Home is where the Real E$tate is by Fergus

Introduction Whether you're prepping to sell or simply want to enjoy your home more, smart outdoor upgrades can do more than boost curb appeal — they can also drive real resale value and attract buyer attention. So what’s trending in the DMV area and beyond? From low-maintenance landscapes to gourmet-worthy outdoor kitchens, here’s what buyers are loving — and where homeowners are seeing the biggest returns. 🔥 Outdoor Features That Buyers Want — and Sellers Should Consider 1.  Landscaping That’s Easy (and Beautiful) Buyers love a well-tended yard — but they also want simplicity. Think clean garden beds, drought-tolerant plants, and native greenery that thrives without constant upkeep. And it’s not just speculation. According to  Yelp’s 2025 Summer Homes & Outdoor Trends Report , searches for  gardeners surged 376% , and interest in  artificial turf providers jumped a massive 875%  — a clear sign that buyers are prioritizing clean, low-maintenance outdoor sp...

Introduction If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the DC metro area, here's a rundown of what is happening in our market. As we head into the official summer of 2025, the answer is layered—but ultimately encouraging for both buyers and sellers, depending on your goals. Here's a full breakdown of what’s happening across the DMV, from inventory and pricing to standout neighborhoods and smart buying opportunities.  📊 Where the Market Stands: Inventory, Pricing & Activity After years of historic tightness, inventory across the DMV is  starting to loosen up —but remains below pre-COVID norms. In DC, there are now about  3,100 homes on the market , which is up about 7% year over year. Bright MLS expects a  7.9% increase in total DMV home sales  by the end of the year, so buyer activity is clearly in motion. Home prices  are holding steady or ticking upward. In May: Median home price in DC : ~$710,000 (up ~3% YOY) Typical time on market : ~38–...

Introduction If you're renting in the DMV—maybe paying around $2,700 a month—you’re not alone. But if you’ve been wondering whether that same monthly cost could be building equity in a home instead of paying someone else’s mortgage, it may be time to explore your options. As a local realtor, I’m not here to give financial advice or tell you what you can afford—but I can help you understand what questions to ask, what programs are out there, and how to connect with the right people who can guide you through the numbers. With that being said I am using a hypothetical amount for illustration purposes. There are some who pay less and some who pay more, of course. 📌 Mortgage Rate Snapshot (June 2025) Washington, D.C. area averages: 30-Year Fixed: ~7.25% 15-Year Fixed: ~6.25% National average (30-Year):  ~6.85% 📉 Rates have dipped slightly, but remain elevated compared to past years. Buyers are exploring smart strategies to make ownership more affordable and conversely there are renter...

Introduction As a proud gay-owned real estate business serving D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, Pride Month is more than just a celebration—it's a reaffirmation of our commitment to equality, community, and the fundamental right to a safe and welcoming home for everyone; gay, straight or otherwise. This year, Washington, D.C., is hosting  WorldPride 2025 , marking the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in our nation's capital. The city is alive with vibrant events, from the WorldPride Parade and Festival to concerts featuring recording artists/stars of the big screen like Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan.  Yet, amid the festivities, there's an undercurrent of grave concern and anger. Recent policy shifts under the current administration have rolled back several LGBTQ+ protections, including those related to housing and public accommodations.. and the madness is set to continue. 🏠 The Ongoing Struggle for Fair Housing Despite progress, housing discrimination r...