Home is where the Real E$tate is by Fergus

In most major cities, the relationship between office space and daily life has shifted in ways that are still playing out. Buildings that once operated at full capacity five days a week are now used more selectively—while demand for housing in those same urban cores remains strong .  What’s changed in 2026 is not the concept—but the   scale and the conditions driving it .  This isn’t about empty offices. It’s about a structural shift in how space is used—and what no longer makes sense as office space. A Market in Transition, Not Collapse The most important driver behind this shift is how people are actually using offices today. Office attendance has rebounded meaningfully from pandemic lows, but it has not returned to pre-2020 norms. As of 2025, utilization remained roughly  30% below pre-COVID levels , even at its post-pandemic peak¹. At the same time, hybrid work has settled into a long-term pattern, with many employees in the office  two to three days per wee...

If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage and then received a sudden wave of calls, texts, and emails from lenders you’ve never spoken to, you’ve experienced what’s known as a “trigger lead.” That frustrating experience is exactly what the  Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act  is designed to address. Beginning March 5, 2026, this new federal mortgage privacy law limits how consumer credit information can be shared once a buyer applies for a home loan. For buyers in Washington, DC and the broader DMV, this marks an important shift in how the financing process will feel. Here’s what’s changing — and why it matters. What Are Mortgage Trigger Leads? When you apply for a mortgage, your lender pulls your credit report. In the past, that credit inquiry often created a “trigger lead.” Credit reporting agencies were legally allowed to sell limited details about that inquiry — including your contact information and the fact that you were actively shopping for a mortgage — to competing lenders...

Introduction I like to check in periodically with what I’m actually seeing in the DMV housing market — not just headlines, but what’s unfolding in real time for buyers and sellers. Lately, there have been some subtle but meaningful shifts. Inventory is gradually improving compared with the tight conditions of recent years, mortgage rates have eased somewhat from their peak levels, and buyers are beginning to encounter a bit more flexibility when it comes to negotiation. It’s not a dramatic reset, but it does suggest a more balanced market — a trend reflected not only in day-to-day activity here locally, but also in recent housing data and forecasts from sources such as Bright MLS, Freddie Mac, and Realtor.com, and current mortgage rate insights from Google's AI feed. What’s Changing in 2026: More Choices, More Power Active listings in the DMV have increased approximately 20% year-over-year, comparing early 2026 to the same period in 2025. This rise marks a notable and sustained imp...

  Note: This overview reflects a synthesis of national housing forecasts, regional MLS reporting (including Bright MLS), public economic data, and widely cited home design and staging trend reports. It’s intended as a practical snapshot—not a prediction. As we move into 2026, the real estate market across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia feels more grounded than it has in years. The urgency of the early 2020s has faded, but demand remains steady—especially in walkable, well-located neighborhoods. Buyers are cautious but engaged, sellers are more strategic, and homes that succeed are those that feel current, well-priced, and thoughtfully presented. Below is a clear, DMV-focused look at what’s shaping the market in 2026. The 2026 Market Snapshot As of January 2026, average mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed loan hover around 6.1%, with 15-year fixed rates near 5.5%, varying based on daily market conditions, credit profiles, and loan types. While these rates are above t...

Welcome back. As the holiday season winds down and a new year approaches, this is an ideal moment to reflect on what the 2025 housing market revealed—and how buyers can use those lessons to prepare for 2026. The 2025 housing market offered an important reminder: conditions don’t have to be  perfect  for buyers to find real opportunities. Here in Washington, DC and across the DMV, buyers experienced more choice than in prior years, less frantic competition, and brief but meaningful windows where affordability improved. While mortgage rates dominated headlines, 2025 quietly reinforced an important truth:  strategy, preparation, and local market knowledge often matter just as much as the rate itself . As we look toward 2026, these lessons can help buyers make smarter, more confident decisions. 1. Equity Still Grew — Even in a Slower Market Even with more modest price growth, homeowners continued to build equity throughout 2025. National median sale price data from October 20...

Hello and welcome back to my blog. The holiday season is galloping along and whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, it's not too late to indulge your inner child -- here’s your go-to guide for the best holiday happenings around the DMV in 2025. 1. Glide Into the Season: Ice Skating Spots Nothing says winter like gliding on ice under twinkling lights. This year, be sure to check out: The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink  (7th St & Constitution Ave NW) A perennial favorite, with festive music and views of the National Mall. Open through early March. Canal Park Ice Rink  (100 M St SE) Located in the Navy Yard, this rink offers a lively vibe and is perfect for families and beginners alike. Washington Harbour Ice Rink (Georgetown)  (3050 K St NW) Skate with a view of the Potomac River and enjoy nearby holiday dining. The Wharf Ice Rink  (750 Water St SW) New and popular, The Wharf’s ice rink offers waterfront skating with a festive atm...