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 

Not typical—yet

Although 2023 has been compared to “typical” 2019, it has been anything but, with seemingly contradictory metrics which show competitiveness (time on market) and slowness (less new listing and contract activity).

Tight time on market

The median time to contract increased slightly in Loudoun County for the week ending April 30, 2023. In previous years (except 2020), the pace of the market gradually slowed from May through December. We will see whether that pattern holds in 2023.

Prices are plateauing

Average Sold to List Price Ratio decreased slightly week over week, perhaps indicating that home price appreciation may be slowing. 

Solid interest in home buying

Buyer activity, measured using weekly new contracts, has been lower than 2019. However, interest in home buying as seen through showing activity continues to be neck and neck with 2019. Why? Those looking to purchase are facing a tight market and both first-time and repeat buyers generally make more than one offer, and view multiple homes, before they are successful.

Family Fun

Check out a professional soccer match at Segra Field!

Next Wednesday, May 10th,  our very own Loudoun United will host MLS team the Columbus Crew for the U.S. Open Cup! Get your tickets now! Gates open at 6:00 pm and kickoff is at 7:00 pm.

Located within Philip A. Bolen Park in Leesburg, it’s an easy drive to see some exciting sports. Segra Field is a great venue for families and friends alike to catch an exciting soccer match. There’s plenty to do with great concessions, food trucks, and play areas for the kids to work off some energy.

Local Business Highlight

Buford’s Biscuits

We walk by Buford’s Biscuits on our way to the office every morning so we can’t help but catch a whiff of the amazing baking going on inside. 

Buford’s Biscuits is a simple, comfy southern restaurant with a focus on traditional cathead biscuits. These biscuits are served as a ubiquitous accompaniment to any meal because of their perfect ability to act as a simple vessel for butter, jams and gravies or the outer layer to a delectable fried chicken or VA ham sandwich, your options are endless. 

Buford comes from the name of the owner Lauren Barret’s father. Buford is from a small Appalachian town in Southwest Virginia named Clintwood which is in Dickenson County. It was here that Lauren’s Mamaw Nina and family on both sides learned from their elders the beauty and simplicity of Appalachian cuisine which would eventually be passed down to her and her sister. 

Outdoor Activities

Go zip lining at Empower Adventures at Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg.

Check out the ultimate adventure destination that’s close to home! Empower Adventure offers the opportunity to create adventure experiences with your friends & family and world-class leadership development programs so you can escape from the ordinary. 

Each eco-experience and adventure is guided by professional staff members to provide exceptional support and encouragement. You’re certain to feel energized and empowered as you seize the day and accomplish more than you imagined!

Our signature adventure, the Treetop Zip Tour, will take you into the canopy of trees in a fully-guided experience.  Our Adventure Guides will help you traverse our five zip lines and two suspension bridges through the treetops in the historic Virginia countryside.

Relax, refresh and revive on this 5-star rated eco-adventure within the peaceful canopy of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Try This!

The World’s Biggest Bounce House! 

You need to make it a point to go when the world’s biggest bounce house comes within driving distance of Northern Virginia! And this year, The Big Bounce America, the biggest touring inflatable event in the world, is making its way to Maryland this spring.  

The party starts at the center of the bounce house, where there’s a customized stage with a DJ. Throughout the day, the DJ will host a variety of games and competitions, and play age-appropriate music depending on which session you sign up for. 

If you still have energy after you make it through the bounce house, there are even more inflatable activities to enjoy, including Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE. 

The inflatable extravaganza runs from May 20 to June 11 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland. With sessions for toddlers, juniors, bigger kids, and adults, there is no age limit for bouncing. Tickets for all sessions include three hours of access to the event, including a timed entry to The World’s Biggest Bounce House and unlimited access to Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE. Get Tickets!