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Practical advice on buying, selling, renting and investing in Northern Virginia, plus the money side of real estate. Search by topic, see what readers find most useful, or start with the latest.
Daniel ParkNo. 117
Loudoun County closed 2025 with a $765,000 median price, 6% more sales and noticeably more listings. Here’s what the year-end numbers say and how I’d use them heading into spring 2026.
Keep reading: Loudoun County Housing Market 2025 ReviewDaniel ParkNo. 116
Fairfax County sales were essentially flat in 2025 while prices inched up and buyers got more choices. Here's what the year-end data shows and what the 2026 forecast expects.
Keep reading: Fairfax County Housing Market 2025 ReviewDaniel ParkNo. 115
Since August 2024, buyers typically sign a written agreement with their agent before touring. Here’s what’s in it, how compensation works and what to ask.
Keep reading: Buyer Agreements Explained: What to Know Before You Tour HomesDaniel ParkNo. 114
Arlington had far more homes for sale in 2025 than in 2024, homes took longer to sell and price cuts were more common. Here's what the data shows by property type.
Keep reading: Arlington Housing Market 2025 Review: Condos, Townhouses and Single-Family HomesDaniel ParkNo. 113
A rent-back lets sellers stay in the home for a short time after closing. Here’s how they work, what to charge and how to protect both buyer and seller.
Keep reading: Rent-Back Agreements Explained: Staying in Your Home After SettlementDaniel ParkNo. 112
Prices rose modestly, sales held steady and inventory climbed in Northern Virginia in 2025. Here's the full-year data and what it suggests for 2026.
Keep reading: Northern Virginia Housing Market: 2025 Year in Review and the 2026 OutlookDaniel ParkNo. 111
Some FHA, VA and USDA loans let a buyer take over the seller’s lower rate. Here’s how it works, the cash gap to plan for and the risks for both sides.
Keep reading: Assumable Mortgages: How to Take Over a Seller’s Low RateDaniel ParkNo. 110
Fewer buyers, motivated sellers and less-rushed lenders and inspectors can make winter a good time to buy in Northern Virginia. Here's how to use those advantages and avoid the cold-weather pitfalls.
Keep reading: Buying a Home in Winter: Why the Off-Season Can Favor BuyersDaniel ParkNo. 109
Your lender requires homeowners insurance, but the right policy is about more than checking a box. Here’s what standard policies cover, common gaps and how to save.
Keep reading: Homeowners Insurance in Virginia: What It Covers and What It Doesn’tDaniel ParkNo. 108
Warm neutrals, deep browns and natural materials lead 2026 design forecasts. Here’s what the reports say and how to use the trends wisely in your home.
Keep reading: Home Design Trends for 2026: Warm, Personal and Built to Last