November-December 2025 Newsletter
**Reposted June 2026 for reference.
What Happened to Me? or How was the Camino?
I was so sure I was going to get a newsletter out in July and then August, certainly by September, of course by October and well, here it is NOVEMBER! Can I just say selling houses takes up a lot of time!
I know many of you followed my journey on social media but here's a quick catch up for those who didn't: Grenada and Sevilla were wonderful. I quickly acclimated to afternoon tapas, the late evening 'paseo' and jambon at least three times a day. The Alhambra was spectacular and a private tour was absolutely the right decision, so many rooms, so many details! Back in the city center mosaics and ice cream were everywhere.
Sevilla was beyond HOT. The Cathedral was a marvel but, again, I was drawn to the Moorish influence and reveled in the beauty of the Real Alcazar. The intersection of Muslim, Catholic, and Christian faiths in this city is fascinating and worth learning more about. Google maps was my best friend - especially after my daughter told me which end of the arrow to watch (!!!) and to turn the sound on. Wandering through alleys and food markets was a treat but the swimming pool and a massage on my last day was just what I needed. (HOT HOT HOT).
On to the Camino - I caught up with my fellow pilgrims at the airport in Santiago where we boarded a bus to take us to our starting destination in Sarria. Please note the huge irony of taking a bus away from the city that you are going to spend the next 6/7 days walking to!
Day 1 - There was one VERY early morning group who got away by 5:30 or 6 each day. I was not part of that ensemble. Instead, I walked with other groups who left around 8 - 8:30. We started right off with a long flight of medieval steps, passed farm dogs in the fields who regarded us with bored yawns, hit a very steep passage that took us 'up and over' and then just kept moving through gently rolling hills. By afternoon however an unexpected heat wave with 95+ temps moved in and movement became difficult - particularly because the last part of our journey was on paved road. The macadam soaked up the heat and then regurgitated it like an inferno; the adjacent fields were barren of all shade - there was simply no respite. I made it to within 2 km of our destination and collapsed in a ditch with heat exhaustion. A new experience for me and one I don't care to repeat. Fortunately we were able to call a car to get me to the hotel where a cold shower - and later a cold beer - set my world to rights.
Day 2 - Much refreshed but still wary of the continued heat, I walked until about noon, enjoyed a communal lunch with our group and then opted to get a car to our next destination rather than chance another 'episode.' About our dinners - we had several choices every night but quickly learned the green salads were not to be missed and the fish was wonderfully fresh and beautifully, if simply, prepared. Potatoes came with everything and there was always a loaf of just baked bread. No butter but lots of olive oil. And beer. And wine.
Day 3 - By now the heat had abated and I was settling into the rhythms of pilgrimage. I knew to take my time, stopping to rest, to share a coffee, a meal, confident the Camino would provide. I walked by myself, with our group (although never with the early birds) and with other pilgrims. I stuck my head under every available water source and delighted in the cooling waters.
Day 4 - Another uneventful but lovely day. The numerous small churches along the way were a welcome oasis of quiet and I never missed the chance to light a candle or say a prayer for those on my heart. It was also fun to keep track of the number and variety of animals we saw - cows, goats, horses, chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, dogs, cats, cattle - but no pigs.
Day 5 - My only fall of the entire 6 days. I felt a sneeze coming on and put my hand up to my face. Unfortunately it was the hand with my walking stick and I was thrown off balance. Totally minor, just a few scrapes and bruises. On this day I was walking with someone from with severe blisters and a lot of accompanying pain. I was content with a slower pace and a new friendship but as her blisters got worse, the pace became non existent and my fellow pilgrim finally succumbed. Another early exit as I accompanied her to our hotel and then settled in the sun for some of the best calamari ever. And beer, very cold beer.
