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 Loudoun County Market
Time to contract still low.
Time to contract has been in the low double digits for the last few months. In more normal markets, time to contract begins to slow later in the summer as the fall approaches, but the elevated competition among home buyers in Loudoun County from the lack of inventory is keeping the time to contract low and very similar to last year at this time.
Pending Homes down.
The number of homes under contract is down 26% from the prior week as we start to see the summer seasonality kick in and the continued low inventory available to buyers that are still in the market.
New listings down.
New listings are also down 10% from last week. Sellers continue to be reluctant to list since rates have hovered between 6.5-7% for the past couple of months. New listings are expected to decline throughout the rest of year as families gear up for the start of school and holiday celebrations.
Family Fun
Penguin Paddling!
You may wonder – what do penguins have to do with kayaking? Danny, the founder and career firefighter/paramedic, was nicknamed The Penguin because of his short stature and love of water.
A recovered alcoholic, kayaking became his way to focus his energy on something positive and Penguin Paddling was born.
Their goal is to provide great service, smiles and fantastic memories. Currently located in historic Occoquan, they are open from mid April to the end of September. Season passes are available here: Season Passes
Local Business Highlight
Fantasticks
Open in three locations; One Loudoun, Tysons Corner and Rio Lakefront, this custom pops and gelato store is a must visit.
A very creative and fun way to enjoy ice cream – Just come in and pick your own base, chocolate drizzle and toppings. Make sure to bring your pup and ask for a dog friendly pupsicle!
They also offer DIY kits for parties or gifts as well as catering services.
Outdoor Activities
Annual Butterfly Count
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has coordinated the Annual Loudoun Butterfly count since 1997. The count takes place in early August, which is the peak time for butterflies in our area. We report our data to the North American Butterfly Association, which tracks butterfly populations.
As is true with other wildlife, the population numbers and locations of butterflies give great insights into habitat health and diversity. Butterflies need many kinds of plants to develop and survive. Many species will visit areas that are weedy and wild and have lots of native plants. A new lawn or an area that has been sprayed with pesticides will see few or no species.
The annual Loudoun Wildlife count pairs beginners with experts and sends teams to different parts of the county. Participants can go out for half a day or all day. If you have a copy of the Field Guide to the Butterflies of Loudoun County, bring that with you. You may also want to bring Bob Blakney’s 2015 book, Northern Virginia Butterflies and Skippers, or his 2020 update, Butterflies of the Mid Atlantic. And don’t forget the Loudoun Butterfly Checklist.
Try This!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and—above all—Love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical—it is a state of mind.
Recommended for ages 12 and up. Please note that this production uses fog, haze, and strobing light effects.
View the digital program here: Moulin Rouge Program
Get your tickets here: Tickets
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