Learn about Colleen

COLLEEN KOVACH

Born and raised in New Jersey, Colleen moved to Norfolk in 1994 to attend Old Dominion University. After graduating ODU in 2000, Colleen joined the US Coast Guard in 2002.

Separating from active duty in 2008, Colleen remained active in the Reserves as a civil engineer until just recently, when she retired as a Lieutenant Commander in February of 2022 with twenty years of service.

And while the Coast Guard took her away from Norfolk, VA briefly, she found her way back home—moving back to Norfolk in 2008. Shortly after, she launched her real estate career in 2009. “Even after all these years, I have loved my career in real estate and have consistently been a top performer. In 2022, I was awarded the Continuous Circle of Excellence Individual Gold award. I enjoy the dynamic nature of real estate and the constant challenge.”

Outside of real estate, Colleen enjoys spending time with her wife of eighteen years and their two children. Additionally, Colleen and her family have loved renovating old homes and are an active family—enjoying sailing, soccer, mountain biking and camping.

Know The Industry

17 Years Of Experience In Real Estate

“Owning a home is a keystone of wealth, both financial affluence and emotional security.”

Suze Orman

Expertise in the City of Norfolk and Surrounding Areas

I specialize in the city of Norfolk and the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads. With my expertise in the local real estate market, I can help you with any of your real estate questions. My mission is to make your experience as stress-free and lucid as possible, while building professional and long-term relationships.

Professional and Long-Term Relationships

My job as a realtor® is to make sure that you get the best service possible. I strive to build professional and long-term relationships with my clients, so that you can trust me to help you find your dream home. With my expertise in the local real estate market, I can help you find the perfect home for you and your family.

FAQ

Colleen Is Here To Help You With Any Questions You May Have

I work with buyers and sellers throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the surrounding communities. Every area has its own personality, housing options, commute considerations, and advantages. Part of my job is helping you understand those differences so you can find the community that fits the way you actually want to live.

Absolutely. As a retired Coast Guard officer, I understand military moves from personal experience. Relocating often means making a lot of important decisions in a short amount of time — sometimes before you know much about the area. I can help you understand the different communities, commute times, housing options, and other local considerations so you can make your move with more confidence.

My Coast Guard career taught me the importance of preparation, communication, attention to detail, and staying calm when there are a lot of moving pieces. Those skills translate pretty well to real estate! I believe my clients should always understand what’s happening, what comes next, and what decisions need to be made. My goal is to take as much uncertainty out of the process as possible.

Yes — and this is one of the most important parts of buying a home here. Hampton Roads isn’t one single market, and where you live can have a big impact on your everyday life. We’ll talk about what matters to you, including commute times, schools, proximity to military installations, waterfront access, neighborhood characteristics, and the type of home you’re looking for. Then we can narrow down the areas that make the most sense for you.

Definitely. You don’t need to understand the entire homebuying process before you get started — that’s what I’m here for. I’ll walk you through each stage, explain what to expect, help you understand your options, and make sure you’re comfortable asking questions along the way. There are no “stupid questions” when you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

 

Yes. I frequently help people who are relocating and may not have the opportunity to spend weeks exploring the area before making a decision. I can help you get familiar with Hampton Roads, compare different communities, understand realistic commute times, and learn about the things that aren’t always obvious from an online home search. The goal is to help you feel like you know the area before you choose where to call home.

Living near the water is one of the things that makes Hampton Roads such a great place to live, but there are some additional things to consider. Flood zones, flood insurance requirements, property elevation, and the specific location of a home can all matter. Being in coastal Hampton Roads doesn’t automatically mean a property is going to have a flooding problem. It means you should understand the facts about that particular property before making a decision. I’ll help you know what questions to ask and where to get the information you need.

I’m not here to talk you into a house.

My job is to give you the information, local knowledge, and guidance you need to decide whether a home is right for you. I pride myself on being professional, attentive, straightforward, and responsive throughout the process. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating to Hampton Roads, selling a longtime home, or making your next investment, I want you to feel informed and confident from our first conversation through the closing table.