Day 6 - Our final walk into Santiago with glorious weather and equally high spirits. This was it, the culmination of weeks/months of preparation, of walking endless training miles, of worrying about equipment, ruminating about why I felt called to do this. What a day! The smiles were huge, the sense of accomplishment palpable, the relief of finishing real. And in true Camino fashion, despite arriving in Santiago at various times, we somehow all found ourselves sitting outside at the same restaurant, with perhaps the most joyful meal of the trip. Did we share every plate of tapas? Did we laugh and cry and commiserate? Did we revel in securing our 'Camino credencials'? Yes, yes, yes!
Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Yes. Could I do it again? Probably not - my knees are shot but the Camino spirit lingers and permeates my days. The lessons are many and continue to unfold, often when I least expect it. And always this - no matter what it is, if you feel called to something, go, do, follow the call.
If you missed my June newsletter or just want to read again about how I got ready for this particular adventure, click here.
On the Move -
Locally that means the Alexandria Christmas Walk, boat parade, waterskiing Santa Claus - all beginning the first weekend in December. As for us, we are heading to London and Edinburgh for the Christmas holidays! Tea at the Ritz, a few plays, Saint Andrews, Sunday Roast, etc. etc.
Who I'm Watching On Socials
@tomsietsema former Washington Post food critic
@dominthekitchen the BEST upside down and sheet pan tarts!
MARKET NEWS
All of my listings this year - and it's been a good one - have gone under contract in 5 days or less. As I have looked back on this and thought about the 'why's' it has really boiled down to two things - presentation and price. I firmly believe all listings should be staged, that fresh paint makes a world of difference and updating doesn't have to mean major projects.
Presentation - Yes, stagers are known for using or having the latest accessories or furniture styles but more importantly they have an understanding of what works in a particular space or how it can be used creatively. I had one listing in Arlington that had lots of angles and spaces that made no sense. My stager, Leslie Anderson (who is also a fabulous interior designer) made quick work of those areas and created a cohesive look that made sense to buyers. (Even she admitted it was challenging.) It gave potential buyers a path to understanding how they could make it their home. And yes, under contract in 5 days!
So, if you want to put your best foot forward, make staging part of your marketing plan. And even if you do not move out before selling, use a stager to offer suggestions on rearranging furniture, adding new sofa pillows or accessories, declutterring, etc.
For paint my go to colors are White Dove for walls/ceilings and Simple White for trim. Both by Benjamin Moore. Works with any style or architecture.
As for 'gentle' updates - new not expensive light fixtures and fresh, warm lightbulbs can make a world of difference.
Price - Get the price right from the start. Yes, we want your house to sell for as much as possible but personal expectations and market reality are often at odds. My advice - work with your agent to consider all extenuating circumstances, special features, improvements, deferred maintenance, and recent comps from your neighborhood or close geographic area. Your agent should be your best cheerleader in getting this right the first time. Want to talk about your house? I would be happy to chat anytime.
Check out all my Market Reports for the most up to date information in your zip code!
Are you ready to buy or sell or know someone who is?
Give me a call/text at 703.859.6362 or email me at virginia.amos@cbmove.com and let's talk more about your specific needs.
Be sure and check us out at @vasellsrealestate on Instagram too!
May - June 2025 Newsletter
**Reposted April 2026 for reference.
What Happened to May? or What Have I Been Doing? 
Well, what happened is I've been getting me, my house, and my family ready for my upcoming trip to Spain! With the Camino front and center in my preparations, I have had an intense focus on walking. We will be walking between 10-15 miles a day over a 6 day period no matter the weather. There will be paved surfaces, packed hard pan, gravel, mud, etc. There will be sunshine, rain, humidity, heat, chilly mornings and who knows what else. In other words there will be a bit of everything and the pilgrimage doesn't stop for any of it.
