It is the Holiday Season again. Social calendars and children’s activities are at their peak. A common belief is that December is “quiet” in real estate. In reality, things are abuzz preparing for the New Year. Realtors are planning and wrapping up their year. Many homeowners are thinking, while perhaps, not taking immediate action.
When the calendar slows, distractions abound. Plans percolate. There might be fewer sales. There is also less competition (good for buyers). Are you evaluating how your space functions? Conversations often shift from “Should we?” to “What do we want next?” What do you really want?
The Conversations That Matter Most
Planning conversations revolve around timing, readiness, and sequencing. Much depends on selling or holding the current property. Should you consider a more immediate or deferred approach?
What matters to you most? Do you need more space, a different location, more land? What does your next chapter look like?
Here is why early planning matters. Several years ago, a client shared some plans for the following year. We discussed options and made a plan. I received a distress call shortly before their listing was going on the market. A neighbor was also going on the market at the same time. “What should we do?” I assured them that we are ready to put the house on the market immediately. There were no properties for sale in the entire community. So, “Let’s get you several offers, the best buyer, and the best offer, and those who miss your house can have the next one.” This is exactly what happened. Soon after their sale, three more houses came on the market. There were no multiple offers. Our price remained top for the neighborhood for quite some time.
Financial Considerations
The financial and strategic conversations are inescapable – the “yes…but.” Yet, where there is a will there is a way. You most likely have equity in your current property which will benefit your future purchase. As a seller, tax advantages could help you act sooner than later. Perhaps now is a good time to have a preliminary conversation with your trusted real estate advisor.
Your three percent loan is marvelous, but you can still up or downsize despite interest rate fluctuations. I have structured many happy outcomes and helped my clients build wealth.
Waiting until January or worse, “spring” limits your options. January brings speed, competition, and many external pressures. Making reactive decisions is rarely optimal. Early conversations allow for better evaluation, preparation, and ultimately, execution.
As in any important financial consideration, thoughtful outcomes begin with thoughtful conversations. If you are considering a potential change, contact me now. I will help you sort the pieces and give you meaningful information with which to make good decisions. After all, the best real estate decisions are rarely rushed. They are considered.
Cold weather changes the rhythm of our homes. We shift from open windows and outdoor evenings to warm fireplaces, hot tea, and the satisfying quiet of a winter night. Yet winter requires more than comfort. It asks that we protect what protects us. A thoughtful checklist now prevents emergencies later.
Protect Pipes from a Cold Night
Few things interrupt a peaceful winter evening like a frozen pipe. When water turns to ice, it expands and can burst pipes behind walls or beneath floors. The damage is both expensive and preventable. Insulate exposed pipes in garages and crawl spaces. Keep interior temperatures steady, especially overnight. If you plan to be away, leave the heat set above fifty-five degrees. A winter night is no time for the house to fend for itself.
Ice Dams and Rooflines
Snow on the roof is picturesque until warm air beneath melts it, and it refreezes at the eaves. The ice forms a dam, and water has nowhere to go except beneath shingles. It is the hidden kind of problem that appears in March when ceilings become discolored. Proper attic insulation and ventilation keep temperatures uniform. Clean gutters before the first snowfall, and if heavy snow arrives, use a roof rake from the ground. Let the roof stay cold. That is the goal.
Walkways and Concrete Surfaces
Salt seems like a winter necessity until one remembers that salt breaks down concrete. Over time, it erodes driveways and walkways. The better approach is calcium magnesium acetate or similar products that are kinder to surfaces. The real secret is prompt snow removal. The less ice forms, the less melting product you need.
Doors, Windows, and Storm Doors
Winter air knows how to slip inside. A loose latch or worn weather stripping can make a room feel twenty degrees cooler. Take a moment when you close storm doors. Listen for the latch. Check windows and sliding doors for small gaps that invite drafts. Replace worn seals. Secure latches. These are small details that make a noticeable difference on a January morning.
