If you haven’t felt it already from the sweltering temperatures last week or the neighborhood fireworks popping up, summer is here! I know many of you are getting ready for vacation plans or gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations. I’ve been attending June weddings and have even started a summer reading club on my front porch for some of the neighborhood kids who are home from school. I hope your plans survive the insatiable heat!
Here’s what to expect in this month’s newsletter:
Real Estate News: Why is Affordable Housing So Expensive?
Homeownership Tips: Planning the Perfect Summer Barbecue
What I’m Reading This Month
DC Metro Area Real Estate Market Data
Neighborhood Spotlight: Historic Greenbelt, MD
As always, if there is anything I can help you with, whether buying or selling or real estate advice, I would love to talk more!
Best,
Hannah
In recent years, certain affordable housing projects across the US have made headlines for their surprising and seemingly exorbitant costs. “Affordable Housing in California Now Routinely Tops $1 million per Apartment to Build” (LA Times). “How Ill-Conceived Affordable Housing Becomes Unaffordable for Chicago” (Chicago Tribune). TheWashington Post recently published an article profiling a 52-unit affordable housing development in Adams Morgan called Ontario Place that cost $1.2 million-$1.3 million per unit to build – an absurd figure considering that the average home value in the District is $616,567. Most of those funds come from taxpayers.
Perhaps the most damning example of ballooning and excessive costs is a project in Southeast DC called the Ethel, built at more than $800,000 per unit, almost entirely paid for by tax dollars. The kicker? Next door, the same developer built another housing building for market-rate tenants – at a cost of $350,000 per unit.
A lack of affordable housing is something most everyone can agree is a huge issue facing the country. But what is driving these outrageous building costs for affordable housing, and why are local and state leaders not doing more to keep costs down? Here’s an overview of some of the cost drivers:
Expensive Urban Land: Building in central, high-opportunity neighborhoods like Adams Morgan increases land acquisition costs.
Regulatory and Policy Requirements: Publicly funded projects must comply with numerous federal and local regulations, including labor, environmental, and quality standards, which increase both direct and indirect costs. Following these requirements, the competition for public funds tends to produce smaller developments, so that the money can be spread around to numerous projects, which prevents developers from benefiting from economies of scale.
Special Features and Amenities: To compete for approval and meet policy goals, developers often add features such as the rooftop aquaponics gardens at Ontario Place or environmentally friendly enhancements – worthy goals that are not focused on keeping the cost per unit down.
Focus on Larger, Family-Sized Units: Projects that prioritize family-sized apartments (rather than just studios or one-bedrooms) tend to have higher per-unit costs but can house more people per unit.
Location Priorities: There is a deliberate policy shift to build affordable housing in central, amenity-rich neighborhoods, rather than on cheaper, peripheral land, to provide better access to jobs, transit, and services for low-income residents.
High Construction and Labor Costs: The overall cost of construction—including materials and skilled labor—has risen significantly, particularly in high-demand urban markets like DC. City requirements to rely on local labor or small business also drive up costs.
So what can be done to bring down affordable housing costs? Some jurisdictions, like New Jersey, have been successful in implementing a development cost cap – in NJ’s case, between $350,000-400,000 per unit. But it requires making tough choices about location, amenities, financing, and construction, etc., and political will to implement changes. DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has been vocal about the “really disturbing” housing development costs. Consider calling the Mayor’s or your CouncilMember’s office to voice your own concerns about the stewardship of taxpayer dollars for affordable housing.
With the 4th of July just around the corner, it’s the ideal time to plan a summer barbecue that’s all about good food, great company, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or neighbors, a little preparation goes a long way in making your gathering one to remember.
Start by keeping the menu simple but delicious. Classic burgers and hot dogs are always a hit, but why not take it up a notch? Set up a DIY burger bar with fun toppings like caramelized onions, brie, and avocado aioli. For a lighter touch, a grilled veggie platter: think zucchini, bell peppers, and corn, which adds color and variety to your spread. And don’t forget dessert: grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream, a chilled berry trifle, or classic popsicles make for a sweet, seasonal treat. Remember to grab some extra charcoal or propane for your grill so that you have enough fuel to cook for the crowd (you can evenget it delivered).
Creating an inviting outdoor dining space is easier than you think. A few table runners, lanterns, and reusable dishware can elevate a simple deck or backyard into something special. String lights or solar lanterns add a warm glow as the sun goes down, and a curated summer playlist helps set the perfect mood.
A few practical touches can make your guests more comfortable, too. Set up a fan or keep citronella candles handy to ward off bugs, and set up coolers or drink stations so guests can help themselves. Consider renting or borrowing extra tables or chairs if you’re expecting a crowd. And when the party’s over, pre- or post-event cleaning services can take one more thing off your plate. Games are always a hit, like cornhole, Mölkky, or a simple card game table. These little extras encourage conversation and connection, making your space feel welcoming for guests of all ages.