"Camino de Santiago" by Luis Levrato is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Preparation & Training
Key words - consistency and change of elevations. The Mt. Vernon Trail is still my go to for long walks but walking up Howell Ave to Russell Rd, then Russell to King St, King to Janney's Lane, Janney's to Howard (Alexandria Hospital), Howard to King Street, King to Windsor and Windsor back to Howell Avenue and home is a great simulation for rolling hills and comes in at 8 miles. Another favorite walk is up Windsor/Braddock/Cameron Mills/Overlook/Russell and back to Howell - a 6 miler with lots of up and down. And finally, my 15 mile walk(s). Michael (who is an excellent training enabler) drives me down to Mt. Vernon and I make my way back along the trail to the Washington Sailing Marina where he picks me up. A big shout out to Misha's at the foot of Prince Street - the perfect stop for an ice coffee and sweet treat before the final push.
Throw in 2-3 yoga classes a week, some weight training at the gym and you get a pretty good idea of what my days look like. (And yes, real estate is still happening.) The good news here is while my knees are cranky as ever, I have yet to get the first blister, and my feet are in really good shape! Here's a shout out to my podiatrist and the best pedicure practitioner ever!
Equipment
My training walks are also an ongoing experiment for shoes, socks, backpacks vs daypacks, kinds of snacks, amounts of water, walking sticks vs no walking sticks, etc. etc. As I mentioned last month, I am settled on Solomon's Speed Cross 6 trainers and Darn Tough Socks. I used both in Montana and Iceland and saw no reason to change. I quickly learned though I don't like anything hanging off my back or shoulders, finding even the lightest weight uncomfortable on my neck. So, Cotopaxi bags to the rescue. I have one that sits low on my stomach/midriff and is super easy to reach into for glasses, nose wipes, phone, etc. and then another (a real fanny pack) that sits on my low back or just on top of my hips. This one is a bit larger with a great secret compartment for passport, identification, etc., a sleeve for holding a hoody or thin rain coat and pockets for snacks, a small water bottle, etc. My most recent addition is - despite everything I said above - a water bottle holder with extra pockets and a sling for carrying over my shoulder. Maybe there is a more complimentary balance with the Cotopaxi packs?
Walking sticks. The jury is still out. I haven't found them particularly useful except when I am very tired. Taking them also means I would have to check my luggage rather than doing carry on. One option is shipping them ahead to our starting location and I will check that out this week.
And finally, compression knee sleeves which I just ordered.
Clothes
I'm wearing long, incredibly light weight pants with pockets and an elastic waist band. I know I can rinse them out in a basin or shower and they will be dry by morning. Those, a couple of soft sports bras, t-shirts, a hoodie, a hat, a raincoat and a pair of Teva sandals for "apres walking" pretty much make up my Camino wardrobe. I will have a few 'nicer' things specifically for Granada and Seville but they will get tucked away once we start walking.
Camino On Socials
If you have any interest in the Camino there are tons of Facebook groups (my favorite is Senior Travelers on the Camino), Instagram posts, and YouTube vlogs and podcasts. A few suggestions:
On the Move...
On the Move...Normally I wouldn't tell you about something this far in advance but BRIDGE DAY tickets are now on sale and they won't last long.
Bridge Day is the single largest one day festival in West Virginia. Held on the third Saturday in October, thousands gather at the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville to watch daredevils base jump into the gorge below. I have a personal connection with the Gorge and will tell you more about that later.
The festival itself is free but the tickets allow access (by shuttle bus) to the bottom of the gorge for an amazing view of rapellers and jumpers alike. This is also a great opportunity to visit our nation's newest national park, New River National Park and Preserve.
MARKET NEWS
We will be back in July with a good look at the first 6 months of 2025 and information about assumable loans. In the meantime, know the market is still active for both buyers and sellers. It's all in how you look at it!
Check out all my Market Reports for the most up to date information in your zip code!
Are you ready to buy or sell or know someone who is?
Give me a call/text at 703.859.6362 or email me at virginia.amos@cbmove.com and let's talk more about your specific needs.
Be sure and check us out at @vasellsrealestate on Instagram too!
April - May 2025 Newsletter
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.