Fireplaces, Embers, and a Cautionary Note
A winter fireplace is one of life’s quiet luxuries: a chair nearby, a warm beverage, and the comfort of real heat. Yet fireplace ash carries a danger many homeowners underestimate. Hot embers can remain active for hours.
Never dispose of them outdoors or in the yard. A breeze can reignite ash and send embers toward siding, mulch, or wood structures. Always place ashes in a metal container with a lid, kept away from the house, until fully cooled. It is a simple precaution that prevents a house fire while everyone is asleep.
Winter Should Be Enjoyed
The purpose of preparation is not worry. It is confidence. Once the essentials are handled, winter can be what we hope it will be: evenings by the fire, comfort in familiar rituals, and the quiet pleasure of knowing the house is ready.
Here’s to enjoying the season prepared and protected.
This is the season when we spend more time indoors and our doors and windows remain closed for longer periods.
I am deathly allergic and toxic to mold. A three second exposure can make me ill for weeks and even months. I often laugh with my buyer clients that I am the official “mold meter” when we look at houses. There have been times that I detected mold even before opening the front door. I share my experience with my clients, and we leave as quickly as possible. Sick houses can be cleaned. My clients need not be the ones to do that.
Not everyone smells or reacts to mold. I believe that educating my clients is paramount. No sale is worth illness and maladies. I would rather walk away than knowingly let my clients buy into malaise, illness, and even life-threatening accidents. A mold reaction caused me to fall from my horse, breaking my ankle. My life changed. I have not been the same ever since.
While everyone has varying levels of reaction, if any, to mold in a property, it is important to understand how mold develops and where it can grow. It is not always the old basement, although it quite possibly can be. With weather changes and moisture changes, below is a list (not comprehensive but suggestive) where mold can grow:
Window casings and drywall around them
Doors – under sill plates and around the frames on the drywall
Under sink base cabinets
Under dishwashers
Under washing machines
Under HVAC condensate lines
Inside HVAC air handlers
Behind and under refrigerators (even those without water sources)
Bathrooms
Basements – under floors, wall bases, even ceilings
Your car!!
What can you do to prevent mold from taking root in your home or car?
Inspect window caulking regularly – recaulk as needed
Check door sill plates – especially at decks and patios
Look under sinks – look for evidence of moisture – attack and remediate
Look under your dishwasher for evidence of water and mold signs
Look under and behind washing machines
Have your HVAC serviced and inspected semi-annually – ask your tech to look for evidence of leakage and mold
Pull your refrigerator out – inspect the floor
Run the exhaust fan in your bathrooms while showering to prevent condensation build-up
Confirm that bathroom exhaust fans are operating properly
Change the air filter in your car
Keep all HVAC filters clean
Here are a few unsettling facts that I recently discovered:
Drywall in its manufacturing process has imbedded mold spores
Mold loves drywall. That is why after a water incursion event, mold grows on drywall very quickly.
New home construction can “build-in” mold during the construction process by allowing materials to get wet.
Your car’s trunk gasket can be allowing water incursion and harboring mold
Your car’s air filter can get damaged by mice – their deposits can sprout mold
Your car’s AC can leak into your dash – mold can sprout
These lists are just a few of the mold issues that can develop over time or quickly.
Mold has been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, upper respiratory ailments, even ‘colds’ could be reactions to mold. Do not be lulled into security by a ‘new house.’
Last year, I walked through our basement bedroom for a split second. That was long enough for me to get sick. It lasted through January. Where was the mold? Our basement bath exhaust fan had stopped exhausting but sounded to be running just fine. My husband likes the shower there. The moisture from the shower traveled to the far corner of the room, settled on the cold tile floor under a night table, and sprouted a quarter-sized spot of mold.
As a precaution – I had the exterior walls’ drywall removed – luckily – all was dry including studs and base framing. The tile was dry with no evidence of water. I called a waterproofing company – they tried to sell me a $50,000 remediation system.
