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.
You check one website for your home’s value, your neighbor uses another, and a potential buyer pulls up their phone during a showing to see what the “computer” says. After 39 years in real estate, I can tell you this: automated valuations are just sophisticated guesswork—and relying on them can cost sellers thousands.
The Algorithm Problem: Automated Valuation Models analyze data points: square footage, recent sales, tax records, etc. But what is more important is what they cannot analyze: the custom kitchen renovation that transformed your home, the problematic drainage in that “comparable” sale, or the fact that the house down the street sold quickly because of a job relocation, not market value.
Technology can do a lot, but it is important to understand that it misses:
Unique property features that add or subtract value
Neighborhood nuances invisible to databases
Market timing and seller motivation
Property condition variations
Jurisdictional changes affecting value
Micro-market trends within broader areas
Technology handles data processing efficiently. Humans interpret what that data means for your specific situation. An experienced agent knows that the “comparable” sale had certain issues, understands how a new development affects traffic patterns, and recognizes when timing creates opportunity or urgency.
Smart real estate professionals use technology as a starting point, not the final answer. Digital tools help us research, market, and communicate more effectively. They cannot replace the judgment that comes from walking through properties, understanding client needs, and reading market conditions that change faster than algorithms can adapt.
Algorithms can also distort appraisals—and that is where a competent, experienced agent can set the record straight. Several years ago, we listed a substantial property purchased by a tech professional who handled everything online, from discovering the listing to applying for a mortgage to the appraisal. The appraisal came in far below the contract price. Why? The appraiser spent barely five minutes at the property and based his assessment almost entirely on lot size and square footage, missing the unique features that truly defined its value.
What the ‘appraiser’ missed was the level of finishes and upgrades, including the brand new kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and finishes, the renovated bathrooms, the newly installed hickory hardwood floors, the luxurious landscaping and hardscape throughout the back yard, and the new roof. The value of the missed elements exceeded 4 times the appraisal shortfall.
That is when the listing agent shut down technology and insisted on a local lender with local appraisers. The cost to the buyer was less than their internet options. The appraiser who visited spent extensive time learning the features and benefits of the particular property and submitted an appraisal slightly over contract price. They spent over an hour at the property. So—five rushed minutes with a checklist versus a full hour recognizing the details that truly defined the property’s worth. Which do you think produced the more accurate value?
At Properties on the Potomac, Inc. we use technology and automation to complete tasks. We use intellect and experience to value our clients’ properties. In a market where precision matters, you need someone who combines technological efficiency with human insight—especially in our Potomac area where unique properties and varying market conditions require local expertise that no algorithm possesses.
When choosing a listing agent, experience and strong support should be at the top of your list—your home deserves nothing less. To connect with one of our experienced agents, call or text 703-624-8333 today!
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!
Recently, a client at a closing was visibly pleased. His previous transaction had been a nightmare of delays, complications, and broken promises. “How is this possible?” he asked. “We are not late. We did not have to see 25 properties. I can’t believe there was no drama or delays.”
His relief was understandable. Too many homeowners experience exactly what he described with his previous agent—endless delays, broken promises, and frustration that turns what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful ordeal.
The focus on agents’ personal achievement has created a dangerous shiftin the industry.
The difference was simple. We focused on his success, not ours.
Every day, real estate agents receive messages about “dominating” markets and achieving “success.” These words have lost their meaning. Real estate does not dominate anything. True success belongs to our clients, not to us.
The focus on agents’ personal achievement has created a dangerous shift. Agents are encouraged to measure themselves by transaction counts, market share, and recognition. Meanwhile, the people served, those who trust us with their largest financial decisions, become secondary to our professional scorecards.
Why Do We Exist? Our clients lack the time and resources to handle complex transactions. They need advocates to protect their interests as fiercely as we would protect our own.
When we execute properly, our clients succeed. When our clients succeed, we have done our job. The rest is noise.
Zig Ziglar understood this principle: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” In real estate, this means one thing—helping people buy or sell property successfully.
How Systems Serve Clients A new client reached out to us after losing three offers with a different agent. This couple had sacrificed for five years to save for their first home. They were immigrants who had lived with relatives, saving every possible dollar. They deserved better than they had received.
