In this week’s update:

📊 D.C. Real Estate Just Got Interesting: New numbers are in, and they reveal some surprising moves in the Greater Washington housing market. Prices are steady, listings are shifting, and one group of sellers is suddenly reshaping the game.

👀 Loudoun's Suburbs Are About to Look Very Different: Something big is rising just off Route 7—and it's not another strip mall. Think rooftops, retail, and a whole new way to live local. See what’s turning heads (and breaking ground) in One Loudoun.

🌻 Something golden is blooming in Nokesville this summer... From twilight concerts to secret mazes and foamy Fridays, one of Northern Virginia’s most beloved outdoor traditions is back — and it’s better than ever. Want the inside scoop?

Driving the news: The D.C. area housing market saw more listings but fewer signed contracts in late June — as cautious buyers, economic worries, and federal job shifts shape this summer’s trends.

Details: According to Bright MLS, the Greater D.C. region logged 1,862 new listings in the final week of June, up 7.6% from the same time last year. But that number was down 3.1% from the previous week, showing the typical early-summer dip.

Pending sales tell a more cautious story:

• New pending contracts: 1,826

• Year-over-year: -3.0%

• Week-over-week: -4.8%

Meanwhile, activity varied widely by county:

• Arlington County, VA: Demand held strong — contracts up 35.8% YoY, with 48.2% more showings.

• Fairfax City, VA: Showings skyrocketed (279.5%), but actual deals stayed low.

• Prince William County, VA: Listings and contracts fell, but interest (showings) still ticked up.

• Stafford County, VA: Listings surged 39.6%, but demand slipped, hinting at possible oversupply.

• Montgomery County, MD: A bright spot — listings up, contracts steady, showings rose 15.5%.

Why it matters: A mix of rising mortgage rates and federal job cuts is prompting older homeowners to sell — especially in Northern Virginia and Maryland counties with deep ties to government work.

This is creating new opportunities for buyers and downsizers, especially in areas like Arlington and Montgomery where demand still holds.

The big picture: With interest rates still elevated and economic jitters in play, many buyers are pausing. But the window is open for sellers in high-interest areas and for buyers who act before rates climb further.

What’s next: Expect more listings through July, though buyer activity may remain choppy. Sellers looking to stand out should act now, before competition intensifies.

The bottom line: This summer offers a strategic moment for motivated sellers and thoughtful buyers. If you're in the D.C. area and looking to move, timing — and flexibility — could work in your favor.

Driving the news: One Loudoun is expanding—and fast. The project broke ground in October 2024 and is already reshaping Loudoun County’s suburban core with a fresh mix of retail, residential, and commercial spaces.

Details:

• Seven new buildings are underway, extending Exchange Street with 86,000 sq ft of retail, a business hotel, and 23,000–34,000 sq ft of office space.

• 400 luxury apartments are coming in this phase, with room for 1,745 total units over future phases.

• Retailers confirmed so far include Arhaus, Pottery Barn, Tatte Bakery, Bartaco, Alo Yoga, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

• A new winter ice rink will convert to a community plaza in warmer months.

• The area’s tax base is now $170.5B, with average household income near $187,000.

Why it matters: This project brings dense, walkable, and design-forward development to a region known for sprawl. It's boosting the local economy, attracting high-end tenants, and delivering more housing—without pushing into farmland.

For residents, it means more jobs, better amenities, and new ways to live locally.

The big picture: One Loudoun is stepping into the role of Loudoun’s downtown alternative. It’s taking cues from places like Reston Town Center—but going newer, denser, and more tailored to local preferences.

Between the lines: The shift to mixed-use, lifestyle-oriented town centers isn’t slowing. One Loudoun’s growth reflects what suburban communities increasingly demand: less car dependence, more curated experiences, and stronger connections.

What’s next: Construction is ahead of schedule. While no grand opening has been announced, all signs point to late 2026. Several retail slots remain unclaimed, with talks reportedly underway with more national brands.

A new development is set to make Spotsylvania the TOP choice for families in Northern Virginia.

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

Driving the news: Burnside Farms’ beloved Sunflower Festival returns today, July 11, promising its most activity-packed season yet with expanded events, golden-hour photo ops, and family-friendly experiences across 70+ acres in Nokesville, VA.

Details:
This year’s upgrades include:

• A 4,400 sq. ft. sunflower & tulip-themed playground

• A shaded courtyard beside the farm’s vintage dairy barn

• A Saturday concert series featuring Taylor Swift and ‘80s tribute bands

• Weekly sunflower mazes in full bloom

• Foamy Fridays with DJ-led dance parties

• Enhanced parking and ticket access for popular time slots

Why it matters: Burnside’s transformation into a summer destination drives local tourism, supports small businesses, and puts Nokesville—and broader Prince William County—on the regional radar.

With photo-ready fields, live music, and family activities, it offers a low-cost, high-reward way for locals to stay close to home while still making standout summer memories.

By the numbers:

• 70+ acres of sunflowers

• 30+ varieties in staggered bloom

• 3 rotating sunflower mazes

• 4 live concerts on Saturday nights

• 6+ roaming performers on weekends

Between the lines: Sunflower Sunsets® are a game-changer—running from 4 p.m. to dusk daily, these evening hours provide not just comfort but stunning golden light. Burnside encourages guests to bring a photographer or book a pro for that perfect family portrait.

What’s next: Burnside opens July 11 and runs through mid-August. Peak bloom varies, so follow updates via Instagram @chriscolganteam.

Tickets are timed-entry and sell fast for concerts and foam parties—sign up for alerts now.

🌎 International Food Festival

Experience a world of flavors with 40+ food vendors, global cuisine, artisan stalls, and live entertainment.
📍 Location: Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Cir., Sterling
📅 Date & Time: July 12, 2025
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://intlfoodfestival.com/

🎆 Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration

Celebrate Alexandria’s 276th and America’s 249th with live music, food, and fireworks over the Potomac.
📍 Location: Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria
📅 Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Birthday

🎸 Brotherhood of Rock Tour

Styx and Kevin Cronin join forces with Don Felder for a night of classic rock celebrating 25 years of friendship.
📍 Location: Jiffy Lube Live, 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow
📅 Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 6:45 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $30
🌐 Website: https://styxworld.com/pages/tour

MORE THINGS TO DO→

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, Winchester, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.

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Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place

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