I decided to call on the home inspector who inspects my clients’ home purchases. He came armed with a moisture meter. He found none. Then, he suggested laying down and sealing a vapor barrier plastic sheet like that of a crawl space. He told us to leave it down for 7-10 days. If at the end of the period, there was moisture under the barrier – there is a water problem. If none, then it was a condensation problem. Luckily, it was the latter.
Our brilliant contractor figured out that the exhaust fan was not extracting the condensation. In with a new fan and lots of cleaning – all is well.
However, this episode required that I discard the entire contents of the room. I had my brand new furnace thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Mold spores are airborne and had certainly settled on all fabrics and furnishings. All because an exhaust fan had malfunctioned. On that note – ask questions about the history of any resale furnishings that you are considering buying. Have you ever smelled mustiness in antique drawers . . . ?
Mold is toxic and for those who are sensitive, each episode increases that sensitivity and the reactions. While I am not a mold expert, here is a link to mold and its remediation on YouTube. The mold conversation begins around the 3 minute mark. It is a little long but could save you years of misery.
If you have questions or need resources, contact Krasi Henkel – TEXT – 703-624-8333. If you are planning to buy your next home, Text Krasi.
After attending the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce ‘PolicyMaker Series: Postelection Aftermath’ I walked away with concerns and considerations. This blog is not intended to make or take a political stand, but to outline possibilities and current actions. Keeping you informed so that you can make the best possible decisions, is always my goal.
Politicians and analysts banter the term, affordable housing. Let’s unpack this concept and discover how, if at all, affordability can be affected.
The variables of affordability consist of the following obvious pieces:
The price of real estate
The mortgage interest rate
The mortgage term (number of years)
Cost to insure
Taxes
Income tax incentives (if any)
Housing supply and local zoning
To improve affordability, one or more of the above variables must be influenced as follows:
Private property values are subject to market forces.
Mortgage interest rates while variable, can be subsidized by jurisdictions or offset by tax savings
The term of the mortgage 15-30-50 affects the monthly payment
Insurance is partly environmental risk based, and partly determined by your desired value to insure and what to include.
Taxes – real estate taxes are based on jurisdictional assessments. You can appeal assessments. You can elect officials who would reduce tax rates.
The Federal government or even the state can make interest, taxes, etc. deductible at higher rates – AKA – subsidizing through deductibility.
Supply and demand shifts from scarcity to accessibility can partially be accomplished through thoughtful zoning and maybe expeditious reviews.
Below are possible solutions but will require bold federal and state participation.
Let’s clear one thing up – homeowners do not plan to decrease the asking prices for their houses in a scarcity scenario. Insurers have suffered massive losses and will likely not be reducing their rates, and their reinsurers will most likely not be doing the same.
Property taxes – you can evaluate your jurisdictional budgets and determine potential austerity measures with which to justify tax reductions. We all know that this is a long term project involving studies, hearings, and elections.
While on the topic of property taxes and local jurisdictions, one way to increase supply would be to loosen zoning regulations and shorten permit and inspection periods. All of that requires public hearings. Realistically, when was the last time a voting block voted to increase density?
Income tax deductibility or credits could be useful subject to income limits. This will require political maneuvering, bills, vetoes, and committees, and lots of talk and perhaps a little help.
Mortgage interest is a possible variant. When affordability is addressed, it is often addressed for first time home buyers. The US government, states, and local governments offer mortgage loans to offset cash down payments, and structure loans based on a variety of criteria. This is where creativity can set in and offers interesting options to consider.
Let’s look at Virginia for example. There are several assistance loan products including down payment and closing cost grants. After that there is Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA), which is funded through bonds and are not and do not affect the tax base. These loans come with quite a few strings and qualification can be onerous. Looking at today’s mortgage rate, I note that VHDA is offering their loan for 6.5%. Yet FHA, VA, USDA are all below 6%.
Another mortgage alternative is increasing the loan amortization terms from 30 to 50 years. Yes, the total interest paid will be higher, but the monthly payment can become affordable. Consider the example below:
$500,000 loan at 5.75%
30 year principal and interest (PI) payment: $2918
50 year principal and interest (PI) payment: $2540
The monthly savings will be: $ 378
That difference can make the difference in qualifying.
