Architecture Passive House Design Tenant 4: Gasping At Straws – Controlled Infiltration This is the fifth essay in a series by Peter VanderPoel, AIA, to help explain the fundamental principles and science of Passive House design. Read the first essay outlining the basics here, followed by the article on super insulation here, air barriers here, and thermal bridging here. We now have Grandmother’s blanket around us, head-to-toe, […]
Home Inspiration 5 Home Upgrades You Haven’t Thought About Trying A new year has officially arrived, and now that the holiday decor is packed away and your home is feeling nice and fresh, you might be thinking about taking on a few small design upgrades. By no means do you need to call up a contractor or text your interior decorator friend, though—these five projects […]
Real Estate The State of the Housing Market in Washington, DC & Surrounding Areas – January 2026 Market in a Minute & StatPak January 2026 We profile the most important market indicators every month – contract activity, interest rates, inventory, affordability, and direction of the market – in an easy-to-read and digest summary. It’s not just the numbers; it provides context to understand why the numbers are important and what they mean […]
Real Estate 2026 Could Be the “Thaw” Year: How Buyers Can Win (and Sellers Can Still Do Well) What buyers should be ready for and what sellers need to know to meet them there. If the last few years of real estate felt like trying to buy a house while someone kept moving the finish line (and also the interest rate), 2026 may feel a little more… navigable. Nationally, the National Association of […]
Home Maintenance Winter Home Prep from Top to Bottom Winter may have started in December, but it isn’t too late to prepare your home, townhome, or condo for Mother Nature’s cold months. From freezing temperatures to snow and ice, winter weather can be harmful to your home and exceptionally costly. Prepping your home for the winter months seems almost daunting, but it will protect […]
Neighborhood Guides Top January Events Around The DMV & WV Area After the busy winter holidays, life often seems to slow down in January. But many of us see the new year as the perfect time to try something different. Although it’s not great weather for outdoor festivals, the DMV boasts impressive cultural offerings including live theater, music, festivals and car shows. Check out our list […]
Neighborhood Guides The Best Winter Sports Activities Close to the DC Metro Area If the recent snow has inspired you to get out on the slopes, there are plenty of ski and snowboard areas close to the DC metro region ready to welcome you. With action-packed days and cozy evenings, a short getaway with family and friends is a great way to refresh. We hope these ideas will […]
Home Inspiration How to Style Mid-Century Modern Pieces Like a Pro Mid-century modern furniture and decor aren’t going away anytime soon. If you love the MCM look and are eager to embrace it in your home, by all means, do so. To really take your design scheme to the next level, though, you’re going to want to consult the following tips from experts, who speak to […]
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Featured Designed to Shine: Tips for Elegant, Natural Holiday Curb Appeal December is here, and it’s time to bring the holiday spirit to our outdoor spaces! At Artcapes, holiday decor should never clash with your beautiful landscape design. Instead, I show my clients how to use natural materials and existing structure to create an elegant, sustainable display. Use Your Yard’s Greenery Forget the store garlands. I […]
Mortgage News Year-End Money Moves & Home Equity: What Homeowners Should Know Home equity can be a useful tool for handling big, legitimate life expenses or stabilizing finances if you understand the tradeoffs, costs, and alternatives. ‘Tis the season not just for the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but also for taking stock of what’s in your financial stocking. With the short-term focus on spending for […]
Local Events December Shopping & Craft Shows From the popular outdoor market in downtown DC to local community craft shows, there are so many wonderful ways to support artisans and local businesses this holiday season. There’s even one called the Procrastinator’s Holiday Market!  Note: Some events charge admission or require tickets. Please check online for details.   Washington, DC    Downtown Holiday […]
Local Events Top Things To Do in December in the DMV & WV Area This December, we are so excited for the festive holiday parades, tree and menorah lightings, music and theater, and other local celebrations of the season. We even relish a nip in the air so we can warm ourselves with a cup of hot cocoa and a fresh-baked treat. Here are a few of our favorite […]
Real Estate FSBO in a Rebalancing Market: Why More Sellers Are Choosing a Pro Go-it-alone sellers are learning the hard way that expert pricing, exposure, and negotiation are the difference between a quick win and a costly discount. Every real estate cycle has its classic subplot: “Maybe I’ll sell it myself.” For Sale By Owner listings (FSBOs) tend to spike when headlines make selling look easy, and fade when […]
Gift Guide 2025 Holiday Gift Guide This year, we’re all about gifts that instantly spark joy. If your 2025 has felt overwhelming, to say the least, or you’re just looking to perk up a loved one who could use a little extra holiday sparkle, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up an assortment of items that are bound to […]
Charity Local Joy, Real Impact: Your Holiday Giveback Guide Creative, hyper-local ways to give – and get – help across our region with options for kids, seniors, pets, the planet, and trusted tools to match your values with your wallet. ‘Tis the season to aim generosity where it lands fastest: right here at home. This year, we wanted to focus on the kind of […]
Real Estate How Elite Negotiators Win Home Deals Without the Drama Lessons from expert negotiator Mickey Bergman for buyers and sellers in the DMV. Negotiation in real estate isn’t a price duel. It’s the art of influencing decisions under pressure.  And influencing decisions under pressure is the guiding thesis of Mickey Bergman’s work. As CEO of Global Reach and the author of In the Shadows: True […]
Local Events Top November Events Around the DMV & WV November often feels like the calm before the storm that is the winter holiday season. The weather is cool, but hopefully not too cold to enjoy being outdoors. Between fall home maintenance projects, we think it’s a great time to gather with friends or take some quiet time to relax. Check out our top selections […]
Featured Expert Tips for a Beautiful Fall Porch This week’s blog post is provided by Artscapes Living. Fall is here, and I love dressing up a porch! But this year, I want to help you think beyond the basic pumpkin for porch decor — something that’s both stunning and smart. Ideas that focus on sustainability, longevity, and truly impactful curb appeal that enhances […]
Local Interest The Wonder of Public Art Why does public art matter? Because it tells a community’s story. From the earliest, most ancient civilizations to modern communities, public art has played an important role in storytelling, expressing shared values, and beautifying the spaces we share. As a public art tour guide and Certified Tourism Ambassador in Loudoun County, VA, I have the […]
Home Inspiration 7 Organizing Products Pros Swear By Looking to get your home into tip-top shape before holiday guests arrive in the coming weeks? There’s no time to start prepping like the present! If you’re in need of some handy solutions that will get your space looking nice and streamlined, look no further than the seven products below, which pro organizers rely upon […]