

Worrilow tracks local financing trends closely and recently shared insights about what’s really happening in our region.

In Spotsylvania, VA loans and conventional financing dominate the market. “FHA is still part of the mix, but it’s significantly lower than VA — by more than a third,” he says. “The type of loan people use tells you a lot about affordability and buyer demographics.”

Stafford follows a similar pattern. “VA and conventional loans are neck and neck there — only about 150 apart in number — while FHA trails behind,” Worrilow explains.

Why does this matter? Because today’s buyers are making decisions based not just on where they want to live, but also on what types of financing they can qualify for and what makes the most sense for their financial future.

Real Estate is Personal — More Than Ever

“The pandemic reshaped what people value in a home,” Worrilow says. “Working from home, needing more space, choosing to stay in a community longer — all of these factors have changed what people are looking for.”

He helps buyers think beyond square footage and school zones and instead focus on things like:

• How flexible is the home’s layout?
• Is there space to work remotely?
• Can you grow into it, or will you outgrow it quickly?
• Are you financially comfortable with your monthly payment?

Sellers Need to Think Strategically

On the seller side, Worrilow uses his knowledge of financing trends and buyer priorities to help homes stand out. “If your property fits the needs of VA buyers — which many do in this region — we position it accordingly,” he says.

And timing is everything. “We look at current data, not just seasonal trends, to decide when to list and how to price your home.”

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re buying or selling in 2025, one thing is clear: The old rules no longer apply. The market is more nuanced, data-driven, and personal than ever — and Mark Worrilow is here to help you navigate it all.

• Call Mark at 703-244-8702 
• Visit markworrilow.com
• Licensed Broker in VA
• Licensed Instructor in VA