It will cost more over the life of the loan. The reality is that most people move every seven years. Loans can be refinanced if rates decline. I have met very few people who retained their original loan to its final payment. The 30-year mortgage was originally tied to the 30-year treasury bill. Though, the 10-year Treasury Note is a more direct benchmark. The 30-year treasuries are called “long bonds.”
Zoning:
Zoning adjustment measure has been on Virginia’s local jurisdiction radar for over five years. Since 2020 initiatives to modify local zoning to permit density increases have been proposed.
Last week, a circuit court judge recently ruled in favor of the City of Alexandria in the “Zoning for Housing” lawsuit, dismissing the case and allowing the city’s zoning reforms to stand.
The case had been brought by local property owners, Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, protesting the density changes and their perceived impact on their properties. This ruling allows the city’s “Zoning for Housing” ordinance to proceed.
A question: with the decision in place, can a developer now buy a single family house, tear it down and build a multi-family structure? What are the limits? What are the safeguards? Where will those residents park? How will the existing infrastructure support the additional density as far as education and traffic?
In Tysons, a similar initiative has been enacted. Click here to learn more about these and other Virginia measures.
While political promises abound, reality sets in. The recent election platform was heavy on affordable housing. When I inquired at the recent event, about the “how” of the promises, the moderator ‘ran out of time.’ I asked why VHDA loan rates outstrip all other loan rates. When I approached one of the State senators, he told me that they are “looking into it.” The urgency? Subject to interpretation. They seem focused on zoning changes as the primary solution.
There is no easy fix. Everyone must get involved and ask the hard questions: When politicians promise ‘affordable housing,’ ask them: Affordable to BUY, or affordable to RENT? Those are two very different things – one builds wealth and independence, the other creates permanent tenants beholden to landlords and government programs. The days of happy ambivalence are gone. You should pay close attention and make your decisions thoughtfully.
If you want to buy your first home, contact Broker Krasi Henkel. Her nearly 40 years of experience and exceptional lender network, produce dream-come-true scenarios. If you want to be one of the lucky few – text Krasi today – 703-624-8333.
The Update That Will Change Many Agents’ Clients’ Privacy
On November 15, Zillow’s new Follow Up Boss policy activates. It allows Zillow to analyze “mutual customer data” — information about people already stored in an agent’s database and active on Zillow. In practice, that means private notes, personal dates, communication records, and engagement metrics will most likely flow into Zillow’s broader system.
The Fine Print Behind the Automation
Agents and brokers across the country rely on Customer Relationship Management CRMs that promise efficiency. That speed has a price. By clicking “agree,” most have granted sweeping permissions that they have most likely not read. These updates are not breaches. They are contracts of consent written in language few real estate professionals have the time , patience, or legal acumen to interpret.
Why This Matters to You
Real estate is built on trust and confidentiality. When client data becomes “shared metadata,” trust erodes. The public assumes its conversations with agents are private. Agents assume that their CRMs act as secure tools. Both assumptions are now questionable.
Properties on the Potomac Does It Differently
At Properties on the Potomac, technology serves judgement. We never replace judgement with technology. Of course, we use advanced digital systems, but we maintain local control of all client data. No automated platform owns our client relationships, and no algorithm decides who receives correspondence.
Our data protocols are guided by three principles:
Control: We decide where our data lives, and who can access it.
Confidentiality: Your personal and financial information remains between you and your agent.
Accountability: We read ‘agreements’ before signing and occasionally forego convenience for privacy. Your trust is not a click-through box.
Krasi’s extensive education in accounting and finance has developed a “radar” to detect potential conflicts of interests. In 2002, when her then brokerage demanded that all client data be entered into their centralized CRM system, Krasi changed companies.
When asked which CRM our company uses, Krasi replies, “spreadsheets.” Why? Because our clients do not have to be “managed” with prewritten impersonal communication. Real Estate is still a PEOPLE business. The person who is helping you with your most important financial transaction must respect you more than AI-generated communication can offer.
