Home is where the Real E$tate is by Fergus

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...

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...

Hello and welcome back to my blog! This week, I’m sharing the latest updates on the DC metro housing market, using the most current data available. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening: Inventory rising across the board: Active listings in Washington, D.C. increased by 25.1% year-over-year, marking the highest level since 2022. 1 Median sale prices remain firm: The median sale price in the D.C. metro area reached $640,000 in July 2025, up 2.4% from the previous year. 2 Homes are staying listed longer: The average days on market for homes in the D.C. metro area increased from 52 days in 2024 to 57 days in 2025. 3 Pending sales slowing modestly: Pending home sales in June 2025 were down 0.3% year-over-year, indicating a slight slowdown in market activity. 4 📍 Hot Neighborhoods: Where Activity Is Heating Up Pentagon City / National Landing (VA) Pentagon City has undergone significant urban transformation, driven by the arrival of Amazon’s HQ2 and increased in...

Hello and welcome back to my blog. I hope you have all been enjoying the summer in spite of the persistent record heat across the region. For my part I just got back from a camping trip in the Poconos (PA) where we had a mix of hot weather and heat storms in the evenings. August in the DMV is a unique moment—between vacation season and back-to-school prep, the rhythm of the region shifts. Whether you're catching the last summer sunsets on the Wharf, lining up for peach gelato in Old Town, or planning a Labor Day getaway, there's one thing you shouldn't overlook: the housing market. So let’s break down what’s happening across the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this month—on the streets  and  in the real estate world. ☀️ August Vibes Around the DMV August is a little bit quieter—locals are in and out of town, but DC doesn’t sleep. Some highlights to keep your eye on: 🎷  RAMMYS Awards Gala  (August 3) Celebrate DC’s best in food and drink at the Walter E. Wa...