Happy Friday, Northern Virginia!

In this week’s update:

📈 No, the Northern Virginia Housing Market Hasn’t Collapsed: Experts debunk viral claims of a Northern Virginia housing market collapse, confirming that inventory remains stable, price cuts are minimal, and homes are still receiving multiple offers.

☕️ The Salty Donut Expands to D.C. with Four New Locations: Miami’s beloved Salty Donut is bringing its handcrafted doughnuts and specialty coffee to D.C. this year, with four new locations opening in Georgetown, The Wharf, Barracks Row, and Fairfax’s Mosaic District.

💝 Love Takes Center Stage at Manassas Valentine’s Day Bash: Prince William County’s annual Valentine’s Day Bash brought love and community together as 19 couples exchanged vows in a series of romantic courthouse weddings.

 📉 Reports of NoVa Housing Market’s Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated, Experts Say

Driving the news: Despite viral claims and misleading maps suggesting a flood of listings in Arlington and surrounding areas, real estate experts confirm that Northern Virginia’s housing market remains stable. The numbers don’t support the narrative of a market collapse.

Details:

• New listings are steady. Between Feb. 3-16, 2,829 homes were listed across the D.C. metro region—nearly identical to the same period in 2024.

• No surge in price cuts. Only 6.9% of active listings in the region had a price reduction, matching last year’s numbers.

• Buyer interest is cooling slightly. Showings are dipping more in D.C. than in other markets, but homes are still attracting multiple offers.

Why it matters: With federal workforce reductions and return-to-office mandates, some expected a rush of new listings from affected employees. However, inventory remains below pre-pandemic levels, and demand is still strong in many areas.

The big picture: Real estate markets are complex and influenced by many factors. While policy changes could impact long-term trends, no data is indicating a major sell-off tied to federal job cuts.

What’s next: Experts will continue monitoring the market, especially as mortgage rates and federal employment policies evolve.

The bottom line: Don’t believe everything you see online—Northern Virginia’s housing market is still competitive, with no signs of collapse.

🍩 The Salty Donut to Open 4 D.C.-Area Locations, Including 2 in Former District Doughnut Spots

Driving the news: Miami-based doughnut and coffee shop The Salty Donut is making its way to the D.C. area with four new locations set to open in 2025, including three in the District and one in Northern Virginia.

Details:

• The Salty will take over former District Doughnut spots at The Wharf and Barracks Row, as well as the old Peet’s Coffee in Georgetown.

• Its flagship location, a 3,210-square-foot space in Fairfax’s Mosaic District, will be the first to open, featuring an expanded menu with breakfast sandwiches, bowls, and cragels (a croissant-bagel hybrid).

• The brand, known for its creative flavors like brown butter and salt, maple bacon, and guava cheese, has been scouting D.C. for years as part of its national expansion.

Why it matters: The Salty’s arrival brings a fresh, innovative take on the classic doughnut to a city with a thriving culinary scene. Its expansion also signals a growing demand for artisanal, chef-driven pastries beyond traditional coffee shop offerings.

The big picture: The Salty joins a wave of high-profile food brands expanding into the D.C. market, following in the footsteps of major names in specialty coffee and gourmet baked goods. Its growth reflects D.C.’s reputation as a food destination that embraces creativity and quality.

What’s next: The Mosaic and Georgetown locations are expected to open by mid-2025, though The Salty hopes to launch a pop-up ahead of schedule. More locations in the D.C. metro, including suburban Maryland, could be on the horizon.

The bottom line: With its chef-driven approach and cult-favorite flavors, The Salty Donut is set to shake up D.C.’s pastry scene while filling a void left by District Doughnut.

🎥 Why Everyone is Moving to Ashburn, VA in 2025?

Want to know why Ashburn VA is thriving right now? Let's go deep into the location, job offers, and new developments so you can find your next home here.

💍 19 Couples Say 'I Do' at Annual Valentine's Day Bash in Manassas

Driving the news: Nineteen couples celebrated Valentine’s Day by tying the knot at Prince William County Circuit Court’s 7th Annual Valentine’s Day Bash in Manassas.

Details:

• The event was held at The Art Factory, a contemporary art hub in downtown Manassas.

• Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith officiated the ceremonies, which were scheduled every 15 minutes.

• Couples received gift bags, Valentine’s Day treats from Crumbl Cookies, local restaurant coupons, and photography opportunities.

• Many couples, like middle-school sweethearts Giselle Lima and Guillermo Perez-Mendez, had family members present to witness their special moment.

Why it matters: This annual event has become a cherished tradition, celebrating love and commitment in a welcoming and inclusive setting.

Between the lines: For Kimberly Jordan and Giovanni Hilaya Vargas, the day was extra special as it marked their 13th anniversary as a couple, making it the perfect time to say, "I do."

The bottom line: Whether newly in love or longtime partners, these couples made Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a wedding to remember.

🏨 Dual Office-Hotel Development Near Union Station Hits the Market

Driving the news: Office Properties Income Trust (OPI) has listed its 428,000-square-foot office-hotel project at 20 Massachusetts Ave. NW for sale, engaging Eastdil Secured to find a buyer.

Details:

• The property includes a 274-room Royal Sonesta hotel, four floors of Class A office space, and 13,000 square feet of retail.

• The building, valued at $286.85 million, is currently 56% leased, with the hotel accounting for all occupied space.

• OPI recently transitioned its agreement with Sonesta from a traditional lease to a hotel management deal, making the property more attractive to hotel investors.

• CBRE had previously marketed the office space, which remains vacant.

Why it matters: The listing reflects ongoing struggles in the D.C. office market, where demand remains weak. A buyer may convert the empty office floors into additional hotel space.

Between the lines: The sale is expected to help OPI meet a $125 million principal payment on a $445 million loan due in March 2026.

The bottom line: With D.C.’s office market still in flux, mixed-use properties like 20 Mass may see a shift toward hospitality-focused redevelopment.

📊 Our Current Local Market Numbers

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

🗞️ In Other News…

• ARTfactory theater productions named ‘Best Of’ in local awards

• Award-winning restaurant Clarity to open new location at Reston Town Center

• D.C.'s National Real Estate Advisors raises $1.2B to invest in data centers

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place

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