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News, Insight, & Analysis


Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update | July 16, 2026 | Buyer Activity Continues to Expand Beyond the First Two Weeks While the Market Tipping Point Remains Intact
The latest Fairfax County and Northern Virginia market data continue to reinforce one of the defining characteristics of the 2026 housing market: Buyer activity remains strongest during the first two to three weeks after a House is listed. At the same time, the data outlined in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update for July 16, 2026 suggests Buyers are becoming more willing to consider Houses that have been on the market longer than Buyers did earlier this spring.

Scott Ford
8 hours ago


Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update | Fairfax County Inventory Tracker Remains Elevated as Buyers Take Longer to Make Decisions | July 13, 2026
The Fairfax County Inventory Tracker continues to tell an important story, as shown in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update for July 13, 2026 For the twentieth consecutive week, New Listings exceeded New Contracts, allowing Active Inventory to remain materially above the same period in 2025. Yet the underlying data suggest something more nuanced than simply "more inventory." Both New Listings and New Contracts have generally tracked last year's levels throughout l

Scott Ford
2 days ago


Where Fairfax County's Future Housing Growth Will Occur | Long Term Housing Trends Series No. 3
Where new housing is built matters just as much as how much housing is built. Long Term Housing Trends Series No. 2 examined why Fairfax County's population and housing growth are expected to remain closely aligned through 2035, suggesting today's inventory constraints are unlikely to ease meaningfully over the next decade. This report builds on that analysis by examining where Fairfax County future housing growth is projected to occur. The 2025 Fairfax County Demographic Re

Scott Ford
Jul 8


Population Growth Isn’t Solving the Housing Supply Gap in Fairfax County | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
In early May, I shared data from Fairfax County’s Housing Needs Assessment showing that projected housing construction is not expected to meet future demand, which reinforces the long-term Fairfax County housing supply gap. The data from the Fairfax County 2025 Demographic Report (published in June 2026) adds another layer to that analysis. Even when housing is added, the underlying supply-demand imbalance is not being corrected. Fairfax County data shows population and housi

Scott Ford
Jul 1


Mid-June 2026 Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update
Buyer Activity Remains Healthy, But Inventory Continues to Build The Northern Virginia housing market continues moving in the same direction identified in my Mid-May Market Update—but the underlying trends have become even more pronounced. My Mid-June 2026 Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update shows that Buyer activity remains healthy, yet inventory continues to build. At the same time, Buyers continue to concentrate their attention on newly listed Houses while taking l

Scott Ford
Jun 19


Northern Virginia Real Estate Strategic Insight Report Vol. 1 | Are Buyer Decision Cycles Lengthening?
Northern Virginia Real Estate Strategic Insight Report | Vol. 1 One of the most common assumptions in residential real estate is that if a House remains on the market for several weeks, it must be overpriced. Current market data suggests that conclusion may no longer always be correct. Over the past several months, I have been tracking inventory levels, Buyer activity, Days on Market, and long-term market trends across Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. One pattern continu

Scott Ford
Jun 4


Mid-May 2026 Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update
My monthly Northern Virginia real estate market update for mid-May 206 summarizes current data and potential trends as the market continues to shift as Spring progresses towards early Summer. Buyer demand remains active, but the market is increasingly segmenting between Houses that capture immediate Buyer attention and Houses that remain on the market for extended periods. At the same time: Inventory continues to build across Fairfax County and the broader Northern Virginia

Scott Ford
May 21


Owner’s Title Insurance: Protecting Your Home After Closing | Northern Virginia Real Estate Strategy
Most Buyers understand that title insurance is part of the closing process. What is less understood is who is actually protected—and what that protection covers. There are two types of title insurance involved in most real estate transactions: one that protects the Lender. and one that protects the homeowner. That distinction is important, particularly after Closing, when ownership—and the associated risks—fully transfer. Owner’s title insurance helps protect homeowners after

Scott Ford
May 13


Fairfax County Housing Data Points to a Continued Supply Gap | Northern Virginia Real Estate
Fairfax County’s recently published Housing Needs Assessment provides a clear, data-driven view of the Northern Virginia housing supply gap and where the market is headed over the next decade. The conclusion is straightforward: The housing supply gap is not projected to close. Fairfax County data highlights a projected housing supply gap through 2035, with limited relief in close-in locations. What the Data Shows regarding a Housing Supply Gap in the Northern Virginia real es

Scott Ford
May 4
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Mortgage Watch: Freddie Mac Mortgage Rates Survey – July 9, 2026
The latest Freddie Mac mortgage rates survey show the average 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage at 6.49% for the week ending July 9, 2026. Although rates increased slightly from the previous week, the broader trend has remained remarkably consistent. Since mid-May, Freddie Mac's weekly survey has shown mortgage rates moving within a relatively narrow range, providing homeowners and Buyers with a stable benchmark despite ongoing economic uncertainty. Freddie Mac Mortga

