In recent months, several large real estate companies—including Compass, Redfin, and Rocket Companies—have publicly pushed for more flexibility around how homes are marketed, urging MLS systems to “honor seller choice.” At first glance, that sounds reasonable. Of course, sellers should have choice. But behind that phrase is a much bigger shift in how homes are […]
In recent months, many condominium communities across the country — including here in the DMV — have faced unexpected roadblocks when it comes to financing. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have tightened their lending requirements for condos, causing significant delays and complications for buyers and sellers alike. As I work with buyers and sellers […]
If you are planning to buy or renovate a home, RPA may be something that will impact you and the value of your home more than you expect. A Resource Protection Area (RPA) is created to limit development around water bodies with perennial flows. The goal is to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its […]
About five years ago, I wrote an article titled Rebuilding Pimmit Hills, reflecting on the transformation of the neighborhood as small, post-war homes were steadily replaced by larger, modern builds. While progress in inevitable, the modern homes bring with them different demographics with different priorities. At the time, I wrote: “With each home gone, one […]
In response to reports that he was gravely ill or had died, Mark Twain reportedly responded: “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Same goes for the real estate market. While the reports of job losses, stock market downturn, and still high interest rates are unsettling, the real estate market in Northern Virginia […]
If you are getting ready to buy in spring 2025 you are not alone. Spring is the hottest season of the year for homebuyers and sellers alike. To get ready to go when that perfect home is listed you need to start preparing now. You should start by thinking about these 4 things: What areas […]
(from Fairfax County website) The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the project scope for the development of Ruckstuhl Park in the Providence District. The development of the 7.2-acre site will include a picnic pavilion, open play area, fitness cluster, nature-themed playground, trail loop and parking area. The estate of the former resident-owner, Dr. Lily […]
If you own a home in Fairfax County with bamboo on your property, you may be in for a surprise come January 1, 2023. Run amok bamboo has become an issue and the bamboo is difficult to remove and contain. A new Fairfax County ordinance goes into effect on that date, and neighbors can report […]
2020 was an unbelievable year in so many ways. Who would have thought possible the amount of change we have all had to endure and live through? Some thrived, a few failed, and many struggled. Everything considered, real estate would been one industry that thrived. So, where is real estate now that 2020 is over? […]
Back in 2015 I wrote an article titled “Pimmit Hills 2015 – “Should I Stay or Should I Go!.” The article spoke of the changes taking place in the neighborhood with old small homes being demolished to make space for larger new ones. While progress in inevitable, the modern homes bring with them different demographics with […]