Seeing, Doing, Eating?
At the beginning of the year Michael and I made up a list of places in the DMV that we had never seen or visited despite living here for 30 plus years. Then we decided on a day (every other Friday) to work through our list. First up was the Folger Shakespeare Library. Now, I confess to not being a huge Shakespeare fan (although one of my favorite college classes was "Shakespeare's Bawdy") but I love history and the Library was fascinating. We especially enjoyed the exhibit "How to be a Power Player: Tudor Edition" which is on display until July 25 and the newly opened, four years in the making, Quill & Crumb coffee shop.
All in all, a really satisfying visit!
Closer to home, and after a long day of errands on Saturday, we stopped at "Flavors of Mexico" on Monroe Ave in Del Ray. Strategically situated between the YMCA and Simpson Field Park, this low key, nondescript food truck serves a limited menu of some of the best burritos, tacos, and quesadillas available. No chips or sides, but my, oh my, our steak burritos were just what the doctor ordered! Call 202.568.4332 for times and locations.
Home Owner Tips -
1) maybe you can't do that kitchen or bath renovation right now but clean sparkling windows (inside and out), a neat, tidy yard, and maybe even a good power wash can do wonders for your home's appearance and how you feel about it!
2) as much as I love love love Merrifield Garden, I often find myself running down Rt. 1 to Lowe's Garden Center for a great selection of annuals and Kimberly Queen ferns. New stock arrives on Thursdays so plan accordingly (and, if at all possible, avoid the weekends).
Who I'm Watching On Socials
I am a fool for anything floral related, great Amazon design finds, and DIY tips! This month's Instagram favorites include:
Are you ready to buy or sell or know someone who is?
Give me a call/text at 703.859.6362 or email me at virginia.amos@cbmove.com and let's talk more about your specific needs.
Be sure and check us out at @vasellsrealestate on Instagram too!
March - April 2025 Newsletter
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.
Home Owner Tip - Watch the Ivy!
Home Owner Tip - Watch the Ivy!At a home inspection this week I was unfortunately reminded of the damage ivy can cause. This particular home was owned by an older individual who either didn't notice or didn't care that ivy was taking over her trees, landscaping and even the house itself. On siding, ivy can worm its way under the individual boards and create gaps vulnerable to moisture, insects, and 'critters'. On brick, the growth can become so heavy that the moisture retained by the plant will compromise any gaps in caulking (windows/door) or crevices in the mortar. And on trees, well ivy will just plain kill them.
Resource -
Do you still enjoy snail mail? Sending and receiving notes, cards, or letters? I do, and have started buying discounted forever stamps online. Forever Stamps Shop buys stamps from small companies who have gone out of business and passes the savings on to you. They are perfectly legitimate and come in a variety of styles and quantities.
Who I'm Watching On Socials
This month's Instagram favorites include:
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Are you ready to buy or sell or know someone who is? Give me a call/text at 703.859.6362 or email me at virginia.amos@cbmove.com and let's talk more about your specific needs. Be sure and check us out at @vasellsrealestate on Instagram too!
February - March 2025 Newsletter
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.
Who I'm Watching On Socials
This month's Instagram favorites include:
@urbanredeux - Willow Wright highlights vintage and antique decor in her Ft. Hunt Rd store and posts regularly about her "finds". Quirky and fun!
@onthemovewithmad - a young DC professional who loves to showcase her adopted city & specializes in one day trips or, as she calls them, "out and backs".
And on YouTube I've been having a fun time with a series by Bon Appetit, called "On the Line" where they visit the kitchens of notable restaurants for a behind the scenes look at how the magic happens. YUM!
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Are you ready to buy or sell or know someone who is? Give me a call/text at 703.859.6362 or email me at virginia.amos@cbmove.com and let's talk more about your specific needs. Be sure and check us out at @vasellsrealestate on Instagram too!
Coldwell Banker Realty
310 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
O. (703) 518-8300
©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