At the heart of any great backyard BBQ is a space that brings people together. Whether you’re in your first home or dreaming of a bigger yard, we’re here to help you find the perfect spot for all your summer gatherings. Here’s to a season filled with great food, fun games, and long, sunny days spent with the people who matter most.
Curious about how the housing market shifts from month to month? In this section I share insights about shifts in the market so you can make informed decisions about where you live. If you are interested in how things are changing week to week, you can also take a look at the weekly updates provided by Bright MLS in their Weekly Greater DC Area Housing Market Update for a deeper level of detail, but note that the data fluctuates more as you zoom into specific cities.
Washington DC Metro Area Housing Data
Data Provided by Bright MLS, as of June 5, 2025
Based on the latest data from May 2025 sales, here are a few key trends we're seeing in the greater DC area market compared to 2024:
So far the DC metro area housing market has fared much better than some expected in the face of cuts to the Federal workforce and general economic uncertainty, but the DC metro area housing market has still been slower than typical this spring. It may be too early to see the impacts of job cuts as more people will make decisions about buying and selling as we get into the summer and federal severance packages come to an end.
Home prices hit a new record high in the DC Metro area. Despite rapidly-rising inventory, the median home price was up 3.1% compared to a year ago. Home prices rose in all major markets, with the exception of Frederick County, MD.
Home sales have been slow throughout the spring, as announcements of Federal government layoffs mounted and economic uncertainty increased. In May, there were a total of 4,790 closed sales across the region, which was down 6.5% compared to last May.
Active buyers are still in the market. New pending sales were up 3.5% over last year and rose by 6.5% from April. Buyers appear to be taking advantage of increased inventory. At the end of May, there were 10,413 active listings, a 41.6% increase over a year ago.
Overall, expectations for lower mortgage rates to affect the region's 2025 spring housing market have been dampened by economic uncertainty, cuts to the Federal government workforce, and return-to-office policies. With more new listings coming onto the market, buyers in the DC region will have more room to negotiate. However, prices may continue to rise or hold firm in most local markets across the region.
Remember: these trends are averaged for the metro DC region, so what is happening on your street may be different. If you are interested in seeing the latest data for a specific neighborhood or zip code, don't hesitate to reach out! I'm happy to have a conversation about what these market trends mean for your current home's value or your future home search. Shoot me an email if you'd like to schedule a time to chat or want to be sent more information about what's going on in your neighborhood.
Source: Bright MLS
Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just 12 miles from DC, Historic Greenbelt is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood and one of the oldest and largest housing cooperatives in the US. Developed as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Greenbelt was one of three “greenbelt towns” designed to provide affordable housing surrounded by natural open spaces. Today, this thoughtfully planned community retains its cooperative roots, blending a rich heritage with a welcoming, close-knit community.
Strolling through Historic Greenbelt feels like stepping back in time. Many homes feature distinctive Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles, lovingly preserved over generations. At the heart of the neighborhood lies the pedestrian-friendly Greenbelt Historic District, anchored by the Greenbelt Community Center and Roosevelt Center—a hub of local shops, services, cultural activities, a library, aquatic center, and fitness center. Sidewalks and wooded pathways connect homes to schools, parks, playgrounds, and gathering spaces, reinforcing the original vision of a self-sustaining, neighborly community.
Historic Greenbelt residents enjoy a strong sense of connection and civic pride. The Greenbelt Co-op Supermarket and Pharmacy has been community-owned since 1984, while the Greenbelt Theatre shows first-run and classic films in a beautifully restored Art Deco cinema. Neighbors come together at seasonal farmers markets, art festivals, and volunteer initiatives that keep the area vibrant.
Beyond the historic core, Greenbelt is home to lush parks and recreation areas. The 23-acre Buddy Attick Lake Park offers a scenic walking trail, picnic spots, and fishing. Nearby Greenbelt National Park spans over 1,000 acres of forested trails and campsites—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a natural escape just minutes from home.
While Historic Greenbelt feels like a hidden gem, it’s remarkably accessible. Situated inside the Capital Beltway, the neighborhood is just 12 miles northeast of downtown Washington, DC. Residents can hop on the Greenbelt Metro station’s Green Line, connect to MARC train service, or reach major highways like I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in moments.
Buddy Attick Park in Greenbelt, MD (Source: Homes.com)
Townhomes in Historic Greenbelt range from around $200,000-$375,000 for 2 and 3 bedroom units, but do come with a monthly fee to pay for maintenance on the community’s expansive grounds. Just outside the historic district, you can find single-family homes up to $650,000, varying by square footage, condition and location.
Whether you’re drawn by the architectural character, the cooperative spirit, or the peaceful green spaces, Historic Greenbelt offers a lifestyle that feels both timeless and refreshingly current. For buyers seeking a neighborhood with a story—and a strong sense of belonging—this community is truly something special.
If you're considering a move to Historic Greenbelt, or anywhere in the region, I would love to talk more!
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