Scott Ford
3 days ago


Mortgage Watch: Freddie Mac Weekly Mortgage Rate Survey | June 18, 2026
The Freddie Mac Weekly Mortgage Rate Survey reported the average 30-year conventional mortgage rate at 6.47% for the week ending June 18, 2026. Although the rate declined modestly from the prior week, it remains near the highest level observed during Spring 2026. Looking beyond a single week's movement provides better perspective on how mortgage rates have changed over time. Freddie Mac Mortgage Watch - June 18, 2026: The average 30-year conventional mortgage rate declined s

Scott Ford
Jun 22


Mortgage Watch: Mortgage Rate Forecasts Revised Higher | June 2026
The latest mortgage rate forecasts for June 2026 from Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) continue the trend of upward revisions that began earlier this spring. While current mortgage rates remain in the mid-6% range, both organizations now expect 30-year conventional mortgage rates to remain higher through the remainder of 2026 than they projected only one month earlier. Mortgage Watch – June 2026. Updated mortgage rate forecasts from Fannie Mae and the Mor

Scott Ford
Jun 22


Mortgage Rate Forecast Update (May 2026): Forecasts Revised Higher
Mortgage Rate Forecasts Revised Higher in May 2026 The latest May 2026 mortgage rate forecasts from Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association reflect another upward revision in expectations for 30-year conventional mortgage rates through the remainder of 2026. Both institutions now project rates remaining materially higher during the second half of the year than earlier forecasts issued at the beginning of the second quarter. May 2026 mortgage forecasts from Fannie Mae

Scott Ford
May 25


Mortgage Rate Forecast Update (April 2026): Fannie Mae Revises Higher, MBA Holds Steady
Mortgage Rate Forecasts Revised Higher for 2026. The latest April 2026 housing forecasts from Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association provide updated expectations for mortgage rates through the remainder of the year. While both institutions project rates to remain in a similar range, their latest updates reflect different adjustments to prior expectations. Summary of April 2026 mortgage rate forecasts. April 2026 mortgage rate forecasts show continued expectations for

Scott Ford
May 3


Mortgage News for You | Update (April 23, 2026): 30-Year Rate Pulls Back to 6.23%
30-Year Mortgage Rate Moves Lower After Early April Highs Where are mortgage rates in late April 2026? The 30-year fixed conventional mortgage rate declined to 6.23% in the most recent Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey released on April 23, 2026. This represents a modest pullback from recent highs earlier in the month and reflects ongoing movement within a relatively narrow range that has defined the mortgage rate environment over the sixth months. Recent Movement. T

Scott Ford
Apr 24


30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage is at a 3+ Year Low Point | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
ON FEBRUARY 19TH, THE 30 YEAR FIXED RATE CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE IS AT 6.01% PER FREDDIE MAC'S WEEKLY SURVEY. THE CURRENT RATE IS AT A 3+ YEAR LOW. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ On February 19th, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey has the 30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage at 6.01%. Last week, the weekly average was 6.09%.

Scott Ford
Feb 21


30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage Remains Near a 3+ Year Low Point | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
ON FEBRUARY 12TH, THE 30 YEAR FIXED RATE CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE IS AT 6.09% PER FREDDIE MAC'S WEEKLY SURVEY. THE RATE REMAINS NEAR A 3+ YEAR LOW. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ On February 12th, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey has the 30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage at 6.09%. The current weekly average is near the lo

Scott Ford
Feb 13


Fannie Mae January 2026 Mortgage Forecast | 30 Year Rate Remains Steady Throughout 2026 | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
Fannie Mae's January 2026 Forecast for the 30 year Conventional Fixed Mortgage has the Rate at a slightly lower level than at present most of the year. If the forecast is accurate, we will have the lowest mortgage rate in 3+ years, with the level at 6.0% from Spring through year end. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ In their January 2026 E

Scott Ford
Jan 30


30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage Now at a 3+ Year Low Point | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
ON JANUARY 15TH, THE 30 YEAR FIXED RATE CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE IS AT 6.06% PER FREDDIE MAC'S WEEKLY SURVEY. THIS RATE IS AT A 3+ YEAR LOW. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ On January 15th, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey has the 30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage at 6.06%, which is the low point for 2025. The current week

Scott Ford
Jan 16


2026 Begins with the 30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage at a Near 3-Year Low Point | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
ON JANUARY 8TH, THE 30 YEAR FIXED RATE CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE IS AT 6.16% PER FREDDIE MAC'S WEEKLY SURVEY. THIS RATE IS NEAR A 3-YEAR LOW. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ On January 8th, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey has the 30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage at 6.16%, which is the low point for 2025. The current weekl