The Bottom Line for You
Technology should enhance professionalism. Convenience is valuable, but not at the expense of control.
Technology must never erase human professionalism.
There seems to be a growing trend toward “burning bridges” as a form of self-assertion. It appears often, even celebrated, as though torching a connection is a mark of independence or strength.
Let’s pause and ask, “why?” To satisfy an ego? To prove a point? To protect ourselves from discomfort?
The truth is simpler. We never know when a door might open again. By burning the bridge, we limit opportunity. By leaving it standing, even unused, we preserve possibility.
Years ago, I worked for an exceptionally brilliant executive director. At our staff meetings, he would always end with the same words: “Be nice. You never know who your next boss will be.”
That line has stayed with me for more than five decades. The wisdom is timeless. Being nice costs nothing, and it buys peace of mind, grace, and long memories in one’s favor.
When negotiating with a difficult client or agent, consider the value of restraint. Not every disagreement demands destruction. Some require distance, but distance is different from demolition.
Of course, there are rare situations that justify a clean break. Yet in my many decades of business—as an auditor, portfolio manager, director, Realtor®, and broker, I am grateful that I have resisted the temptation to light the match. The people who might have deserved the flame have long since forgotten, and those who would have cared might have turned away.
Fire is satisfying only for a moment. Bridges, however, can stand for a lifetime.
The Washington area housing market is changing. Federal job cuts, mortgage rate shifts, and more homes for sale mean different conditions than we have seen in recent years. Here is what the numbers tell us and what it means for your real estate decisions.
Government Jobs and Our Local Economy About 20,000 federal workers have left their jobs since December. Professional services companies that work with the government have also cut positions. This sounds alarming, but the bigger picture shows our economy adapting. Construction jobs are booming in Northern Virginia, and total employment continues growing despite the federal cuts.
We have been through this before. In the 1990s, the federal workforce dropped by 379,000 people during the Clinton years. The region survived and eventually thrived. By 1999, home sales jumped 12 percent and new construction hit levels not seen since 1986. Our market knows how to adjust.
Mortgage Rates: Do Not Expect Miracles The Federal Reserve cut rates by a quarter point, but your mortgage payment will not drop dramatically. Mortgage rates usually fall only about 0.10 to 0.20 percent after Fed cuts. On a $500,000 loan, that saves maybe $45 to $55 per month.
Thirty-year fixed rates will likely stay in the mid-6 percent range through the end of the year. These rates feel high compared to the crazy-low rates during COVID, but they represent normal historical levels. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage or home equity line, those will drop more quickly with Fed cuts.
The Big Picture: A Calmer Market
The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors forecast shows a market returning to earth after years of wild swings:
Home Prices: Rising 2 to 2.5 percent per year, about the same as general inflation. No more double-digit jumps.
Home Sales: Steady to slightly up, especially for single-family houses in good neighborhoods.
Available Homes: Way more inventory: 50 to 80 percent increases from last year. This sounds dramatic, but we are just getting back to normal levels after years of almost nothing for sale.
August numbers show the trend: 4,264 home sales (down 2 percent from last year) with a median price of $625,000 (up 2.1 percent). Homes now take 19 days to sell instead of 10 days last August. Buyers have time to think.
Each Area Tells Its Own Story
Washington DC and Maryland Counties The District and Maryland suburbs show more pronounced market cooling. Median prices hit $625,000 in August, up 2.1% from last year. Homes are taking an average of 19 days to sell—about 11 days longer.
Contract activity increased by 2.9% from 2024. Montgomery and Prince Georges counties face stronger headwinds than their Virginia counterparts.
Fairfax County The steadiest performer. Prices up 2.2 to 2.5 percent, sales holding firm. Inventory increasing but nothing crazy. If you want predictable, Fairfax delivers.
Arlington County There are two different markets here. Single-family houses are hot: sales up 16 percent, prices rising 2.2 percent. But condos are struggling with prices falling 4.9 percent and fewer sales.
