For more than a decade, the Washington area’s residential real-estate market has favored sellers, sometimes dramatically. But that’s changing.
Last year’s federal layoffs and extended government shutdown dampened buyer confidence. In the beginning of this year, home sales were down, active listings were up, and there were more available properties than interested buyers. Though the median home price in the region continued to climb, some properties were sitting longer—leaving sellers to come down in price or pull them off the market altogether. Meanwhile, some federal workers and contractors who lost their jobs but have been trying to stay in the area may finally need to sell, potentially softening the market further.
As buyers enjoy newfound leverage, agents and sellers are having to find creative ways to promote their properties and stand out from the competition. And that’s true in every corner of the market. It can mean losing the silver paint and mirrored ceilings in the opulent ballroom of a multimillion-dollar McLean mansion; emphasizing the pet-friendliness of a particular condominium building; using artificial intelligence to virtually stage a vacant property a half dozen different ways; or changing the address of a home saddled with a heinous history.
Of course, there’s no one simple trick to making a property move. Sometimes, it’s enough to add some plants and re-paint the front door—other times, it helps to serve margaritas while synchronized swimmers perform in the pool at your open house. Ultimately, though, the goal remains the same: closing the deal, regardless of the bigger picture. Here’s how some locals are getting it done.
This Mansion in McLean Sold After a $100,000 Makeover
When the $18.5 million home wasn’t moving, the seller reimagined it—and covered up the gold paint
Murders, Suicides, Violent Crimes: How to Sell Stigmatized Property
DC-area agents and home owners are employing savvy selling strategies to move static property
Virtual Staging Can Help You Sell Your Home–But at What Cost?
AI tools are increasingly popular—but not without drawbacks
5 Home Staging Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make (and One Stroke of Genius)
Entice buyers by avoiding these missteps–and by standing out
How to Market Your Condo in the DC Area
In the face of strong headwinds, here’s what sellers can still control
This article appears in the April 2026 issue of Washingtonian.