“Can you help us buy a house?” they asked.
They showed us their dream home that was ‘coming soon’ but they were worried: “We don’t think we can get it because too many people will want it ahead of us.”
Our systems position our clients very well. We have designed our systems because clients need advantages.
This couple followed every bit of our advice. In the end, our client was the chosen offer. How? With the help of our outstanding support team and the specific system that we employ for our clients in tough negotiating situations. The best part was that our client bought the property for less than they had expected to pay for it. Our systems are designed to benefit our clients—both buyers and sellers. We have different systems for different situations.
Standing Firm When It Matters Home inspection issues can break a sale. One of our recent listings came up with some inspector-recommended improvements. The buyers’ agent submitted the list to us. The seller had already priced their property with these repairs in mind. We saw through the “let’s negotiate” ploy to get the price and the repairs. The agent threatened choosing a competing property if the repairs were not made. With our advice, the seller held firm. The property closed.
Standing firm serves clients when the alternative is accepting unreasonable demands or unfavorable terms. We know when to negotiate and when to hold the line.
When juggling extensive numbers of competing transactions, someone gets shortchanged. When the focus is on volume over execution, quality suffers. When prioritizing personal success over the client’s success, everyone loses.
What Is Success? August was another great month. Multiple transactions closed successfully. Clients achieved their goals. Yet, we did not dominate anyone or anything. We do not claim success for ourselves. Our clients succeeded.
Real estate is not a competitive sport. There are 325 million people in the United States and 128.7 million households. 1.7 million real estate agents serve this market. There are enough transactions for everyone willing to commit to client success.
Our past achievements are just that—in the past. We focus on our clients’ future.
Our Promise at Properties on the Potomac, Inc. We intentionally limit the number of active clients we serve to ensure each one receives the highest level of attention and care. Our focus is on helping you succeed with your real estate goals—not on chasing numbers or statistics.
If you are looking for an agent who prioritizes your needs first, reach out today for a personalized consultation. Call, text, or email us—we would love to talk about your unique situation.
Our Promise at Properties on the Potomac, Inc. We intentionally limit the number of active clients we serve to ensure each one receives the highest level of attention and care. Our focus is on helping you succeed with your real estate goals—not on chasing numbers or statistics.
If you need an agent who prioritizes your goals above their own statistics, reach out today for a private consultation. Call, text, or email us—let’s discuss your personal real estate needs: 703-624-8333.
Welcome to Lyon Park, a vibrant and historic neighborhood tucked between Clarendon and Arlington Heights. Known for its charm, walkability, and strong community ties, Lyon Park is one of Arlington’s most beloved places to call home.
Lyon Park is one of the original Arlington neighborhoods and features homes spanning over 100 years, scenic parks, and playgrounds.
A Rich History
Founded in 1919 by developer Frank Lyon, this neighborhood was one of the largest planned subdivisions in Virginia at the time. With over 300 acres, it introduced a thoughtfully designed community filled with Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revival, and Tudor-style homes that still line the quiet, tree-shaded streets today. Lyon Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its architectural heritage and small-town feel in the heart of a growing urban hub.
What Makes Lyon Park Special
Charming Homes: Architecture lovers will appreciate the character-filled houses, many dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
Walkability: The neighborhood is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. You can easily walk to Clarendon’s metro, shops, restaurants, and even Whole Foods.
Community Spirit: Anchored by the Lyon Park Community Center, residents come together for everything from pancake breakfasts and Halloween parades to seasonal block parties and park cleanups.
Ideal Location: With direct access to Route 50 and Clarendon Metro, you’re minutes from downtown D.C. while enjoying the tranquility of a residential neighborhood.
Greenspaces Galore: Parks like Fillmore Park, Lyon Park, and the Thomas Jefferson Community Center offer plenty of places to play, relax, or get active.
Who Lives Here?
Lyon Park is home to a diverse mix of families, young professionals, longtime residents, and retirees. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, kids play freely, and there’s a true sense of belonging.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re house-hunting, dreaming of your future home, or just want to learn more about what makes Arlington unique, Lyon Park is worth a closer look.
Curious about listings or want to walk the neighborhood with a local expert? An experienced Properties on the Potomac agent would love to show you around!
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