Alexandria Solid but not spectacular. Prices are up 2 to 3 percent. There are decent sales for houses and townhomes, but condos are having trouble. There is more inventory coming, which helps buyers.
Market conditions vary drastically by location.
Prince William County This is the toughest spot right now. Sales are falling for all home types, from 2 percent down for townhomes to almost 7 percent for condos. Prices are rising, but barely. If you are buying here, you have negotiating power.
Loudoun County Balanced growth. Prices are up 2.5 percent, single-family sales jumped 13.5 percent. Even condos are holding steady. Inventory is building but demand is keeping pace.
What This Means for You Buying a Home: Best conditions since before COVID for people not worried about government job cuts. More houses to choose from, less bidding wars, time to inspect and negotiate. Sellers cannot demand perfection anymore.
Selling Your Home: Price it right from day one. The days of throwing any number on the market and getting five offers are over. Good houses in good neighborhoods still sell quickly, but overpriced homes sit.
Investing: Look for value in areas showing relative strength. Single-family houses are outperforming condos across most areas. Prince William offers potential bargains for patient investors.
History Suggests Optimism The 1990s federal job cuts show how this story can end. After initial adjustment, the DC area came back stronger. The economy is different now—less tech boom, more diverse job base—but the pattern holds. People want to live here, and that underlying demand supports home values.
The Bottom Line We are moving from an extreme seller’s market to a more balanced market. Buyers have choices again. Sellers must have realistic expectations. The extremes no longer work.
For the first time in years, both buyers and sellers can succeed if they understand current conditions. The key is working with someone who knows these neighborhood differences and can spot the opportunities that others miss.
The Washington area remains one of the strongest housing markets in the country. We just have to adjust our expectations to match reality instead of the pandemic craziness we have been living through.
Do you need specific guidance for your situation? Properties on the Potomac helps buyers and sellers navigate changing markets with our depth of expertise and honest advice. Contact us at 703-624-8333 today!
Just 30 miles west of Washington, D.C., nestled in the heart of Loudoun County, Brambleton, VA is a community built for modern living—with intentional design, walkable charm, and a strong sense of connection. Whether you’re raising a family, launching a career, or simply seeking a slower pace without giving up convenience, Brambleton offers the best of both worlds.
A Community with Vision
Founded in the early 2000s, Brambleton was designed from the ground up as a master-planned community, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in a way that feels thoughtful and cohesive. Unlike older neighborhoods that evolved over time, Brambleton was built with intention: every path, park, and plaza is part of a larger vision focused on lifestyle and livability.
Why People Love Living in Brambleton
1. Community-Focused Living What truly sets Brambleton apart is its tight-knit, neighborly atmosphere. Community events like summer concerts, farmers markets, food truck nights, and seasonal festivals turn neighbors into friends and make the neighborhood feel like home from day one.
2. Urban Convenience Meets Suburban Space Brambleton residents enjoy easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment—all within the community itself. The Brambleton Town Center is a local hub featuring restaurants, a movie theater, fitness studios, and more. Plus, with access to major commuter routes and the Silver Line Metro extension, getting into D.C. or Tysons has never been easier.
3. Trails, Parks & Outdoor Living Brambleton is laced with miles of walking and biking trails that connect neighborhoods to parks, playgrounds, and natural areas. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, walking the dog, or training for your next race, the community is built to keep you moving and outside.
4. Family-Friendly & Future-Focused From highly rated schools to modern amenities like the Brambleton Library and community pools, Brambleton is ideal for families looking to put down roots. The community’s forward-thinking design also includes high-speed fiber internet built into every home—perfect for remote work and digital learning.
5. A Variety of Home Styles Whether you’re looking for a spacious single-family home, a sleek townhome, or a low-maintenance condo, Brambleton offers a range of options to fit your lifestyle and budget—many built with contemporary finishes and energy-efficient features.
Final Thoughts Brambleton isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle destination. With its walkable design, family-friendly vibe, and thoughtful blend of nature and convenience, it’s no surprise this Loudoun County gem continues to grow in popularity.
