MARKET NEWS

This past Sunday at church someone asked me about the market and I will tell you exactly what I told them. If you are selling your home or condo then congratulations, new inventory is always welcome and positively received. At the same time, for buyers whose income, whether by straight salary/contract/grants/etc. falls under the umbrella of the federal government the fear, doubt, and uncertainty is real, with uncertainty being the key word. These buyers are either curtailing their search, choosing to rent instead of buy, or even withdrawing from existing contracts which in turn affects sellers everywhere. Late last month I ratified on two contracts on the same day.

One buyer is associated with the government, the other is not. The difference in how those two deals have moved forward is like night and day. Still, there are protections and ways to position yourself in the market that can make the process seem less fraught. Give me a call at 703.859.6362 and let's talk through it together.

Check out all my Market Reports for the most up to date information in your zip code!

On the road...

Or, Virginia's big adventure! In June I will be flying to Spain for five days in Seville and Grenada then heading north to meet up with a group from Christ Church Alexandria to walk the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. We will walk for six days covering 112km or about 70 miles. By comparison the entire Camino Frances would involve 790km and 35 to 50 days!

"Walking the Camino" means different things to different people. For some it is a bucket list item, for others a physical challenge, and for still others a social and cultural experience. For our group it is very much a pilgrimage with spiritual significance - a chance to get away from the noise of life and lean more deeply into a contemplative path.

Next month I will write a bit about my training, equipment, all the things I am doing to prepare. Speaking of preparing - I will be gone from June 11 to June 27 so if a real estate conversation is in our future please keep those dates in mind.

_{"Camino de Santiago" by Luis Levrato is licensed under CC BY 2.0.}

MARKET NEWS

This just in from our home office: The real estate market in Washington DC is experiencing some notable shifts. Listings have increased with prices being adjusted as the federal workforce changes create uncertainty on multiple levels.

In Northern Virginia, the market remains strong despite these changes, with moderate increases in both market activity and home prices. Fairfax City, Loudoun County, and Fauquier County are seeing a steady demand, with inventory levels gradually increasing.

I don't think this information should surprise anyone, especially the increased demand in those areas west of us. At the same time, I am seeing multiple offers/escalation clauses on almost every listing in Alexandria and was busy over the weekend ratifiying offers for two buyer clients. All this is to say there are opportunities, whether you are interested in selling or buying, and I am happy to answer questions.

Check out all my Market Reports for the most up to date information in your zip code!

On the road...

We took a road trip two weeks ago to visit our oldest grand in his freshman environs at Clemson University in South Carolina. Goodness, what a campus! The northern arm of Lake Hartwell (a man-made reservoir, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 & 1963 and encompassing parts of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca rivers) borders the campus and offers a beach, a wide array of water sports activity and an amazing outdoor recreation and education center. Said grandson was/is a Sea Scout so the sailing club has become his second home. The main library, pictured below, is magnificent.

We stayed about an hour away in Greer, SC which reminded me so much of Del Ray - lots of local shops, bars, great restaurants, etc. We booked in at The Historic Downtown Loft at Greer Station - parked our car and walked everywhere. For lunch or dinner I highly recommend Select. Don't miss their award winning Strawberry Pandowdy.

MARKET NEWS

In 2024 the real estate industry experienced the lowest number of sales - $4.6 million - in almost 30 years or since 1995. At the time (1995) there were 266 million people living in the U.S. Today, there are 340 million people in the US, including 9 million 25-35 year olds living at home (with in-laws, etc.) and (theoretically at least) saving what they are not spending on rent or a mortgage.

The average age of the first time home buyer in 2024 was 38 so the potential for a tsunami of new home buyers is ripe with possibility.

Waiting for the 'spring market' to list or start looking? STOP! The market is in full swing and every agent I know (myself included) has a 1/2 dozen buyers or more absolutely ready & wanting to buy.

Don't get left out, contact your Realtor today!

New Market Reports!

Because data is essential in understanding local real estate, I have created a new section on my website to showcase market reports for zip codes in the City of Alexandria & portions of Fairfax County. These will update monthly, along with available inventory. Click below on the banner and bookmark https://virginiaamosrealestate.com/marketreports to stay up-to-date! Let me know if there are other zip codes you would like to see or if there is a custom market report I can run for you.

RESOURCES

I'm feeling a bit short on thoughtful home resources right now so thought I would share three practitioners who keep me (and Michael) on the path to wellness.

First - Dr. Julie Tran at Del Ray Smiles in Del Ray. I have a well documented dental phobia (childhood trauma will do it every time, even if unintended) and she and her whole team were incredibly kind and patient. Plus they have an in house therapy dog - what's not to like?

Second - Dr. Shara Posner for all things chiropractic. From an overall assessment to specific areas that need attention, Dr. P is my go to for aches and pains. And just like Dr. Tran, she is very attentive to physical responses and adjusts modalities as needed. Right now we are starting to work towards something I have planned for this summer - more about that soon.

And finally, - Dr. Melissa Smith at Capitol Foot and Ankle. A good podiatrist is the difference between feet that look good and feet that feel good. From surgery to office procedures, Dr. Smith does it all, loves to talk about her favorite mysteries, and is another cog in the wheel of planning for my summer adventure.