If you missed the recent webinar hosted by Nicole Dash and Jay D’Alessandro of Debbie Dogrul Associates (DDA), you missed a deep dive into the changing pulse of the Northern Virginia and DC metro real estate market. As the number one EXP real estate team in Virginia, the DDA team analyzed the data from 2025 to provide a roadmap for what homeowners and buyers can expect in 2026.

A Look Back at 2025: A Resilient Seller's Market

The 2025 market was defined by a shift toward a "new normal." While showings were down compared to the "wild" COVID-era anomaly of 2021, the market remained statistically skewed in favor of sellers.

Key statistics from the past year include:

• Price Growth: Closed sale prices in the local DMV area rose by 3.7%.
• The Million-Dollar Milestone: In Fairfax County, the average price for a single-family home surpassed $1 million.
• Inventory Surge: Some areas saw a 50% increase in available homes compared to 2024, yet with only 1.33 months of inventory, the region remained a seller's market (anything under three months is considered seller-advantaged).
• Buyer Demographics: Interestingly, the average age of a first-time homebuyer in the area rose to 40 years old, with many skipping "starter" condos to move directly into single-family homes.

Sign up to watch the full webinar recording at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yf4IomVqQhqi59KxxTUJ2Q

2026 Market Predictions: Stability and Movement

The webinar highlighted several reasons for optimism heading into 2026. Experts, including Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors, predict 14% more movement in the market as pent-up demand from both buyers and sellers is finally unleashed.

Interest rates are expected to stabilize near 6%, which the team notes is becoming the "new normal" for buyers who have moved past the 3% rates of years prior. While national home prices are predicted to rise by an average of 2.1%, local trends vary. For instance, Stafford, VA is predicted to see a 4.6% decrease in prices as the "return to office" trend pushes workers to move back closer to DC.

2026 Design Trends: The Return to Natural Beauty

For those looking to prepare their homes for sale or simply refresh their space, the webinar detailed the latest aesthetic shifts:

• The End of "Millennial Gray": The Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, signals a return to bright, minimalist shades of white.
• Natural Elements: Wood is making a major comeback through natural wood beams, lighter hardwood floor tones, and even tile that looks like wood for bathroom installations.
• Feature Walls: Vertical lines and "pops of color" like greens and blues are trending, moving away from the standard white subway tiles of previous years.

Beyond the Transaction: Community and Education

Debbie Dogrul Associates remains committed to more than just selling homes. Through the DDA Love Foundation, the team has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to resilient students and continues to build homes in Honduras through Palmetto International Missions.

If you are planning a transition, the team offers several ways to get started:

1. Seller Seminars: Hosted at their new office, these events offer inside information on maximizing equity and include meals from Panera or Maggiano’s.
2. Ideal Living Expo: Taking place on February 21st and 22nd at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons, this event is perfect for those exploring relocation to resort-style or retirement communities across the country.
3. One-on-One Consults: The team offers free, low-pressure consultations to help you strategize your next move.

The real estate market is like a high-end luxury watch; while the face (the price) might seem static to a casual observer, there are hundreds of moving parts (rates, inventory, and local shifts) working behind the scenes that only an expert can truly synchronize for you.