Architecture Passive House Design Tenet 1: Super Insulation This is the second 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. Cozy memories are often wrapped in a favorite blanket, perhaps one that your grandmother crocheted – it’s so warm! But the blanket is […]
Real Estate New Mortgage Rules: What Foreign Buyers Lose and All Borrowers Stand to Gain Two major changes to know about – one restricting access for some foreign buyers, and the other aiming to protect all consumers from unwanted lender solicitations. There are times when the residential mortgage industry is relatively free of program and policy changes. This has been the case for the past couple of years as rates […]
Real Estate The State of the Housing Market in Washington, DC & Surrounding Areas – July 2025 Market in a Minute & StatPak July 2025 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 […]
Industry News Super Tool or Scam Attractor? When AI Turns Risky in Real Estate AI can find your dream home – but it can also impersonate your agent and steal your deposit. Learn how to spot the difference. Imagine a near-future real estate experience involving a virtual assistant who knows your taste in countertops, a chatbot that helps write your property’s listing copy, or a digital eye that scans […]
Architecture Introduction: The 5 Tenets of Passive House Design This is the first in a series of essays by Peter VanderPoel, AIA, that is intended to explain the fundamental principles of Passive House design. The need to reduce carbon-based energy is well known. Producing nearly 40% of carbon emissions, the building industry is a prime target for carbon reduction. Turning to increasingly sophisticated, additive […]
Featured 8 Gems on Facebook Marketplace Facebook Marketplace is one of my favorite resources for furnishing and decorating my own apartment. I scroll through listings countless times per day and have lost track of how many pieces I’ve sourced from there over the years—probably 100, if not more! If you’re new to shopping on FBMP or just need a little inspo […]
Neighborhood Guides Best Ice Cream Spots to Check Out Around the DMV & West Virginia It’s time to celebrate one of our favorite days of summer – National Ice Cream Day! Although Sunday, July 20th is the official date this year, we think any time is a good time for ice cream. Here’s a taste of our favorite ice cream, custard, gelato, and novelty treat shops throughout the Washington, DC, […]
Local Events Top July Events Around The DMV & WV School’s out for summer, and the DMV has much to offer locals and visitors alike. You can get outdoors and soak up the sun or cool off on the hottest days in world-class museums. Check out our list of area events this month, and we hope you find something to enjoy with family and friends. […]
Don't Miss Our Next Post
Subscribe Now
Home Inspiration Cannonball! Listings With Pools That Make a Splash It’s heating up out there, and a refreshing dip in your own pool is the perfect way to cool down. If the sound of splashing water is what’s missing from your ideal backyard oasis, check out these cool listings from Corcoran McEnearney that feature pools and other water features.  And please invite us to your […]
Real Estate Where is the Housing Market Headed? Everyone is talking about the market, but what is the market actually telling us? A steady stream of spring market data is signaling a shift toward balance in the DC metro housing market, with homes staying on the market longer and buyers increasingly approaching a home purchase with negotiation in mind. Despite record-high home prices […]
Home Inspiration We’re All About Butter Yellow What’s not to love about butter yellow? It’s safe to say that the cheery hue is this season’s “it color,” and we’re falling head over heels for all of the warm, sunny goodness that has made its way into the world of home decor. If you’re looking to embrace this trend—whether in small doses with […]
Local Events Father’s Day in the DMV: “Go, Buy, Bring!” The Best to Dad This Weekend Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or planning something special any day of the year, here’s a guide to Go, Buy, and Bring your very best gifts to the Dads in your world. There’s no one way to define a “Dad,” so it can be a bit of a head-scratcher to come up with the best […]
Home Maintenance Keep It Cool: Essential Summer Home Maintenance Tips for a Stress-Free Season Your home doesn’t get a summer break—stay ahead with these smart maintenance tips and tools. Summertime is the season of recreation, relaxation, and road trips. It’s also the perfect time to catch up on home maintenance. Whether you own your home or are renting, take an overview of the systems in your home – big […]
Real Estate Dream It, Fix It, Love It: Renovate with a VA Loan June is for fresh starts, including home renovations. As the days get longer and the weather warms up, June sparks a sense of renewal. It’s the perfect time to tackle projects that have been sitting on the back burner, especially when it comes to upgrading your living space. If you’re a Veteran or active-duty service […]
Local Events Top June Events To Check Out Around The DMV & WV Upbeat festivals, outdoor dining, and other happenings in June truly mark the beginning of summer. Don’t miss the chance to live this month to the fullest with our curated selection of June events around Washington, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia.   16th Annual Taste of Del Ray | June 1, 1-3 PM Mount […]
Home Inspiration Designing For Keeps: Timeless Trends in Custom Home Building This week we would like to share inspiration from our partners at The Scout Guide. We tapped husband-and-wife team Kevin and Leigh Misso, owners of River Brook Design & Build, a renowned full-service architectural design and construction company in Birmingham, Alabama, to get the scoop on what’s trending in home design. From building from the […]
Featured The Ultimate Spa Guide: Relaxation Retreats Across the DMV and Beyond Photo courtesy of Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring the region, there’s a perfect spa waiting for you in the DMV and its neighboring areas. If you’re seeking a luxurious escape, a quirky wellness experience, or a budget-friendly pampering session, the DC Metro area and its neighboring […]
Home Inspiration Patio Finds We’re Loving Under $500 If you haven’t yet gotten your patio ready for late spring and summer, now is the time to do so! There are many affordable and stylish pieces just waiting to shine in your space, whether you’re in the market for small furniture, decorative accessories, faux plants, or more. Below are eight of our favorite patio […]
Home Maintenance Mold is a “Big Thing” but it’s not always a “Bad Thing” Mold experts weigh in on what you need to know to keep your home healthy and free from dangerous mold growth. Mold is everywhere. Let’s just state that upfront: it’s normal to have mold in your home and within your daily environment. But mold – which grows in places with excess moisture – can also […]
Real Estate Financing Investment Properties May be Easier Than You Think You don’t have to be a financial whiz to make smart moves in real estate investing. Owning residential investment property in the Washington Metropolitan area provides multiple advantages: steady cash flow, solid appreciation, and a hedge against inflation. Rental properties, which command a high enough monthly rent to cover a mortgage payment, may be viewed […]