December's Real Estate News, Home Tips & More!
‘Tis the Season For All Things Merry! Explore the latest trends and forecasts for the real estate market and more!
December Market Update
As we wrap up 2024, the Washington, D.C. metro real estate market has shown a promising shift. Closed sales in the region surged by 7.7% compared to November 2023, pushing the year-to-date trend into positive territory with a 0.5% increase. This marks a significant turnaround for the market, indicating robust buyer activity and a resilient market landscape.
Looking ahead, new pending sales have shown strong year-over-year growth, increasing by an impressive 13.8%. However, not all areas experienced this upswing. For example, Arlington County saw a decline in contracts by 14.7%. Throughout the year, the market has been buoyed by a rise in supply and new listings, although November saw a 5.2% decrease in new listings compared to 2023.
Notably, counties such as Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun have fewer active listings at the end of November 2024 than the previous year, contributing to a tight and competitive market environment. On a brighter note, overall active listings were 10.6% higher than in November 2023, offering some relief to potential buyers.
As we move into the final month of the year, the D.C. metro real estate market continues to maintain its dynamic nature, with opportunities and challenges for both buyers and sellers. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to delve into the evolving trends that shape our local market!
December Home Maintenance Checklist
Insulate Exposed Pipes: Exposed water pipes that run through your attic, crawl space, basement, or garage are more susceptible to freezing, which can lead to damaging losses. Preparing your pipes is essential to winterizing your home and can help prevent such issues from happening.
Check Your Gear: Prepare your equipment for winter - ensure you have an Ice Scraper and Snow Shovel. Stock up on De-Icing Salt to prevent ice on walkways.
Reorganize and Clean Out Indoor Storage Areas: With the sun setting at its earliest all year, temperatures dropping, and fewer outdoor activities, you’ll be taking advantage of time indoors. Use some of that time to reorganize and clean some of the areas you might not think about as frequently.
Dates To Remember & Celebrate
When it comes to holidays and observances, December just might be the busiest month of the year.
Between the first day of the month and the very last, you've got the Winter Solstice, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!
December 21st, Winter Solstice
December 24th, Christmas Eve
December 25th, Christmas Day
December 25th, 1st night of Hanukkah
December 26th, 1st day of Kwanzaa
December 31st, New Year’s Eve
Fairfax County Winter Break: December 23rd - January 5th
Loudoun County Winter Break: December 23rd - January 5th
Home For The Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get swept up in the flurry of activities that accompany this time of year. The twinkling lights, beloved TV specials, festive music, and the excitement of gift-giving are all part of the familiar Christmas rituals that bring joy to many. However, beneath these surface traditions lies something far more profound: the concept of home.
The Essence of Home
Home is more than just a physical structure; it is the beating heart of the holiday season. It embodies the warmth, comfort, and sense of belonging that we all crave. This deep connection to our surroundings speaks to our primal need to have a meaningful relationship with a place that transcends the boundary between the self and the physical world.
During the holidays, home becomes a sanctuary—a space where we can reflect on the past year, celebrate with loved ones, and create new memories that will last a lifetime. It is where laughter echoes through the halls, where the aroma of homemade meals fills the air, and where every corner holds a story waiting to be shared.
Creating Meaningful Connections
In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to cultivate a true sense of home. We often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle, overlooking the simple joys that come from nurturing our living spaces. Yet, the holiday season offers a unique opportunity to pause and reconnect with the essence of what makes our homes special.
Consider how you might transform your space into a reflection of your personality and values. Whether it's through incorporating cherished family heirlooms, displaying photographs of cherished memories, or simply rearranging furniture to create a more welcoming atmosphere, these small changes can make a significant difference.
This season, may your home overflow with love, laughter, and cherished moments, creating a lasting sense of belonging that endures long after the holidays. Here's to celebrating the true essence of home!
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In this case:
Use the same email address associated with your Homebot digest
Enter the 6-digit code sent to your email
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