Welcome to your weekly 5 Things Friday post where we cover the Loudoun county real estate market, fun things to do, and new things to try in the NoVA area!

The Market 

New listings show an improvement. 

New listings in Loudoun county increased 23% for the week ending May 7, 2023, compared to the week prior. 

New listing activity remains significantly below what there would be in a more typical housing market, such as in 2019, as sellers today hesitate to list based on concerns about the economy and many holding onto sub-3% interest rates.

Average List to Close price ratio fell. 

While sellers are being cautious in today’s market, those who list continue to price their homes competitively as evidenced by the List to Close price falling week over week to 100.93%. List prices may be peaking at the height of the spring market.

Showing activity lags behind 2022.

While showing activity across the DC Metro area has trended above 2019, but lags slightly behind last year.

Family Fun

Let’s go Roller Skating!

If you grew up in the 80s, chances are you spent some time at the roller rink. Roller skating in the 1980s was more than just a pastime—it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the hearts and souls of millions around the world. It was an era defined by flashy colors, big hair, and a vibrant music scene, and roller skating perfectly embodied the spirit of the times. Times have changed and it might not be the phenomenon it was in the past, but roller skating is still a great family activity. Luckily there are several roller rinks throughout the DC Metro area:

Local Business Highlight

Ned’s New England Deck

Love lobster rolls? Who doesn’t!? Newly opened in March of 2023, Ned’s New England Deck in Fairfax, VA (Exit 60 off of 66) offers amazing Lobster Rolls, Chowder (Chowdah), and Super Beef Sammys. 

Ned’s only uses live lobsters from Maine and Virginia raised USDA Choice or better beef. There are no shortcuts here when it comes to quality and taste! They also offer wine and beer from New England to make your meal that much better! 

Open 7 days a week with ample parking, now you have your date night planned for the weekend. 

Outdoor Activities

It’s strawberry picking season!

And, lucky for us, there are lots of options in Northern Virginia and Maryland to pick-your-own berries. 

Here are some things to keep in mind before you go:

  • Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty as well as closed-toe shoes. Also be sure to apply sunscreen and wear a hat on warmer days.
  • Strawberries do not ripen after you pick them, so only pick the red ones.
  • Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends at the farms.
  • Do not eat the berries before you buy them. They should be washed before eating.
  • Berries are fragile, so stay away from deep containers that could lead to the bottom berries being crushed.
  • Farms open for picking at different times, so be sure to check their website or Facebook page before you head out.

Where to go:

Berry Good Farm – Bealton, VA

Critzer Family Farm – Afton, VA

Great Country Farms – Bluemont, VA

Hollin Farms – Delaplane, VA

Mackintosh Fruit Farm – Berryville, VA

Messick’s Farm Market – Bealton, VA

Wegmeyer Farms – Hamilton, VA and Leesburg, VA

Yankey Farms – Bristow, VA

Butler’s Orchard – Germantown, MD

Southern Comfort Berry Farm – Bushwood, MD

Try This!

The Van Gogh Experience

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition in Washington DC that invites you to step into the universe of the Dutch genius, Vincent van Gogh.

Step into a 20,000 sq ft light and sound spectacular exhibit featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works.

Discover what it feels like to live in Van Gogh’s shoes for a day. Make your own painting and have them projected on the walls – an amazing experience for kids and adults alike!

Get Tickets