Author: Eli Tucker

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: How many different real estate agents are doing business in Arlington?

Answer: There were 2,317 real estate transactions in Arlington last year, totaling $2.136B in sales volume, increases of 6% and 8.4%, respectively, over 2024.

There were 2,116 licensed real estate agents involved in at least one sale in Arlington in 2025, compared to 2,058 in 2024. Each transaction usually includes two real estate agents – one representing the buyer and another representing the seller. (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: I am weighing the financial pros and cons of where to live in the DMV. How does the cost of homeowners insurance vary between Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland?

Answer: Homeowners insurance has gotten more expensive and guidelines stricter as claims have risen. For buyers choosing between buying a home in Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland the difference in homeowners insurance costs is worth considering.

I interviewed my go-to insurance provider, Seth Kutner, with ACO Insurance about the differences he sees providing homeowners insurance across the DMV. If you want to reach Seth to discuss your policies or ask questions, you can reach him at [email protected]. (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: Where do you see single family home architecture evolving over the coming 5+ years?

Answers: Predicting the next evolution of single-family home architecture requires a level of architectural expertise I do not have, so I asked the team at Lee Design Studio (Architecture, Design, Planning services based in Falls Church) for their input. I highly recommend Matt and his talented team of architects and designers, they can be reached at [email protected]

Take it away Lee Design Studio… (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Arlington Assessments Up 3.2%, Tax Rate Up Too

In January, Arlington announced that residential property tax assessments increased by an average of 3.2%, higher than the ~1% increase in market values that I calculated for 2025. Last year’s 3.7% increase came in about half as high as the increase in market values I calculated for 2024, so Arlington had some catching up to do.

Arlington will increase the tax rate by 1.5 cents per $100 to $1.048 per $100, which comes out to a tax bill of 1.048% of your assessed value. (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: How did Arlington’s condo market perform in 2025?

The Headline: The Arlington condo market lost value in 2025 (down 4.9%), after surging in 2024 (up 10.7%). The overall Arlington market was up by just over 1%, on an average price basis.

Bucking, and Maintaining, the Trend

Arlington’s condo market is historically stable and predictable, but the past two years brought about an unusual period of volatility. Despite recent ups and downs, the long-term trend of 1-2% annualized growth has been maintained – over the past five years, the average sold price is up 7.3% and the average $/SF is up 4.8%. (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

 Questions: What design trends are you seeing in the residential market?

Answer: Every year our marketing department does a deep dive into home design trends that multiple local and national design experts say to look for each year. Some of these trends last just a year or two, others take hold for a decade. Often, these trends reintroduce styles from decades ago, with small tweaks.

You can click this link to browse the full 2026 Design Trends e-booklet from RLAH Real Estate. I’ve pulled out a few highlights and personal favorites below…

Color of the Year

• Pantone: Cloud Dancer (11-4201). An “airy, ethereal white that embodies tranquility and gentle balance in a fast-moving world”.
• Benjamin Moore: Silhouette (AF-655). A “rich and expressive hue” that blends burnished umber with subtle charcoal undertones.
• Behr: Hidden Gem (N430-6A). A “moody jade infused with smoky depth” that feels both grounding and energized.
• Sherwin Williams: Universal Khaki (SW 6150). A modern classic enriched with a soft yellow undertone, bringing warmth and ease to any space

(more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: What were the overall trends of the DC Metro housing market last year and what is expected in 2026?

Answer: In the coming weeks, I’ll publish my deep dive into the 2025 Arlington housing market, but this week we’ll take a 20,000 foot view of the Great DC Metro market and some national trends/projections.

In this article, local data:

• Low Home Sale Volume, Again
• Modest Appreciation, Despite Challenges
• Monthly Listings Far Below Pre-Pandemic
• Early 2026 Market Indicators

In this article, national data:

• State-by-State Changes in Housing Inventory (2019 to 2025)
• Experts Predict Home Price Appreciation
• Experts Predict Mortgage Interest Rates

(more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Buyers now have more more choices, lower interest rates, and more bargaining power. Whether you are a new or experienced homeowner, come learn about the market and how our team has positioned hundreds of buyers for success.

Tomorrow, Wednesday January 21, I’m hosting another Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop with my business partner Jean Ropp and local Loan Officer, Matt Ropp, with Atlantic Coast Mortgage. Food and drinks will be provided!

