FEBRUARY 2026

YOUR GATEWAY TO REAL ESTATE

Monthly Market Update

Strong Demand, Low Inventory – What to expect as we head into spring

February kicked off the early spring selling season in Northern Virginia with a few surprises.   We moved on from the high activity, low contract, buyer reluctance market of January into another gear. Despite snowstorms and icy weather, the real estate market has not slowed down.  Buyer demand remains strong, driven by relatively low interest rates and a continued shortage of available homes. Well-priced properties are selling quickly, and multiple-offer situations are still very common. In many cases, homes are selling above the list price.  At the same time there are large swaths that are sitting for a while, though usually for justifiable reasons.  You may see national headlines suggesting that home prices are declining, or inventory is way up.  That is true in a number of parts of the country but that is just not what we are experiencing locally. Northern Virginia continues to show resilience, supported by strong employment, desirable communities, and steady demand. Prices here are holding firm and, in many cases, continuing to rise.  Don’t make the mistake of conflating national news about the market with local realities.

On the interest-rate front, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at its most recent meeting, which was widely expected. However, several Fed officials have indicated that rate cuts could begin as early as March, with the potential for multiple cuts later this year. However, if the economy keeps growing at 5% plus and adding jobs like the 130,000 in January there will  be less incentive to do so.  Even modest reductions could bring more buyers back into the market, increasing competition and impacting affordability.  Congress needs to come together and act on one of the several proposals brought forward by the Republicans that I recently blogged about, which would increase the maximums for writing off capital gains on your principal residence or eliminate it entirely.  This would unlock a lot of inventory and help counter demand push inflation on housing.  The government shutdown came and went with little discernible impact on the market, thank God.   Inventory remains limited, while sales are up compared to this time last year – clear signs of a strong and active market.  But as a seller you can still mess up if you overprice or don’t properly prepare your home for the market.  If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want to better understand how these market conditions affect your plans, please feel free to reach out. Having the right strategy and guidance matters more than ever in this market.

It’s a good life.
Chris

Recipe of the Month | Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse

www.delish.com

Cook Time: 2 hrs 50 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Chocolate Crunch Layer

  • 10 Oreos
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 oz. dark chocolate (preferably 60% cacao), finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. refined coconut oil

Strawberry Mousse & Topping

  • 1/2 tsp. unflavored gelatin
  • 1 Tbsp. cold water
  • 1 lb. fresh strawberries, stemmed, hulled, plus whole strawberries for serving
  • 1/4 cup (50 g.) granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 3 oz. dark chocolate (preferably 60% cacao), finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

Chocolate Crunch Layer

Step 1: Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°. Using a sharp knife, chop Oreos (and their filling) into 1/2″ pieces.

Step 2: Transfer Oreos to a medium bowl. Add butter and salt and toss to coat. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake Oreo mixture until fragrant and toasty, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium heatproof bowl, microwave chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute total. Add oil and stir to combine.

Step 5: Pour toasted Oreos into melted chocolate and stir to coat. Return crunchies to parchment-lined sheet, spreading in an even layer. Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.

Step 6: Make Ahead: Crunchies can be made 3 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Strawberry Mousse & Topping

Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1 Tbsp. cold water.

Step 2: In a food processor, process strawberries until smooth. If desired, pass through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium pot. (If you’re all right with the seeds in the mousse, just pour puree as is into pot.) Add sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Set pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a heatproof rubber spatula, then cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Add bloomed gelatin and stir until incorporated. Pour mixture into a medium bowl and let sit at room temperature until cool but not set, about 30 minutes. (If your kitchen is warm, you may want to refrigerate for faster cooling—just be careful not to let it sit too long or the gelatin may set the base too firmly to incorporate into the whipped cream.)

Step 4: In a medium bowl, using a handheld mixer on high speed, beat 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form. Using a flexible rubber spatula, fold one-third of whipped cream into cooled strawberry base until only a few streaks remain. Fold in remaining whipped cream.

Step 5: Spoon 2 Tbsp. crunchies into the bottom of 4 parfait glasses. Divide strawberry mousse among glasses, smoothing top to level as much as possible. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

Step 6: Place chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small pot over medium heat, heat 1/2 cup cream until bubbling around the edges. Pour cream over chopped chocolate and let sit, undisturbed, 2 minutes. Using flexible rubber spatula, gently mix until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Carefully spoon ganache over mousses. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Step 8: When ready to serve, in a medium bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat confectioners’ sugar and remaining 1/2 cup cream until medium peaks form.

Step 9: Top mousse with a dollop of cream, remaining crunchies, and fresh strawberries.

 

10 Homeownership Facts for a Better Understanding of Real Estate Today

Real estate headlines change daily, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by noise, opinions, and half-truths. Whether you currently own a home, plan to buy one, or are simply staying informed, understanding the fundamentals of homeownership helps you make smarter decisions. Here are ten facts every homeowner (and future homeowner) should know in today’s market. 

1. Homeownership builds long-term wealth. Over time, real estate has proven to be a strong way to build equity and financial stability.

2. Equity is valuable. Many homeowners have more equity than they realize—and it can be used strategically when needed.

3. Timing the market isn’t everything. The right time to buy or sell is when it fits your life and financial goals —not just headlines.

4. Fixed mortgages offer stability. Unlike rent, a fixed mortgage provides predictable monthly housing costs.

5. There may be tax benefits. Homeownership can offer financial advantages depending on your situation.

6. Maintenance protects your investment. Regular upkeep helps preserve value and avoid costly repairs.

7. Real estate is local. What’s happening nationally doesn’t always reflect your neighborhood.

8. Your home is more than an investment. It’s also about comfort, community, and lifestyle.

9. Buying and selling is a process. Preparation and expert guidance make all the difference.

10. Knowledge creates confidence. The more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make.

Bottom line: Real estate isn’t about quick wins—it’s about smart, informed choices that support your long-term goals. Whether you’re planning your next move or simply staying educated, knowledge is the key to confidence in homeownership.

 

Monthly Home Maintenance Tips

+Inspect your fireplace damper and glass seals to be sure they’re closing properly and not leaking warm air when the fireplace isn’t in use.

+Clean your refrigerator’s drip pan and inspect the drain line to prevent odors and unnoticed leaks while the appliance runs more often.

+Locate and test your home’s main water shutoff valve to ensure it operates smoothly in case of a winter plumbing emergency.

+Inspect your crawl space vapor barrier for tears, pooling moisture, or shifting caused by winter temperature swings.