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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…)


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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 Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

For close to a century, the Arlington County Public Library system has been a robust resource for the community.  With eight full-service locations, over 84,000 active patrons take advantage of the over two-million item collection, filled with both physical and digital materials. One of the promises of the Arlington Public Library is to provide a “third space” for innovation, conversation and community. With 5,000+ programs and events, Arlingtonians from infancy to retirement have a welcoming space to explore. From storytimes, The Shop, book clubs, and informative First-Time Homebuyer Workshops (shameless plug), no resident’s special interest is left behind.

Rock Spring Congregational Church, Circa 1950s.
Rock Spring Congregational Church, Circa 1950s.

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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…)


Image from Colonial Beach: Washington's Potomac Playground

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

As the snow steadily fell, the temperature continued to plummet, and the ice encased the ground, I couldn’t help but dream of warmer days. Curled up on my couch, I escaped by scrolling Zillow and envisioning myself on a rocking chair with a water view. Deciphering my future vacation home, I thought the following, “Cancun is too distant, Florida’s weather is too unpredictable, and Rehoboth is too crowded…leaving the only option; Colonial Beach, Virginia.”

Though my previous statement is mostly in jest, Colonial Beach is honestly one of the area’s best kept secrets. Located just 85 miles from Arlington, the river town is low-key enough for a day trip and activity-filled enough for a long weekend. My parents recently purchased their get-away just steps from the Potomac River (the body of water that the beach is off of). They have found it to be a reprieve from city-life, a fantastic place to host all ages, and home to a great community of locals, part-timers, retirees and business owners.

(Colonial Beach Boardwalk, Photo: Virginia.org) (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 Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

Anyone who commutes into Washington understands why Rosslyn has been coined “The Gateway.” It’s a small taste of what you are about to enter after leaving the Old Dominion. The enclave is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies, swanky dining concepts and residents looking to be DC-adjacent, and for the rest of us– a part of the commute slug. Now a shining example for the county, Rosslyn started off more like a stubborn stain.

Rosslyn’s documented history began on an endearing note with a father, Joseph Lambden, purchasing a substantial portion of property for his daughter and her husband, Carolyn & William Ross, in 1860. The property would be christened “Rosslyn Farm.” Their newlywed nest didn’t last long. With the occupation of Arlington by Federal troops and disturbances of the Civil War, the couple had moved to France and officially sold the property to the Rosslyn Development Corporation in 1869.  (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.

A poster for a workshop AI-generated content may be incorrect.

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) – 20th 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) – 22nd 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!

A group of people posing for a photo AI-generated content may be incorrect.

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) – 20th 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) – 22nd 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.


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