Mark Center Military Realtor
Diana Tommingo | Military Realtor®
Mobile: 571-230-9686 (Call or Text)
Email: Diana@BestHomesByDiana.com
Relocating to the Mark Center in Alexandria? Choosing where to live means balancing your commute, housing budget, and preferred lifestyle. Fairlington and Shirlington offer close-in options, while Cameron Station, Kingstowne, Del Ray, and Old Town Alexandria provide different neighborhood settings to consider.
I’m Diana Tommingo, a full-time Military Realtor® and Alexandria resident specializing in military moves, VA financing, and VA loan assumptions. Moving on orders is fast-paced, and I help streamline your search whether you’re local or house-hunting from across the country. Through detailed video walkthroughs, clear remote strategy, and boots-on-the-ground support, I provide hands-on guidance throughout the transaction, from evaluating homes and negotiating offers to coordinating inspections, paperwork, and closing—even when you're buying from another state.
Popular Neighborhoods Near the Mark Center
Stationed at the Mark Center? Your off-base housing choices are remarkably broad thanks to its central location in Alexandria. Service members and DoD personnel look across Northern Virginia to find a community that fits their lifestyle—whether that means a walkable urban hub near the Metro, a quiet suburban neighborhood with a backyard, or an easy straight-shot drive to work. Here are the primary communities buyers target when assigned to the Mark Center:
Fairlington
Fairlington offers a historic neighborhood setting with green courtyards, community pools, and tennis courts. Situated across I-395 from the Mark Center, it appeals to service members seeking low-maintenance living, an easy local bus or driving commute, and quick access to Shirlington's dining district.
Explore Fairlington →Highlight: Unmatched convenience and strong military footprint
Shirlington
Shirlington Village centers daily life around a walkable corridor of outdoor cafes, restaurants, a local theater, everyday conveniences, and a premier dog park. It suits buyers who want an active village atmosphere and easy access to the Mark Center.
Explore Shirlington →Highlight: Walkable village vibe and dining
Cameron Station
Cameron Station is a planned community with traditional American architectural character, located alongside Ben Brenman Park. Residents enjoy a neighborhood clubhouse, outdoor pool, local shops and cafes, and a dedicated shuttle to Van Dorn Metro.
Highlight: Pocket neighborhood with Main Street charm
Kingstowne
Kingstowne is an expansive planned community with multiple clubhouses, fitness centers, outdoor pools, tennis courts, and walking trails around a central lake. It appeals to military households seeking more space, attached garages, and a suburban setting with extensive recreational amenities.
Explore Kingstowne →Highlight: Suburban layout and resort-style amenities
Del Ray
Built around Mount Vernon Avenue, known locally as The Avenue, Del Ray has independent coffee shops, wellness studios, farmers markets, and dog-friendly patios. Its neighborhood atmosphere and local businesses appeal to buyers who value community character and an easy drive via Braddock Road or King Street.
Explore Del Ray →Highlight: Main Street charm and local culture
Old Town Alexandria
Old Town is known for its brick-lined streets, boutique shopping, historic architecture, and waterfront parks along the Potomac. It attracts buyers looking for a walkable historic setting, riverfront scenery, and a wide range of dining options, with routes toward the Mark Center via Duke Street or King Street.
Explore Old Town Alexandria →Highlight: Historic waterfront and high-end living
Buying a Home Near Mark Center
Buying near the Mark Center gives you options across Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County. If you're relocating on PCS orders, I manage your home search from afar with detailed video walkthroughs, local market insights, neighborhood guidance, and digital transaction support from your current duty station through closing—so you can make informed decisions even when you can't be here in person.
1) Buying a Home With a VA Loan
Eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses may be able to use a VA loan to purchase a primary residence, subject to VA eligibility and lender requirements.
0% Down Payment: Eligible buyers may be able to purchase a home with no down payment.
No PMI: VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Low Interest Rates: VA loans offer competitive interest rates.
Eligible Properties: VA loans can be used for eligible single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.
VA Funding Fee: The funding fee applies to most VA loans. Disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses and Purple Heart recipients may qualify for an exemption.
VA Appraisal: The home must meet VA requirements and pass a VA appraisal to confirm that it is safe and worth the purchase price.
2) Buying a Home with a VA Loan Assumption
A VA loan assumption allows you to take over a seller's existing VA mortgage, keeping the seller's existing interest rate and loan terms. The buyer does not have to be a Veteran, but a Veteran buyer may be able to use a Substitution of Entitlement to help restore the seller's VA entitlement.
How It Works: The buyer assumes the seller's existing VA loan balance and retains the original loan terms, including the existing interest rate and payment schedule.
Managing the Equity Gap: Buyers must cover the equity gap using cash—the difference between the agreed purchase price and the remaining balance on the seller’s mortgage.
Expert Guidance: As a Northern Virginia and D.C. Military Realtor®, I assist buyers in identifying homes with assumable VA mortgages, evaluating equity gaps, and steering the transaction through the complex loan-servicer approval process.
Selling Your Home Near the Mark Center
Receiving PCS orders can mean selling your Northern Virginia home while preparing for your next assignment. As an Alexandria resident and full-time Military Realtor®, I help you plan the sale around your relocation timeline, from preparing your property and launching the listing to negotiating offers and coordinating the transaction through closing.
My experience with VA loan assumptions helps me advise sellers on how an existing mortgage with a potentially attractive interest rate may appeal to eligible buyers. I help evaluate the opportunity and coordinate with the lender or servicer throughout the approval process.
Whether you're still living in the area or have already relocated, I provide local representation and handle the details that require someone on the ground.
Selling services include:
PCS-Aligned Listing Strategy: Coordinate property preparation, photography, listing launch, and contract timelines around your orders and move.
Targeted Marketing: Position your home to reach prospective buyers, including military families and professionals working at the Mark Center, Pentagon, and throughout Alexandria and Arlington.
VA Loan Assumption Guidance: Help assess the potential appeal of your existing VA mortgage and coordinate the assumption process with the lender or servicer when applicable.
Remote Sale Coordination: Manage access for contractors and inspectors, coordinate repairs, negotiate offers, and keep the transaction moving while you're at your next duty station.
Ready to Move Near the Mark Center?
While I specialize in military relocations, I also help civilian buyers and sellers throughout Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Whether you are preparing for an incoming transfer, planning an out-of-state move, or looking to list your current home, let's discuss your timeline and real estate goals. Complete the form below to schedule a consultation.