In this week’s update:

🎤 Metallica Concert at Virginia Tech Sparks Minor Seismic Activity: Metallica’s recent concert at Virginia Tech ignited such a powerful crowd response that it triggered minor seismic activity near Lane Stadium. While not dangerous or measurable on the Richter scale, the “Metallica Quake” underscores the passion of fans and the impact of live music combined with sports traditions.

🏢 Innovation Town Center Poised to Transform Manassas into a Thriving Hub: Innovation Town Center in Manassas is underway, bringing nearly 2,900 new homes, over 2 million sq. ft. of commercial space, and community amenities adjacent to GMU’s SciTech campus. This mixed-use development aims to create a vibrant innovation hub and campus-town lifestyle for Prince William County.

📊 April Housing Market Snapshot: D.C. Metro Prices Hold, North Central Virginia Gains Momentum: The April 2025 Bright MLS report shows record home prices and increased inventory in the D.C. Metro market, alongside strong sales growth and rising prices in North Central Virginia. Buyers, sellers, and agents must adapt to these diverging market dynamics for success.

Driving the news: A Metallica concert at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium created such an electrifying atmosphere that it registered as minor seismic activity, affectionately dubbed the “Metallica Quake.”

Details:

• An estimated 60,000 fans jumped and cheered during the iconic “Enter Sandman”

• Seismographs a mile away recorded ground tremors caused by the crowd

• The tremors were too small to be felt or measured on the Richter scale

• Virginia Tech Athletics thanked fans with a video capturing the event’s energy

Why it matters: The concert highlighted the passionate fanbase at Virginia Tech and how music and sports culture can literally move the ground beneath their feet.

The big picture: This is not the first time concerts or sports events have caused seismic readings, but it’s a memorable milestone for the Hokies and Metallica alike.

What’s next: Metallica and Virginia Tech fans will likely remember this unique moment for years to come—and maybe expect a return visit soon.

The bottom line: The “Metallica Quake” is a fun reminder of the power of collective energy and shared experiences in live events.

Driving the news: Innovation Town Center and University Village, a combined 132-acre mixed-use development next to George Mason University’s SciTech campus, is already under construction and set to bring thousands of new homes, shops, offices, and amenities to Manassas.

Details:

• Over 2 million sq. ft. of commercial space planned, including a grocery-anchored shopping center and hotel-conference venue

• Nearly 2,900 new homes coming, including 1,480 student units, 150 apartments, and 1,300+ townhomes and condos by Stanley Martin

• A vibrant dining scene is in the works with casual cafes, food trucks, and a flagship Emanuel Reta restaurant

• Community features like parks, walking trails, pickleball courts, a clubhouse, pool, dog park, and a nature playground

• Improved access with a proposed elementary school, pedestrian bridge, and shuttle service to Broad Run VRE station

• George Mason’s Life Sciences and Engineering building is expected to open in late 2024

Why it matters: This development will turn a once-quiet commuter area into a lively, pedestrian-friendly innovation and residential hub. It supports Prince William County’s vision to anchor a high-tech corridor and offer GMU students a genuine campus-town experience.

The big picture: Innovation Town Center is one of Northern Virginia’s most ambitious projects, expected to fuel economic growth, enhance quality of life, and attract new residents and businesses to Manassas.

What’s next: Homes are already on sale starting in the mid-$400Ks, with continued construction and new facilities opening soon.

The bottom line: Innovation Town Center is set to redefine Manassas, creating a dynamic 24/7 community that blends living, working, learning, and leisure in one exciting destination.

In today's video, I ranked Northern Virginia's best & worst home builders in 2025!

Driving the news: The April 2025 Bright MLS report reveals contrasting trends in the Washington, D.C. Metro and North Central Virginia housing markets, offering key insights for buyers, sellers, and agents.

Details:

• D.C. Metro median home price hits a record $655,215, up 2.4% year-over-year despite federal workforce cuts and return-to-office policies

• Active listings in D.C. Metro jump 49.4%, giving buyers more choices, though new pending sales drop 6.6% and showings fall nearly 13%

• North Central Virginia shows strong spring activity with pending sales up 5.1%, median price rising 4% to $499,000, and inventory up 31.8%, but still tight

• Detached homes lead price growth in North Central VA, with medians reaching $540,000, a 4.9% increase

• Submarket highlights: Prince William County median price $593,000 (+4%), Spotsylvania $458,150 (+4.1%), Stafford $539,000 (+4.3%)

Why it matters: D.C. buyers face more options but remain cautious, keeping prices steady. Meanwhile, North Central Virginia’s affordability and family-friendly appeal sustain strong demand and rising prices.

The big picture: Buyers need to be prepared to act fast on well-priced homes, especially detached properties. Sellers can leverage resilient pricing, particularly in North Central Virginia. Agents play a crucial role in guiding clients through shifting market psychology.

What’s next: Market activity will likely remain selective in D.C. while momentum continues in North Central Virginia, making now a strategic time for listings and purchases.

The bottom line: Understanding local nuances is key to navigating the evolving Northern Virginia and D.C. Metro real estate landscape this spring.

We’re hosting a huge client appreciation party on June 14th at The Roost at Farm Brewery — and NFL stars Austin Ekeler and Santana Moss will be joining us! We’re currently looking for amazing local businesses to sponsor the event and get some great exposure.

 Interested? DM us on Instagram @chriscolganteam or reply to this email, and we’ll send you the sponsorship tiers!

🍓 Lincoln Strawberry Festival

Wegmeyer Farms will host a weekend of strawberry-themed fun. Visitors can pick their strawberries, participate in pie and ice cream eating contests, and catch live entertainment.
📍Location: 18451 Taylor Rd., Hamilton
🗓️ Date & Time: May 16-18 | Check schedule for times
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $16.18
🔗 More Info

🍷 Spring Wine Festival

Head to historic Mount Vernon for a chance to sample wines from at least 19 Virginia vineyards, including Barboursville Vineyards, Barrel Oak Winery, Walsh Family Wine, and Paradise Springs Winery.
📍Location: Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon
🗓️ Date & Time: May 16-18 | 6pm to 9pm
🎟️ Tickets: $50 - $66 per day
🔗 More Info

🛞 2025 Walk Like Madd

Step out to support an important cause in this charitable walk that raised more than $3 million last year. Help continue the fight to keep our communities safe from drunk and drugged driving.
📍 Location: Algonkian Regional Park: 47001 Fairway Dr., Sterling
🗓️ Date & Time: May 17 | 9am
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, 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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