It’s hard to believe 2026 is already here! The holidays have given me space to reflect, and what stood out the most was how grateful I am for my community and for all of you who follow along, reach out, and trust me with big life moments like purchasing or selling a home. Thank you.
One of my goals this year is to share more helpful, thoughtful content—real estate education that actually makes sense, practical homeowner tips, local places and events worth knowing about, and occasional looks at listings and market shifts. You’ll see more of that on Instagram and Facebook. If you’re not already following along, you can find me at @hannahpowellrealtor.
On a lighter note, while I’m not big on formal resolutions, I do have one fun intention for 2026: exploring more of DC’s incredible food scene with friends. I’m always open to new restaurant recommendations, and would very much love your company! Let me know if you are game to share a meal sometime this year.
This January newsletter includes:
50-Year Mortgages: A creative idea that misses the mark
What I’ve Been Reading
Housing Market Update
Events Happening This Month
Homeowner Tips: A New Year for Your Home (plus a 2026 12-Month Homeowner Checklist)
More than anything, I hope this year brings you moments that help you feel grounded. And if your next chapter includes a move, a shift, or even just a conversation, I’m here whenever it feels right.
Until then, I hope your days are filled with good coffee, steady routines, deep breaths, and the people who remind you why this city—and this life—are worth choosing.
Warmly,
Hannah
You may have seen recent discussions about introducing 50-year mortgages as a way to make monthly payments more affordable. On the surface, it sounds appealing: longer loan terms mean lower monthly costs. But dig a little deeper and this proposal raises more concerns than solutions.
The biggest issue is the interest. Stretching a mortgage from 30 to 50 years dramatically increases the total amount a homeowner pays over time—often by hundreds of thousands of dollars. While the monthly payment may feel more manageable, buyers are effectively trading short-term relief for decades of higher costs and slower equity growth.
More importantly, longer mortgages don’t address the real driver of affordability: a lack of housing supply. Prices remain high not because buyers can’t qualify for creative financing, but because there simply aren’t enough homes—especially in high-demand areas like the DC region. Furthermore, there is a danger that 50-year mortgages will drive up demand in the short run, causing home prices to accelerate their ascent.
Real progress requires tackling the harder, structural challenges, particularly modernizing zoning regulations and speeding up the building permit and approval process. When more homes can be built efficiently and thoughtfully, prices will stabilize naturally—without locking homeowners into generational debt.
Affordability matters deeply, but solutions should help buyers build wealth, not just stretch payments. As always, I’m keeping a close eye on these proposals and what they mean for current and future homeowners.
If you ever want to talk through how policy changes or market shifts could impact your plans, I’m always happy to chat.
For those of you making a resolution not to spend so much time on your phone, a recent article called A Theory of Dumb might help with your motivation. (Note: might be behind a paywall).
I love dramatic, moody spaces, so this Brooklyn penthouse will be pinned to my vision board for the foreseeable future.
Speaking of home design, is it any surprise A.I. is threatening to take that over as well: Would You Let A.I. Design Your Living Room? Just like with most uses of A.I., I think it is best for initial drafting and idea generation, but a real human is needed to make a place feel like home.
Unless there’s a major economic shift, many housing market forecasts for 2026 expect 30-year fixed mortgage rates to land in the low-to-mid 6% range. That points to a market defined by balance and stability rather than big swings. Inventory is slowly improving, buyers are moving more thoughtfully, and sellers are pricing with intention rather than urgency. While rates remain higher than the historic lows many remember, I’m seeing buyers focus less on perfect timing and more on long-term value, lifestyle fit, and community.
Locally, this shift is already showing up. More sellers are preparing for late January and early February launches instead of waiting for spring, helping activity spread more evenly throughout the year. Broader market signals suggest inventory will continue to rise, prices may hold relatively steady, and income growth could begin to outpace home price appreciation—gradually improving affordability. After years of homeowners feeling stuck, movement is starting to return. With both buyers and sellers waiting in the wings, 2026 is shaping up to be an active year that rewards preparation, patience, and thoughtful decision-making.
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.
Experience the last moments of the holiday season in a courtyard turned winter wonderland. Enjoy international flavors by Chef Derek Watson and imaginative, theme-inspired cocktails crafted by the Dirty Habit bar team.
January 22-25 Folger Theatre: Reading Room Festival Dive into the future of theater with this four-day festival of staged readings, workshops, and lively discussions with world-class playwrights.
Events happening from Downtown DC all the way to Old Town Alexandria
Jan 23-Feb 1
Alexandria Restaurant Week Savor the city’s historic charm as dozens of top-rated restaurants offer specialized, multi-course menus at a set community price.
Step into an indoor winter paradise at the National Building Museum. With an ice rink set inside the museum’s Great Hall, you can enjoy a festive experience throughout the season.
The start of a new year is a great time for homeowners to reset and take care of a few practical tasks that keep a property running well. I often tell clients that consistent maintenance doesn't have to be overwhelming. A few small checks in January can prevent
Begin with safety. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. It's quick, and it reassures you that everything is working the way it should. (Shout out to Carey, whose carbon monoxide detector saved the life of her nextdoor neighbor last week. His newly-installed gas stove was leaking, but it was her detector that picked up on the danger through their shared wall!)
After the holidays, most homes need a little organizing. Sort through decorations, clear out storage areas, and donate what you no longer need. A bit of decluttering can make your home feel lighter and more manageable.
Look for drafts around windows and doors. Weather stripping wears down, and even small gaps can raise your energy costs. A simple fix can make your home more comfortable through the colder months.
These simple January tasks help you start the year with a home that's safer, cleaner, and better prepared for the months ahead, and they go a long way in protecting your investment.
January is also the perfect time to set goals for keeping your home well maintained throughout the year. I created a 2026 12-Month Homeowner Checklist to help you stay organized and ready for every season ahead.
Download it now and start your 2026 checklist today!
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.
