
Happy Monday, Northern Virginia!
In this week’s update:
🎬 Did you know Northern Virginia has its own Hollywood moments? From FBI training scenes in The Silence of the Lambs to National Treasure’s adventures in Alexandria and even Transformers at the Udvar-Hazy Center, some of the biggest blockbusters were filmed right here. You might’ve walked past a movie location without even realizing it!
🥂 What happens when a luxury hotel, a 15-year vision, and a booming real estate market all meet at a Metro stop in Reston? I was at the grand opening of the JW Marriott Reston Station, and what I saw wasn’t just a celebration... it was a statement.
🚗 Manassas isn’t what you think. I just toured the entire area and uncovered what’s really happening here.
🎬 The Secret Hollywood Side
of Northern Virginia
Most people don’t think of Northern Virginia when they think of movie sets, but it’s quietly made its mark on Hollywood. From government thrillers to sci-fi blockbusters, plenty of big-screen moments were filmed right here in our backyard.
A few local favorites:
The Silence of the Lambs — filmed at the real FBI Academy in Quantico
National Treasure: Book of Secrets — scenes at the George Washington Masonic Memorial and Mount Vernon
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen — the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly takes the spotlight
And that’s just the start. Argo, Patriot Games, and even Fallout 3 (yep, the video game) all feature NoVa landmarks too.
Curious which ones you’ve walked past without realizing?
👉 Read the full list on my blog!
🥂 I Went to the JW Marriott Reston Station Opening... And It Wasn't What I Expected
Driving the news: I showed up to the grand opening of the JW Marriott Reston Station expecting a party. What I found was a defining moment for Northern Virginia. This isn't just a hotel launch, it's the arrival of a new lifestyle standard.
Details:
This is the first-ever JW Marriott in Virginia, the result of a 15-year partnership between Comstock and Fairfax County to build a true urban center at Reston Station.
The energy was real, from the speeches to the incredible dinner at Simon Restaurant, live music by Jessie's Girls, and even fireworks.
JW Marriott debuted a new concept here: "Mindful Rooms", spaces designed to support rest and presence, which I’ll be touring soon.
It also includes NoVA’s largest luxury event space, built to host everything from galas to major conferences.
Why it matters: As a local and a real estate pro, I see this as a major win. It’s a sign that Reston — and the entire region — is stepping into a new era.
This project brings more than a hotel: it brings jobs, traffic to local businesses, and a level of polish that puts us on the map in a different way.
Between the lines: What really caught my attention? The condos. You get everything you’d expect from a high-end hotel (fitness center, room service, restaurants) but you live there.
It’s the kind of "lock-and-leave" lifestyle that just makes sense for busy professionals, downsizers, or anyone who wants luxury without hassle.
What’s next: I’m already planning content: a deep dive into the Mindful Rooms, a reel on Simon Restaurant (which blew me away), and a full video tour of the condos.
🎥 Live This Thursday: Northern Virginia Housing Market Update
Is the Northern Virginia housing market headed for a crash… or just a shift?
Join me live at 7 PM this Thursday as I break down the latest data on home prices, rates, inventory, and demand across Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington Counties.
From Amazon HQ2 to new construction in Loudoun County, I’ll share what’s really happening in our market, where the best deals are, and my predictions for the next 6–12 months.
💬 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
👀 Epic Manassas Driving Tour: What I See When I Drive These Streets
I just wrapped up a full driving tour of Manassas, VA, a place I know inside and out. Whether you're looking for a new place to live or just curious about the area, I’m giving you the full breakdown. Let’s ride.
Driving the news: Manassas isn’t just one place, it’s a patchwork of neighborhoods, price points, and lifestyles.
There’s Manassas City (20110), Manassas Park (20111), and then parts of Prince William County (20112 and others).
Details:
About 27 miles from Washington, D.C.
Home to major employers like Micron, Lockheed Martin, and Aurora Flight Sciences.
No Metro access, but the VRE train runs straight to Union Station.
Home prices range from ~$250K condos to million-dollar estates.
Why it matters: Manassas is one of the most affordable areas in Northern Virginia with D.C. access. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, commuter, or investor, this city offers solid value.
And if you're local, you already know: the community here is real. From First Friday festivals in Oldtown to catching live music at 2 Silos, Manassas has small-town charm without losing convenience.
The big picture: Manassas isn’t static, it’s growing fast. Commercial air travel is coming to Manassas Airport soon. The Manassas Mall is set for a major revamp. And Micron is investing $1.5 billion into their facility.
That all means more jobs, better infrastructure, and growing home values.
By the numbers:
Condos: $250K–$300K
Older townhomes: $400K–$500K
Newer townhomes: $600K–$700K
Single-family homes: $500K–$900K+
Estates with land in 20112: $1M–$2M+
Between the lines: The charm here runs deep. The historic Manassas Battlefield draws tourists year-round. Colgan High School and George Mason University both carry my family’s name, a sign of just how rooted we are in the community.
The bottom line: Manassas is a place where history meets progress. It’s not just a great place to invest, it’s a great place to live.
If you’re thinking about a move, now’s a great time. I just closed a $650K home with a massive backyard, and that’s the kind of opportunity still out there.
📊 Our Current Local Market Numbers
Washington, DC’s housing market is somewhat competitive. Homes average 2 offers and spend around 66 days on the market. The median home price sits near $660K, up 4.8% year-over-year, with most selling at 97.8% of list price.
For Buyers: Competition is moderate, giving you some room to negotiate. Watch for slight price dips and be ready when homes match your criteria—well-priced listings still move fast.
For Sellers: Rising prices and steady demand work in your favor. Pricing strategically and presenting your home well can help you attract multiple offers, even as market pace cools slightly.
🗞️ In Other News…

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place
> Email me anytime:
[email protected]
> Search homes for sale in Northern Virginia:
http://www.colganrealestate.com/
> Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chriscolganteam/
> Subscribe to my YouTube Channel:
@ChrisColgan









