Buyer questions. Seller questions. Holiday-table debates about Zillow alerts and Aunt Sally’s slow-moving condo. The past few weeks have served up all of it. And here is the good part. When you cut through the headlines and look at the real data, buyers sit up straighter and homeowners stop worrying about every blip in their Zestimate. Below is a clear, easy to skim Q&A that breaks down what is actually happening in the housing market […]
Read More
The 2026 housing market is already taking shape, and buyers and homeowners want to know one thing: Will the road finally get smoother? National forecasts from NAR, Realtor.com, and Zillow hint at gradual but meaningful progress. Nothing dramatic. No sudden reset. But definitely a slow slide back toward balance. Below is a clear breakdown of what the experts see coming and how it could influence your next move. Sales Activity: Slow Improvement, Not a Surge […]
Read More
If it feels like first-time buyers are getting older, you’re right. The 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of REALTORS® found that the median age of a first-time home buyer is now 40 years old—the highest ever recorded. That’s up from 38 last year and far beyond the late 20s typical in the 1980s. What’s behind the shift? Let’s unpack it. Buying a Home Really Is Harder Only 21% of […]
Read More
When you’re buying a home, your smartest financial move might not be what you buy—it’s who you borrow from. A Realtor.com® analysis of nearly two million loans found that borrowers who compared multiple lenders saved an average of $44,000 over the life of a 30-year mortgage. That’s right—just a few extra quotes could mean tens of thousands in long-term savings. If you’re planning to buy a home in Northern Virginia or the Eastern Panhandle and […]
Read More
You don’t need ghosts to scare off a buyer. Sometimes it’s not the supernatural—it’s the smell of cat litter, cluttered counters, or a door that just won’t open. According to a Real Estate Witch survey, 52% of Americans would buy a haunted house if the price was right. But in reality, it’s not spirits that send buyers fleeing—it’s the small, overlooked details sellers forget to fix, clean, or disclose. Here are the top red flags […]
Read More
Every October, haunted houses aren’t the only things scaring people. Real estate myths have been haunting social feeds and open houses for years—and some just won’t die. Let’s put a few of these to rest. Below, we’re separating fact from fiction on some of the most common myths we hear in today’s market. Myth #1: You need 20% down to buy a home Truth: You don’t need a full 20% to buy. The real horror […]
Read More
Fixer-uppers are hotter than ever. Searches for homes in need of TLC have tripled since 2021, and these listings now rack up 50% more online views than similar properties. The appeal is clear: lower prices and the chance to customize. But with those benefits come risks that can drain your wallet and patience if you’re not prepared. So—is a fixer-upper worth it? Let’s break down the rewards, risks, and what you should watch for before […]
Read More
You can’t perfectly “time” the housing market. But this year, the week of October 12–18, 2025, is expected to be the best week of the year to buy a home—and the data backs it up. Why? Because in mid-October, buyers typically see: That combination gives you more choices, better leverage, and a greater chance to secure the right home without a bidding war. Why Mid-October Matters Fall is already a turning point in real estate, […]
Read More
If you’re trying to save for a house in Loudoun or Jefferson County right now, you’re not imagining things—it is harder. Between high rent, rising home prices, and inflation that stretches every dollar, your down payment fund can feel out of reach. Add in wedding season, birthdays, and vacations, and suddenly your savings plan looks more like a wish list. For example, attending just one wedding (with gifts, travel, and festivities) costs an average of […]
Read More
What if you could save $150 a month on the same house—without changing your budget or lifestyle? That’s exactly what’s happening right now. Mortgage rates have slipped to their lowest point in 11 months, giving homebuyers in Northern Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle more purchasing power than they’ve had in nearly a year. Let’s break down why this matters for you. What Happens When Mortgage Rates Drop? Think of mortgage rates as the price tag […]
Read More