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Ask Corcoran McEnearney: When should you get a home inspection?

By Hope Peele

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele of The Peele Group and Corcoran McEnearney, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact The Peele Group at 703.244.6115 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to Corcoran McEnearney via email for response in future columns.

Question: When should you get a home inspection?

Answer: Many buyers, especially those who have never bought a home before, have a lot of questions about the inspection aspect of the contract process. While it is ultimately up to the seller to decide if they will allow home inspectors to enter their home, the buyer has a few options to ask for.

The most common choice is a “home inspection contingency.” This is a time period set forth in the offer that allows the buyer to bring in a licensed inspector who will inspect the home & write up a report listing items that need to be repaired.

Other inspections may also occur during this contingency period. Home inspectors are generalists, and can advise you when you need to get a specialist – such as a chimney inspector or a mold remediation specialist. They will not diagnose an issue, but let you know what to look out for. For that reason, it is always best to complete the inspection on the earlier side of the contingency so that there is time for additional inspections, if needed.

While this probably sounds fairly straightforward, there are actually two inspection contingency options to consider.

The first option is inspection contingency to negotiate or void. This gives the buyer the most flexibility, and is also the most risky to the seller. With this option, the buyer has a few choices after conducting an inspection – they can move forward with no changes to the contract, void the contract due to items found during the inspection, or request that the seller repair certain items or provide a credit at settlement.

The second option is an inspection contingency to void only. This means that the buyer is agreeing not to ask the seller for any changes after the inspection – they only have the option to void the contract. The general understanding with this choice is that the buyer is mainly inspecting to understand what they should budget for, and will likely only void the contract if there are major defects uncovered.

In competitive offer situations, buyers can make their offer more attractive by either shortening the contingency time period, making the contingency to void only, or waiving the contingency altogether.

In situations that are not competitive, I would never advise a buyer to waive an inspection. Home inspections can be very helpful in estimating future costs, as well as establishing the condition of the home. Sometimes, even in homes that have been recently built or renovated, inspections can find things that may not be immediately visible to the average home buyer.

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Just Listed in Alexandria: October 10, 2025

By Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Alexandria properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by Corcoran McEnearney, the leader in Alexandria real estate since 1984.

According to BrightMLS, our regional multiple listing system, 100 homes have been listed for sale from October 3-9 in the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria area of Fairfax County.

Prices range from $150,000 for a studio condo at Park Place to $4,295,000 for a 4-bedroom end townhome in Old Town. The breakdown by property type is as follows: 44 condos, 32 townhomes, and 24 detached homes. 14 of the listings already have ratified contracts, and 21 are in Coming Soon status.

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Let’s take a look at some of our just-listed properties from the past week:

The following properties are Coming Soon:

For more information, reach out to your favorite local Realtor. Happy House Hunting!

Note: Open house information may change. Please click on the website link to verify.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Most and Least Expensive: October 8, 2025

By Adrianna Vallario of Compass Real Estate

This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by Adrianna Vallario of Compass. Based in Alexandria, VA, Adrianna is more than just a Real Estate Agent – she is a trusted advisor, relocation expert, and community advocate.

3507 Saylor Place

Most Expensive Homes Sold in October:

Least Expensive Homes Sold in October:

If you have any questions about these listings, or are looking to make a move in the market, please contact Adrianna Vallario – Your Alexandria Real Estate Agent.

Just Listed in Alexandria: October 3, 2025

By Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Alexandria properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by Corcoran McEnearney, the leader in Alexandria real estate since 1984.

According to BrightMLS, our regional multiple listing system, 114 homes have been listed for sale from September 26-October 2 in the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria area of Fairfax County.

Prices range from $149,900 for a 1-bedroom condo at Huntington Club to $2,400,000 for a 4-bedroom townhome coming soon in Old Town. The breakdown by property type is as follows: 54 condos, 32 townhomes, and 28 detached homes. 13 of the listings already have ratified contracts, and 25 are in Coming Soon status.

520 S Pitt Street

Let’s take a look at some of our just-listed properties from the past week:

The following property is Coming Soon:

For more information, reach out to your favorite local Realtor. Happy House Hunting!

Note: Open house information may change. Please click on the website link to verify.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Listing of the Day: 903 E Timber Branch Parkway

By ALXnow.com

Noteworthy: 2025 full reno & expansion, wooded retreat close to DC

Newly Re-Built and Expanded custom renovation that delivers on exceptional style, comfort, and functionality. This home is nestled in nature in the Timber Branch neighborhood, yet just minutes to the Pentagon, DC, Old Town, Del Ray and Crystal City. In 2025, this 1950s original brick home was stripped down to the studs and completely rebuilt and expanded to create a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with approx 3000 finished square feet. Enjoy an open concept gourmet kitchen w/all new appliances, complete with a butlers pantry, great room, luxurious primary suite, dining room, plenty of storage, and mudroom. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and laundry on the upper levels. A walk-up attic provides coveted off-season storage. The light-filled lowest level offers a flexible floor plan where the 5th bedroom can be a guest bedroom, home office and/or play space and a 4th full bathroom. All systems (appliances, roof, HVAC, windows, tankless water heater) are new and come with manufacturers warranties. New copper plumbing, electric wiring, framing, insulation, drywall, paint, flooring, sewer line and open floorplan. Builder to provide a 1 year warranty on workmanship. Located across from the Timber Branch creek, this home has views of trees from almost every window. The front lawn is a gathering spot for neighbors and the backyard is hardscaped with a private patio. Dog walkers and joggers love the neighborhood, too! Convenient to many public and private schools.