Scott Ford
Jan 12


2025 Ended with the 30 Year Conventional Mortgage Rate at the Low Point for the Year | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
ON DECEMBER 31st, THE 30 YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED MORTGAGE RATE IS AT 6.15% PER FREDDIE MAC'S WEEKLY SURVEY. THIS RATE IS THE LOW POINT IN 2025. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ On December 31st, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey has the 30 Year Conventional Mortgage Rate at 6.15%, which is the low point for 2025. The current wee

Scott Ford
Jan 1


Fannie Mae December 2025 Mortgage Forecast | Slightly Lower Rates in 2026 than Current Level | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN LATE DECEMBER 2025, FANNIE MAE FORECASTED SLIGHTLY LOWER 30 YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED MORTGAGE RATE IN 2026 THAN CURRENT LEVEL. IF THE FORECAST IS ACCURATE, WE WILL HAVE THE LOWEST MORTGAGE RATE IN 3+ YEARS FOR THE 2nd HALF OF 2026, WITH THE RATE MOVING BELOW 6.0% BY YEAR END. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ In their December 2025 Econo

Scott Ford
Jan 1


In Early December 2025, 30 Year Conventional Mortgage Back to Lowest Rate since Fall 2024 | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN EARLY DECEMBER 2025, THE 30 YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED MORTGAGE IS BACK TO THE LOWEST RATE SINCE EARLY OCTOBER 2024. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ As of December 4, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey had the 30 Year Conventional Mortgage Rate at 6.19%, which is the lowest level since early October 2024. ➡️ The 30 Year Convention

Scott Ford
Dec 7, 2025


Fannie Mae November 2025 Mortgage Forecast | Slightly Lower Rates in 2026 than Current Level | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN LATE NOVEMBER 2025, FANNIE MAE FORECASTED SLIGHTLY LOWER 30 YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE MORTGAGE IN 2026 THAN CURRENT LEVEL. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ In their November 2025 Economic & Housing Forecast, dated November 21st, Fannie Mae projected the 30 Year Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgage at 6.3% for the end of 2025, 6.1% at mid

Scott Ford
Nov 29, 2025


Non-Jumbo Loan Limit in 2026 raised to $1,249,125 for DC Metro Area | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. A related topic is the annual Federal loan limit for non-Jumbo mortgage loans. ➡️ The Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) just announced that the 2026 Conforming Loan Limit for High Cost Areas is $1,249,125. This amount is a 3.25% increase to the 2025 High Cost Area Loan Limit . ➡️ The entire DC

Scott Ford
Nov 27, 2025


In Late October 2025, 30 Year Conventional Mortgage is at Lowest Rate in 1 Year | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN LATE OCTOBER 2025, THE 30 YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED MORTGAGE IS AT THE LOWEST RATE IN 1 YEAR. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. ➡️ As of October 23, Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey had the 30 Year Conventional Mortgage Rate at 6.19%, which is the lowest level since early October 2024. ➡️ The 30 Year Conventional Mortgage Rate has d

Scott Ford
Oct 27, 2025


Fannie Mae September 2025 Mortgage Forecast | Small Downward Change in Projected 2025 Year End 30-Year Mortgage Rate | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2025, FANNIE MAE MADE A SMALL DOWNWARD REVISION IN THE 30-YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE MORTGAGE PROJECTION FOR END OF 2025 AND INTO 2026. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. In their September 2025 Economic & Housing Forecast, dated September 23rd, Fannie Mae reduced their projection for the 30-Year Conventional Fixed Rate Mort

Scott Ford
Oct 5, 2025


Fannie Mae August 2025 Mortgage Forecast | Slight Upward Change in Projected 2025 Year End 30-Year Mortgage Rate | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN AUGUST 2025, FANNIE MAE MAKES SLIGHT UPWARD REVISION IN 30-YEAR CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE MORTGAGE PROJECTION FOR END OF 2025. 30-YEAR FIXED RATE IS NOW AT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE LATE OCTOBER 2024. When asking the question, "How is the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market?", part of the answer is to consider the current and future trend of mortgage interest rates. In their August 2025 Economic & Housing Forecast, dated July 19th, Fannie Mae raised their projection for the 30-Ye

Scott Ford
Aug 22, 2025


Fannie Mae July 2025 Mortgage Forecast | Slight Downward Change in Projected 2025 Year End 30-Year Mortgage Rate | Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
IN JULY 2025, FANNIE MAE MAKES SLIGHT DOWNWARD REVISION IN 30 YEAR FIXED MORTGAGE RATE PROJECTION FOR END OF 2025. When asking the...

Scott Ford
Jul 25, 2025
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