Question: Should I list during the holidays?

Answer: At this time of year, we get many people asking if they should list their home now, or hold on until after the new year? As always, if you need to sell, list it. However, sellers are often inclined to wait until the new year. But should they? Serious buyers are still out there looking. They are still waiting for the right home to come on the market.


Explore Alexandria living in this bi-weekly column sponsored and written by Sandy McMaster of McEnearney Associates. Got a question or comment? Contact Sandy at [email protected].

The fantastic businesses that were kind enough to help us launch this series are some of my favs — but first things first. COFFEE. Any good shopping trip in the city starts coffee at The Greenery. I highly recommend “The Stacked.” Trust me on this one — delicious.


Question: What’s been happening with the local real estate market?

Answer: This week we look at contract activity for September and October of 2023 compared with the same time in 2022 for the City of Alexandria and South Alexandria (Fairfax County portions of Alexandria). The charts below show contract activity by price range and by property type (condos, attached homes, and detached homes) as well as the average days on the market.


Question: What’s my first step when thinking about selling the home that I’ve lived in for decades?

Answer: Selling a home can be challenging under the best of circumstances but selling a home while having to downsize can be even more daunting. Not only are you facing years of accumulated possessions with strong memories attached — for both you and for your family — but you are also trying to get your home show-ready, so that you get the best price possible. It can be difficult to know where to even start.


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