The workshop is a free:

• How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
• How to use market trends to your advantage
• The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/product
• Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success

(more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Buyers now have more negotiating power, more choices, and, lower interest rates. Whether you are a new or experienced homeowner, come learn about the market and how our team has positioned hundreds of buyers for success.

On Wednesday January 21, I’ll be hosting another Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop with my business partner Jean Ropp and local Loan Officer, Matt Ropp, with Atlantic Coast Mortgage. Food and drinks will be provided!

The workshop is a free:

• How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
• How to use market trends to your advantage
• The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/products
• Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success

Valuable information for all:

• From first-time to experienced buyers
• Buying soon or planning 12+ months out
• Buyers in Northern VA, DC, or Maryland Suburbs

Where and When?

• Wednesday Jan 21 from 6-7:30PM
• Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St), Bluemont Room

Registration is now open and space is limited. Click the graphic below to RSVP. Bring your appetite and your home buying questions! I’d love to see you there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions about the event.

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

• Glebewood – 4BR/2.5BA/1,800 sqft – Duplex (1953) – 20^th Pl N Arlington VA 22207
• Ballston – 1BR+den/1BA/900 sqft – Condo (2008) – 888 N Quincy St Arlington VA 22203
• Annandale – 4BR/3.2NA/2,500 sqft – Townhouse (2003) – Aspen Hill Ct Annandale VA 22003
• Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22^nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205
• Falls Church – 4BR/3BA/1,800 sqft – Detached Single Family (1946) – Tyler Ave Falls Church VA 22042
• Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
• Arlington Heights – 5BR/5.5BA/5,000 sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – South Highland St Arlington VA 22204

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Merry Christmas! The season of gratitude and reflection is upon us. In the past, I’ve shared what I’m most grateful for in Arlington, but I’d love to find out what WE are most grateful for, in the poll below.

If I missed something that you’re compelled to share, please add it to the comments!

For me, it’s the parks, trails, and recreation but specifically the trails that I am most grateful for. Followed by the diversity of food and walkability.

From (left to right) Tonya, Jean, Val, me, Carolanne, and Jake, the Eli Residential Group wishes you all a joyous and fulfilling holiday season!

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

• Glebewood – 4BR/2.5BA/1,800 sqft – Duplex (1953) – 20^th Pl N Arlington VA 22207
• Ballston – 1BR+den/1BA/900 sqft – Condo (2008) – 888 N Quincy St Arlington VA 22203
• Annandale – 4BR/3.2NA/2,500 sqft – Townhouse (2003) – Aspen Hill Ct Annandale VA 22003
• Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22^nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205
• Falls Church – 4BR/3BA/1,800 sqft – Detached Single Family (1946) – Tyler Ave Falls Church VA 22042
• Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
• Arlington Heights – 5BR/5.5BA/5,000 sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – South Highland St Arlington VA 22204

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

The Northern VA/DC Metro housing market bent, but did not break. Here are three defining trends and takeaways of 2025:

1. Supply levels increased faster in Northern VA/DC Metro than the overall Mid-Atlantic region, due to turmoil in DC area federal employment and spending
2. There was not a mass exodus from the Northern VA/DC Metro market, like some projected when DOGE came to town
3. Demand dropped slightly, but did not collapse at any point in the year

Here are the charts and data behind each statement…

Supply Levels Increase Faster in DC Area than Mid-Atlantic

By November 2025, housing supply levels are up 20% in the Mid-Atlantic region compared to 34% and 41.5% in the DC Metro and Northern VA regions, respectively. This rise in DC Area housing inventory levels relative to the larger region is attributed to the effects of DOGE/Trump cuts to federal employment and spending.

Key Stat: Active listings are up 33.7% year-over-year as of Dec 4 2025 in the DC Metro vs 19.7% in the Mid-Atlantic

There Was Not a Mass Exodus from DC Area Homes

When DOGE was announced in February 2025, there was an alarming number of (false) reports that it induced a mass exodus of homeowners from the Northern VA/DC Metro market. While new listings spiked in March (DOGE) and September/October (Government Shutdown), the ~20-25% and ~5-15% increases in new listings were a response to local turmoil, but far from a mass exodus.

Key Stat: New listings are up 6.8% year-over-year as of Dec 4 2025 in the DC Metro vs 4.4% in the Mid-Atlantic

(more…)