Thinking about making a move to Brambleton? Properties on the Potomac is here to help you find the perfect place to call home in this vibrant, connected community!
Banner image: Leadership and mentorship discussion, Diana Bell-McKoy
As a real estate professional constantly seeking to expand my horizons and connections, I recently had the privilege of attending the French-American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit on May 1st at the Embassy of France. This gathering proved to be far more than a typical networking event. It was a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural collaboration and innovation right here, in the DC Metro area.
A Feast for Mind and Palate The Embassy of France provided an elegant backdrop for this meeting of minds, and true to French tradition, the culinary offerings were nothing short of spectacular. From the carefully curated breakfast pastries to the sumptuous lunch spread, the attention to detail reflected the French commitment to excellence that permeated the entire summit. And of course, French Champagne.
While the food nourished the body, it was the intellectual exchange that fed the soul. Speakers from diverse sectors shared cutting-edge technological developments, innovative marketing approaches, mentorship programs, and even artistic perspectives that bridge our two cultures. The breadth of knowledge on display was both impressive and humbling.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Among the most inspiring aspects of the summit was meeting several French interns currently working at the Embassy. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and global perspective were remarkable. These young professionals embodied the future of international relations. They were fluent not just in multiple languages but in the nuanced art of cross-cultural communication.
Their presence reminded me that in real estate, we’re not just selling properties; we’re facilitating lives in new communities. Whether helping expatriates find their American home or assisting locals looking to embrace new cultural experiences, understanding diverse perspectives enriches our ability to serve clients meaningfully.
Tech discussions with Alain Briancon, PhD – Senior Technology Executive, Arch System
Technology and Humanity: Finding the Balance A recurring theme throughout the presentations was the role of technology in modern business. Speakers showcased impressive advances in various fields—from golf lawn mowing robots to marketing strategies and Woman-on-Woman mentorship, there were limitless applications for real estate.
The most profound takeaway came not from discussions of technology but from experiencing its limitations. Despite all our digital connections—emails, texts, social platforms, and virtual meetings that fill our days, nothing replaces the energy of face-to-face conversation. As attendees exchanged ideas over coffee or shared business cards after presentations, it became abundantly clear: human connection remains the foundation of meaningful business relationships.
Bringing It Home to Properties on the Potomac At Properties on the Potomac, we value the human element of real estate. The insights gained from this summit reinforce our commitment to combining technological efficiency with personal connection. In our communities, where history and innovation flow together like the waters of the Potomac, this balanced approach resonates deeply.
The French-American Chamber of Commerce exemplifies how different perspectives can create something greater than the sum of their parts. Similarly, in real estate, bringing together diverse clients, properties, and communities creates value that transcends transaction.
Leadership discussion: Laurant Tari
As I reflect on the day’s experiences, I’m reminded that bridges, whether between cultures, businesses, or people seeking new homes, are not built with technology alone. They require understanding, patience, and genuine human interest. In our increasingly digital world, these qualities may well be the most valuable currency of all.
The summit may have ended, but its impact continues. As a Certified International Property Specialist, I look forward to incorporating these cross-cultural insights into our work at Properties on the Potomac, Inc., where each client’s story adds another chapter to our community’s rich narrative.
In keeping with the international theme of the day, I had the pleasure of dining with a client who is Bulgarian. After a day of hearing French and partially conversing in it, I switched to Bulgarian and ended the day on a note of optimistic plans for my client. In spite of being up since 5 AM, I was still energized when I walked through my door after 10 PM.
As cherry blossoms grace our beautiful capital, the DC Metro real estate market is experiencing subtle yet important shifts. At Properties on the Potomac, we’ve carefully analyzed current trends to provide you with a comprehensive outlook for the next six months, helping you navigate this evolving landscape with confidence.
Understanding the Market Adjustment
The Washington DC Metro area has always demonstrated remarkable resilience during economic fluctuations, largely due to our unique relationship with the federal government. Recent developments in the stock market, trade policies, and federal workforce adjustments are now creating noticeable ripples across our real estate landscape.
