The seasonal real estate market can vary dramatically by region. In the DC metropolitan area, there’s an old saying: “When the fireworks go up, the sales come down.” It’s not that inventory creeps higher in the summer; there’s a noticeable decrease in buyer interest as people go on vacation, focus on their out-of-school kids, and engage in summer activities.

Defining a legal bedroom may seem simple, but despite clear building codes the process is wrought with grey areas. Requirements differ from county to county, so it's always safer to check with a Realtor or appraiser before you sell your home!

About a month ago on the ESG website, we introduced you to Potomac, MD, and a new feature - community events. This month we will feature Washington, DC, its events, and a little bit about the history of the beautiful city.

In 2018, the Seniors Solutions Team within the Eric Stewart Group began. Eric Stewart and Helen Flynn, two certified Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES®), realized their combined knowledge and passion for helping seniors navigate real estate and downsizing. They've been conducting multiple seminars and classes on how to Rightsize your Life, Age in Place, and help you answer the question: what is your preferable future? Over the next few months, we'll be introducing Helen with portions of her books with valuable information for your mental, physical, and intellectual well being. This month is from Jewels for Boomers.

Last week we talked about sustainability and potential ecological upgrades for your home that could increase its value. This week we hit a related topic – the air quality outside of your home.

Last summer we published a blog about a new crop of buyers entering the market who value eco-friendly homes, how organic supermarket developments have impacted home trends, and introduced you to the term ‘agrihood’. Are buyers still interested in sustainability? What has changed in the last several months to promote environmental and physical health and well-being?

Return on investment (ROI) is often top-of-mind when people make home improvements. What is “worth doing” and what isn’t?

Owning a second property, either as an investment or as a vacation home, can be extremely rewarding and fun. It can also be completely the opposite. Why the disparity? Because careful financial evaluation and market timing must be considered. Often, they are not.

Here's a crazy stat: there are only 44 resale homes currently on the market in Seattle, a metro area with over 80,000 residents. When you factor in the inventory versus demand, it causes home prices to skyrocket. We're seeing this in the DC Metro Area, but, thankfully, not to that extent. As Eric Stewart mentioned in today's Real Estate Minute on WMAL, in case you find yourself tired of the stress and strain markets like these can cause, did you know there are cities where it only costs $60,000 a year to live comfortably?

Spring has Sprung! While you may not live in the Potomac area and you may feel that this neighborhood update does not pertain to you, we want to make sure you know the importance of investing in your community. We're sure you're heard about Location, Location, Location from many different sources! If you want to know how YOUR community might be affecting your home value, contact the Eric Stewart Group today for a free home evaluation even if you're not in the DC area. We have resources to help you if you're from out of state, including Relocation Nation - a company that vets agents in your local area. Keep reading to learn about events and trending news happening in your area!