This past week had me mostly indoors, admiring the snow from a safe distance. It was charming at first, but as the fluffy snowfall turned into solid ice, many of us found ourselves truly with snow way out of getting anywhere. Needless to say, I’m officially ready to close the chapter on winter storms and step into a new month—ideally one with a few 50-degree days sprinkled in.
On a brighter note, my transition to Compass is fully underway, and I’m really enjoying this next chapter. I’m meeting new people almost every day, settling into new rhythms, and slowly working my way through my ever-growing “must-try” local restaurant list (so far, no misses).
I’m also getting back into hosting on Airbnb. I’ve been a Superhost in the past, so this isn’t totally new territory, but it’s been fun getting this new space ready and thinking about how people will experience the city while they’re here. If you have friends or family coming to town and looking for a place to stay, I’m always happy to offer a friendly discount. You can check out the space here (professional photography coming soon).
Here’s a look at what’s been on my mind and a few things I wanted to share with you this month:
January Reflections: On Being a Good Neighbor
What I’ve Been Reading
Housing Market Update
Events Happening This Month
Homeowner Tips: Fall Back in Love With Your Home
As always, if you—or someone you know—are looking to buy or sell in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, please feel free to send them my way. I’m always grateful for your trust and referrals, and I’m happy to be a resource however I can.
Warmly,
Hannah
After our epic snowstorm last week, I drank my morning coffee and mentally steeled myself for an hour or more of scraping rock hard ice off my sidewalk in frigid temperatures. But before I even had a chance to bundle up, there was a knock on my door – a neighbor, offering to shovel it for me.
Living in a city—especially one like DC—means being close to people in ways that are challenging. We share walls, alleys, noise, weather, parking, and the occasional very strong opinions. And yet, when it matters most, we so often show up for each other.
We keep an eye out for each other’s kids.
We take in packages when someone’s out of town.
We ask, “Are you okay?” and mean it.
Just this week my neighbors rallied to help someone whose power was shut off— refusing to let a temporary crisis become a private shame. No press. No posts. Just care.
This is what I think of when I think about being a good neighbor.
And lately, that phrase feels heavier than it did a year ago.
Across the country, we’re watching communities under strain. People are being treated as problems instead of people. Fear is louder. Lines are sharper. It’s easier than ever to retreat into our own bubbles—our own homes, our own feeds, our own “not my issue.”
But being a good neighbor has never just been about proximity. It’s about posture.
It’s about noticing who feels unsafe and asking why.
It’s about understanding that community isn’t only built in moments of convenience—but in moments of tension. It’s about refusing to look away when someone is being singled out or silenced.
We don’t have to have the perfect words. We don’t have to solve everything. We don’t even have to agree on everything. Being a good neighbor often starts with something much simpler: curiosity and a willingness to see the person in front of you as fully human.
Real estate is, of course, about homes. But homes don’t exist in isolation. They exist on blocks, in buildings, in neighborhoods shaped by the daily choices of the people who live there. The strongest neighborhoods I know aren’t the fanciest or the trendiest—they’re the ones where people feel seen, protected, and valued.
That kind of neighborhood doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built quietly, over time, through ordinary acts of decency.
This month, I’ve been thinking about how grateful I am for the neighbors who’ve shown up for me in ways big and small. And I’ve been asking myself a harder question: who needs a neighbor right now—and how can I be one?
On the beauty of hosting a dinner party every week – speaking from my own experience, I think opening up our tables is one of the best ways we can build connection and combat loneliness in our city.
On why willpower is overrated and how success comes from managing what is – and is not – right in front of you.
The Washington, DC housing market continues to settle into a more balanced, predictable rhythm. Mortgage rates have stabilized compared to recent volatility, inventory is slowly improving, and both buyers and sellers are approaching decisions with more intention than urgency. Well-priced, well-prepared homes are still selling quickly, but the market is rewarding strategy and patience rather than speed.
Locally, that shift is already visible. More sellers are listing earlier in the year instead of waiting for spring, and buyers are focusing less on perfect timing and more on long-term value, lifestyle fit, and neighborhood. With inventory gradually increasing and prices holding relatively steady, momentum is beginning to return—making this a market that favors thoughtful preparation and clear priorities.
As always, if you need help understanding any of the data for the Washington, DC area, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to discuss what this might look like for your specific needs.
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 enchantment of ballet in this luminous production that reimagines the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. The performance features glow-in-the-dark costumes, vibrant lighting, and a magical atmosphere that brings the story to life in a whole new way.
February 1- May 10 A Mo Willems Exhibit Laugh your way through an interactive exhibit packed with hands-on fun for the whole family. From a phone that makes you sound like Piggie to a catapult that launches hot dogs, each activity is designed to spark imagination, creativity, and plenty of smiles.
Events happening from Downtown DC all the way to Old Town Alexandria
Feb 21
Duel in the District Witness the ultimate rivalry as two beloved—and sometimes love-to-hate—college basketball teams face off in the District. As a Georgetown fan, this matchup is a tough one, but if you love college sports, you know how electric this game can be—and you won’t want to miss it.
Embrace the art of snail mail and reconnect with the charm of the good old days. The Monaco Hotel is hosting a free letter-writing experience where guests can write a letter to their future selves—then have it mailed exactly one year later. It’s a meaningful way to reflect, set intentions, and reconnect with who you were and who you’re becoming.
One thing I notice often—especially with long-time homeowners—is how easy it is to slowly drift out of relationship with your home.
Life gets busy. Routines take over. And the space that once felt exciting, intentional, and personal can quietly turn into something purely functional. That’s more common than people realize.
The good news? You don’t need to be thinking about buying or selling to reconnect with your home. Sometimes it’s the smaller, more thoughtful shifts that make the biggest difference.
A good place to start is noticing what no longer serves you.
Over time, homes collect things that made sense once but don’t quite fit anymore. Letting go of those pieces can open up physical space—and mental space, too. It makes room for the parts of your home that actually support how you live now.
Another easy reset is using what you already have, just differently.
Moving artwork, pillows, or décor from one room to another can make a space feel new without starting a big project or spending a dollar. I suggest this to clients all the time, and it’s surprising how effective it can be.
Furniture layout is another underrated lever.
Rearranging a room or moving a piece to a different area of the home can change how the space feels and functions. Better flow often means a room feels calmer, more welcoming, and easier to actually enjoy.
Adding personal touches matters too.
Fresh flowers, plants, or framed photos bring warmth and life into a home. These details remind you that your home is not just an investment, but a place where your life happens.
Loving your home doesn’t require major renovations or big decisions. It starts with paying attention, making small adjustments, and caring for the space you’re already in. When your home feels good to live in, everything else tends to feel a little easier, too.
If this time of year has you thinking about getting more intentional—not just with how your home looks, but how it’s cared for—I put together something to help. My 2026 12-Month Homeowner Checklist is designed to take the guesswork out of maintenance and help you stay ahead of each season without feeling overwhelmed.
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.
