Happy September! This weekend I was out in the mountains of Maryland for a retreat with my church. It was nice to get out of the city for a bit, and a wonderful reminder that we need only a quick drive from the city to be surrounded by nature. It also makes me look forward to Fall! If you are looking for ideas on how to take advantage of all the region has to offer, sign up to receive my Fall Guide. It is packed with fun activities – please let me know which you decide to pursue! (Extra credit for those who request the guide by commenting on my Instagram page!)
For those of you who live in Washington, DC, I know the last few weeks have been particularly tense with the ramp up of Federal law enforcement and the National Guard in the city. I share a few of my thoughts on the current situation and why I love this city below.
August was also a busy month here at District Roots - we helped a number of clients close on homes that they were buying and selling, and I have a couple more exciting homes that just listed or are coming soon!
Here's what you will see in this month's newsletter:
Special Event: Fall Festival at Cox Farm for Clients and Friends!
Loving D.C. Through Uncertain Times
Homeownership Tips: DIY or Hire a Pro?
What I'm Reading This Month
DC Metro Area Real Estate Market Data
Neighborhood Spotlight: Forest Hills, Washington, DC
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! Also, if there are topics you would like to see in upcoming newsletters let me know!
Best,
Hannah
As clients and friends you are an important part of my life and my business at District Roots. As a thank you, I am hosting a Special Fall Event on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Cox Farm Fall Festival in Centerville, VA! I'll be there from 10AM - 3PM, but you can come at any time! We'll have a private pavilion with snacks, and you can spend the day taking in the Fall Festival activities like a harvest market, music, slides, hayrides, and more!
The best part? I have free tickets for those of you who sign up in advance! This gets you free admission into the Fall Festival and you can join me at the private pavilion for fall treats! Bring your friends, family, kids, or others you think would enjoy this time! But sign up soon!
Like many of you, I have been watching the unfolding law enforcement activities in Washington, DC, with a mixture of anxiety, frustration, and weariness. It is no secret that although historically low, crime is higher than it should be. It is understandable to long for solutions that make our streets feel safe again. At the same time, I want to acknowledge how unsettling it can feel when large-scale responses are introduced by leaders who may not know our city as intimately as those of us who live, work, and reside here.
I love Washington, DC, deeply. But loving a place doesn’t mean we pretend it has no room for improvement—it means we care enough to want it to flourish. My concern is that the current approach, however well-intentioned, is likely to miss what makes real, lasting change possible. Much of the visible law enforcement presence has been concentrated in tourist corridors and the areas most likely to appear on camera. Yet, many of our neighborhoods that grapple with the daily realities of crime have seen less of that focus. The same can be said for the beautification efforts: while high-profile spaces are getting fresh attention, countless local parks where our kids play and our communities gather have fallen into disrepair, particularly with the dramatic downsizing of the National Park Service office overseeing the city’s green spaces.
It is natural to feel angry when decisions about our city seem motivated more by political optics than by the needs of the people who live here. I feel that too. But I also recognize that the back-and-forth of national politics is not something I can control. What I can control—and what I believe we all can—is how we show up for one another here at home.
So while I may not have the answers for how to “fix” crime or reshape policy, I do know this: I can recommit to the city and to its people. I can choose to extend kindness, to strengthen relationships with my neighbors, and to seek the welfare of this beautiful place we inhabit. And I want to encourage you to do the same.
Lasting change can come with laws or policies, but it can also come with the way we care for each other as neighbors. No matter how uncertain the headlines may feel, we can each contribute to the fabric of this city by practicing generosity, building trust, and choosing hope. Thank you for joining me in that mission.
As a real estate professional, I often see how home projects shape not only comfort but also long-term property value. Deciding whether to take on a project yourself or hire a professional can make a real difference, whether you plan to stay in your home or think about selling in the future.
Simple updates, like painting, installing shelves, or replacing light fixtures, are often perfect for a hands-on approach. These tasks can be completed with basic tools and a little patience, and they freshen up a space without much investment. Many homeowners enjoy the satisfaction and savings that come with doing these smaller projects themselves.
On the other hand, projects involving electrical systems, plumbing behind walls, structural changes, or HVAC repairs should be left to licensed professionals. Mistakes in these areas can lead to safety hazards, code violations, or costly repairs down the road. A professional ensures that the work meets regulations, protects your investment, and avoids surprises during a future inspection or sale.
