Featured Italy on the Mind While we may not be attending the Winter Olympics in Milan, we certainly do have Italy on the mind – and during this dreary season, we’re eager to infuse colorful pieces from the nation into our spaces. Because watching sports is sometimes best paired with online shopping, we’ve rounded up seven of our top Italian-inspired […]
Real Estate When Things Go Sideways When a real estate deal starts to unravel, knowing ‘how’ a contract ends can be the difference between a clean exit and an expensive mess. Sonia R. Downard, Vesta Settlements, LLC Real estate contracts don’t always glide neatly to the closing table. Sometimes they hit a pothole, sometimes they lose a wheel, and sometimes everyone […]
Real Estate “Thaw” Season for Buyers: The Local Grants and Loan Programs That Can Get You Keys In Hand Breaking down the most practical grants, discounts, and lending programs across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia – and how to combine them to reduce cash-to-close and monthly payments. In our earlier “Thaw” articles, we talked about what a loosening market really means: less frenzy, more negotiating power, and a wider lane for buyers who […]
Local Events Black History Month Celebrations & Exhibitions Throughout the DMV It’s a month filled with celebration of Black art, culture, history, and impact. From museum exhibits to live theater, music, and film, there will be events for all ages. We invite you to check out our curated list of highlights this February, and we hope you will be inspired to explore what your communities have […]
Local Events Top February Events Around the DMV & WV It may be the shortest month of the year, but this February is packed with reasons to celebrate. Whether you stay in and watch the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, take your Valentine out for a treat, or join in Lunar New Year festivities, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia have so much to […]
Real Estate The “Thaw” in Action: What Agents Are Seeing as Spring Heats Up Despite the icy landscape outside our windows this week, our Corcoran McEnearney agents report that the spring housing market is definitely heating up. In our early-January “Thaw Year” outlook, we framed 2026 as a market that may feel more navigable than the lock-in years: more listings, more normal negotiation, and a clearer advantage for people […]
Architecture Passive House Design Tenet 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 […]
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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 […]
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 […]