Rest assured—this is not a repeat of 2008. What we’re experiencing is a market recalibration rather than a crash. Most property segments will see modest corrections rather than steep declines, with transaction volume likely decreasing by 10-15% compared to previous years.
Federal Employment Impact
Recent federal workforce adjustments have introduced some uncertainty into our market. However, historically, DC’s government employment tends to stabilize more quickly than private sector jobs during economic shifts.
What’s particularly notable is the neighborhood-specific impact we’re observing. Areas closely tied to certain agencies may experience localized effects, while contractors and supporting businesses might face more significant adjustments than direct federal employees.
Interest Rate Outlook
For prospective buyers hoping for interest rate relief, we recommend maintaining realistic expectations. The Federal Reserve appears committed to its current positions given ongoing inflation concerns, suggesting mortgage rates will likely remain at current levels throughout 2025.
This interest rate environment continues to limit refinancing opportunities while presenting challenges for first-time buyers. Rather than waiting for potential rate drops, we encourage clients to focus on finding value in today’s market conditions.
Inventory Considerations
Despite economic headwinds, housing inventory levels remain historically low throughout the region. New construction continues to face supply chain and labor challenges, though we anticipate a modest inventory increase as some federal workforce shifts occur.
This slight inventory expansion won’t be sufficient to create a strong buyer’s market, but it does present negotiation opportunities that were simply unavailable during the competitive pandemic market.
Market Segment Analysis
Luxury Properties ($1M+) This segment faces the strongest headwinds, with 5-8% price adjustments expected. Properties remaining on the market for 60+ days are becoming more common. However, this creates a genuine opportunity window for financially secure buyers who have been waiting for more leverage.
Mid-Market Properties ($600K-$1M) This segment demonstrates remarkable resilience. Expect price stability with only minor adjustments (1-3%). Properties in premium locations maintain their value better than those in peripheral areas, reinforcing the timeless principle that location remains paramount during uncertain periods.
Entry-Level Homes (Under $600K) Strong demand persists in this segment, though affordability challenges are increasingly evident. While competitive bidding has cooled, well-priced properties continue to move quickly. We’re also noting renewed investor interest as rental demand remains robust throughout the region.
Geographic Insights
District of Columbia Historic neighborhoods like Georgetown and Capitol Hill continue showing remarkable stability, while emerging areas demonstrate greater price sensitivity. The condominium market is adjusting more quickly than single-family homes, potentially creating opportunities for long-term investors.
Maryland Suburbs Montgomery County maintains its reputation for stability, while Prince George’s County attracts increased interest driven by relative affordability. Areas with convenient public transit consistently outperform car-dependent neighborhoods.
Northern Virginia The ongoing Amazon HQ2 effect provides a welcome balance to federal contractions. Arlington and Alexandria maintain strong market positions, while technology corridor growth continues attracting professionals despite broader economic uncertainty.
Strategic Recommendations
For Sellers – Price realistically based on current conditions, not past market peaks – Invest in proper preparation and staging—presentation is increasingly important – Prepare for potentially longer marketing periods – Consider timing relative to federal policy announcements
For Buyers – Recognize the emerging window for negotiation leverage – Focus on long-term neighborhood fundamentals rather than short-term discounts – Secure financing pre-approvals early in your search process – Consider properties with “good bones” that may need updates
For Investors – The rental market remains strong as home purchasing power adjusts – Focus on properties near stable employment centers – Be selective with renovation projects given ongoing supply chain considerations – Plan for longer-term investments (5+ years) for optimal returns
Our Perspective The Washington DC Metro real estate market is experiencing an adjustment period rather than a crisis. Our region’s fundamental economic strengths remain intact despite short-term challenges. The coming months will reward strategic buyers and sellers who understand neighborhood-specific dynamics and maintain a long-term perspective.
Have questions about how these trends might affect your specific property or search? Contact Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333for a personalized consultation tailored to your unique situation.
Properties on the Potomac, Inc. 