Realtor profile

Name: Tanya Sabel

Company: RE/MAX Allegiance

Address: 14170 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193

Phone: 703/675-0711, cell; 703/548-1601, home

Fax: 703/548-1609

E-mail: tanyasabel@aol.com

Web site: www.homesdatabase.com/tanyasabel

How did you get started in real estate? It was great luck. I was working in veterinary medicine, and I always had a ton of pets — so did all of my co-workers and friends. We were always looking for places to rent that allowed pets. When I hooked up with a Realtor to help me find a home, he was impressed that I knew more about the available market than he did. He suggested that I get into the business. I gave it a try, and I have loved it ever since. This is a fabulous business. I love what I do.

How long with the current company? Since 1999

Licenses: Real estate sales in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia

Greatest accomplishment in the past 12 months: I’ve worked my tail off this year. I’m happy, and I feel accomplished if I get my cat litter cleaned and the oil in my car changed regularly.

Area of specialty: Northern Virginia

Most memorable house: It was an ambassador’s residence in North Arlington. The ambassador and his family were fun and just super people to work with, and the home was this amazing huge contemporary home. It was the most unusual property I have ever had the pleasure and challenge of selling. I met some of the most fascinating people at the open houses I held for that gem. Contemporaries in North Arlington attract all types of people. It was an intense learning experience about diverse personalities. I was actually sad when the house sold. My clients were friendly and cooperative, and the home was breathtaking.

Worst experience: I was representing the purchasers on a lovely home in Lake Ridge. It was a beautiful waterfront town house surrounded by amazing extensive landscaping. The property had tons of rosebushes and decorative plants. When we did the pre-settlement walk-through, we were horrified to discover that the sellers had dug up almost all the roses and plants. They had left huge holes that made the yard look like the surface of the moon. It was shocking. My purchasers were in tears. We had to go to settlement with personal attorneys in tow. The seller was abrasive and nasty. It was a mess. Everything worked out in the end.

Age: 37

Family: Single

Pets: Several cats, two small dogs, chinchillas, box turtles and assorted fish — my own personal petting zoo.

Last book read: “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho

Last movie seen: “The Da Vinci Code”

What is your personal dream house? My dream home would be on the water with a positively decadent and luxurious master suite overlooking the water. It would have a gigantic stone fireplace in the great room and an awe-inspiring view of a Starbucks out my kitchen window. Location, comfort and convenience are important to me.