Home is where the Real E$tate is by Fergus

Hello and welcome back after a month-long hiatus — partially due to an extended stay in Southern Spain/Costa Del Sol (Pro tip: visit in October for perfect weather and fewer people.) With winter around the corner and major economic/political headlines dominating the news, this is a good moment to break down what’s happening nationally and right here in the DMV. Mortgage rates are near a two-year low, giving both buyers and refinancers reasons to re-engage. Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown is over through  January 30th, 2026 . Here’s what you need to know if you’re buying, selling, or investing in the DC metro area. * Mortgage Rate Snapshot (Nationally) 30-year fixed:  6.16% 15-year fixed:  5.61% 20-year conventional:  6.12% Refinance (30-year):  6.93% Rates are expected to remain close to  6.2%  through year-end, with a potential Fed rate cut in December that may benefit buyers early next year. Individual circumstances still matter — I just s...

Hello and welcome back to my blog... Summer is winding down across the DMV, and the housing market has reflected that shift. Over the past few months, inventory climbed and buyer urgency eased compared with the spring, but the market was far from quiet: well-priced, well-presented homes still drew strong attention. As the season turns to fall — when activity often picks up after vacations end and routines resume — this recap highlights the summer’s data trends, standout sales (from trophy mansions to hidden gems), and a few listings still sitting, often because they’re priced or positioned for a different market. Market snapshot — headline stats Inventory in the Washington, D.C. metro surged this summer — active listings were roughly 10,283 at the end of July, about +40% year-over-year [1]. Median sale metrics vary by submarket: Washington, D.C. saw a mid-$600Ks median [2], while Northern Virginia’s median sits higher (suburban NOVA medians cluster around the $700K range). Con...