Go to Listing of the Day: 903 E Timber Branch Parkway Read more

Mobile dentistry for seniors & assisted living—smiles made easy

By District Mobile Dental
Dr. Seth Dubin, D.M.D. The owner and primary care provider of District Mobile Dental.

Dental Visits, Redefined: We Come to You

District Mobile Dental delivers expert in-home dental care to seniors and those with mobility challenges—no travel required! Using advanced portable equipment, we provide preventive checkups & cleanings, plus restorative treatment like fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures—all within the comfort of your home, community, or care facility. Flexible scheduling, transparent communication, and emergency service make high-quality care easy and accessible.

Led by a Certified Dementia Practitioner®, our compassionate team also understands the unique needs of individuals with memory or cognitive conditions, offering sensitive care with every visit.

District Mobile Dental helps save time, money, and worry by bringing trusted oral healthcare directly to your door. Experience brighter smiles and greater peace of mind – reach out today to learn more! Our concierge is happy to answer any questions you might have and see if our service is the right match for you or your loved one.

“Dr. Dubin and his trusty sidekick are an excellent resource for the homebound in need of dental care. He is skillful, compassionate and very careful to clearly explain everything he does for his patient. The range of services that can be provided at home was surprisingly broad and it is the least stressful environment for a fragile senior.”

Schedule an in-home dental visit

Marian Homes Casino Night Gala

By Sponsor

Join Marian Homes for a spectacular evening of fun, community, and philanthropy at our annual Casino Night Gala! Roll the dice, spin the wheel, and enjoy an elegant night out—all while supporting a life-changing cause. Your ticket includes casino-style gaming, gourmet appetizers, cocktails, entertainment, and great company. All proceeds directly benefit Marian Homes’ mission of providing safe, supportive residences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Reserve Gala Tickets

Listing of the Day: 508 E Custis Avenue

By ALXnow.com

Noteworthy: Nearly 4,000 finished sq.ft.

Built from the ground up in 2018, this stunning expanded craftsman boasts nearly 4,000 finished sq.ft. and has been lovingly maintained. Enter the foyer from the charming front porch and find a large bedroom/office to your right with an adjacent full bathroom. Perfect for working from home or hosting overnight guests! A spacious dining room is to the left, flowing seamlessly through the butler’s pantry and bar to the gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, oversized island, and storage for days. The breakfast area off the kitchen overlooks a fabulous family room with space for everyone to cozy up to the fireplace. A stunning patio with mature trees and landscaping is ideal for working from home on crisp, fall days or hosting weekend BBQs. A convenient mudroom with cubbies/lockers rounds out this floor. Head upstairs and find four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary suite boasts a luxurious en-suite bath with double vanities, a stand-up shower, a soaking tub, and a private water closet. Three additional bedrooms share a hall bathroom. A laundry room rounds out the upper level. Head downstairs to the spacious recreation room – perfect for game nights, checking out the latest movies, or as a play area. The sixth bedroom, fourth full bathroom, and a large utility room with storage are also on this level. The rear, fully fenced yard features beautiful plantings, flowering perennials, and evergreen trees. The driveway is convenient and allows for easy access to the mudroom entrance.

Go to Listing of the Day: 508 E Custis Avenue Read more

Just Listed in Alexandria: September 26, 2025

By Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Alexandria properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by Corcoran McEnearney, the leader in Alexandria real estate since 1984.

It’s officially fall! According to BrightMLS, our regional multiple listing system, 127 homes have been listed for sale from September 19-25 in the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria area of Fairfax County.

Prices range from $159,900 for a 1-bedroom condo coming soon at Huntington Club to $2,500,000 for a 4-bedroom townhome in Old Town. The breakdown by property type is as follows: 47 condos, 46 townhomes, and 34 detached homes. 13 of the listings already have ratified contracts, and 34 are in Coming Soon status.

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Let’s take a look at some of our just-listed properties from the past week:

The following properties are Coming Soon:

For more information, reach out to your favorite local Realtor. Happy House Hunting!

Note: Open house information may change. Please click on the website link to verify.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Ask Corcoran McEnearney: What is happening in the real estate market in Alexandria?

By David Howell

This week’s Q&A column is written by David Howell, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, of Corcoran McEnearney, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant market news, contact David at [email protected].

Question: What is happening in the real estate market in Alexandria?

Answer: This week, we look at market activity year-to-date for 2025 compared with the same months of 2024 in the City of Alexandria and South Alexandria (Fairfax County portions of Alexandria). The charts below show average available month-end inventory, total new listing activity by price range, total contract activity by price range, and total contract activity by property type (condos, attached homes, and detached homes).

If you are interested in more information and analysis, every month on our website, we profile the most important market indicators for Northern Virginia – contract activity, interest rates, inventory, affordability, and the direction of the market – in an easy-to-read and digest summary followed by supporting charts and data.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

Average Month-End Available Inventory

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