Some projects work best with a mix of both. For example, in a kitchen remodel, you might handle the painting or hardware updates, while bringing in a contractor for plumbing or electrical work. This approach balances cost savings with peace of mind.
No matter what type of project you take on, quality matters. Good workmanship supports your home's value and appeal, while poor quality work can be a turn-off for future buyers. Even if you are not planning to sell soon, keeping your home in good shape protects your investment over time.
If you ever have questions about which projects make the biggest impact on resale, or if you need trusted local recommendations for contractors or tradespeople, I am always here to help. My goal is to be a resource for you, whether you are making changes now or just gathering ideas for the future.
I use the Mosaik home ownership and home search tool in my business, which includes a centralized list of my personal recommendations for everything from contractors to estate attorneys. If you are interested in learning more and have not yet set up an account, reach out and I can get you started!
I appreciated this blog post with the author’s observations about reaching middle age. 27 Notes on Growing Old(er)
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 theirWeekly 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 August 6, 2025
Based on the latest data fromJuly 2025 sales, here are a few key trends we're seeing in the greater DC area market compared to 2024:
Inventory is rising quickly in the Washington, DC metro area. At the end of July, there were 10,283 active listings across the region, which is up 40.1% compared to a year ago. The inventory of attached homes and condos is now at or above pre-pandemic levels, but the number of single family detached homes on the market is still very limited.
New listings in July were lower than a year ago; however, year-to-date new listings in the region are tracking 7.5% higher than 2024. At the same time, buyers are holding back. Closed sales were down 2.5% in July, while the number of new pending sales fell by 3.4%.
The median sold price in the region was $640,000 in July, up 2.4% compared to a year ago. Stronger sales in the higher-end of the market is driving the increase in the median price.
Across the region, housing market activity is strongest in Washington, DC and the close-in suburbs, while sales have dropped off more in the outer suburbs of the region.
Overall, there continues to be uncertainty in the Washington, DC area housing market as a result of federal government layoffs, budget cuts, and now increased law enforcement activity. As inventory rises, expect home price growth to soften as we head into fall. In some local markets, particularly in the further out jurisdictions, home prices could fall year-over-year. Buyers who remain in the market will have more leverage, though economic uncertainty will continue to keep some would-be buyers on the sidelines.
Remember: these trends are averaged for the DC metro 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. Send 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
Tucked between Connecticut Avenue and Rock Creek Park, Forest Hills offers a rare mix of city convenience and peaceful, leafy charm. This neighborhood in Northwest DC is known for its tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and access to some of DC’s best green space. It feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle—yet downtown is just a quick car or Metro ride away.
One of Forest Hills’ greatest assets is nature at your doorstep. Rock Creek Park provides miles of trails for hiking, biking, or just strolling under a canopy of trees. Soapstone Valley, a hidden gem, offers a quieter route into the park—perfect for morning walks with a coffee in hand or evening jogs with your dog.
Housing here is as diverse as the landscape. You’ll find stately single-family homes with large yards, mid-century modern gems, and well-kept apartment and condo buildings. Many homes sit on generous lots, a rarity in DC, which adds to the neighborhood’s suburban feel without sacrificing city perks. You can find condos in Forest Hills from the mid $200s for a 1 bedroom to the mid $500s for a 2 bedroom (generally with substantial condo or co-op fees), while single family homes in the neighborhood can easily reach over $2-4M.
UDC Van Ness Farmers Market
On the community side, Forest Hills is home to Politics and Prose, the iconic independent bookstore, plus neighborhood favorites like Sfoglina for handmade pasta or Bread Furst for delicious pastries and coffee. The nearby Van Ness/UDC Metro station connects residents to the Red Line, making commutes to downtown or the suburbs simple and stress-free, and there is a weekly farmers market near the metro station plaza.
Families also love Forest Hills for its access to top-rated schools. The University of the District of Columbia campus is also nearby, which brings an added layer of cultural and educational resources.
If you are considering a move to Forest Hills or anywhere in the region I would love to talk more!
WHY I WORK BY REFERRAL
Relationships are more important than transactions, so thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs. I would be honored to extend the same dedicated service I provide to my clients to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Thanks for connecting us via email or by sharing my website.
