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

Local housing market is still fast-paced. 

Moving past the midway point of the month, average time to contract is back down to 8 days, 5 days faster than a week ago and 4 days faster than the same time last year. Inventory continues to be a challenge and buyers need to move quickly when the right home hits the market.

New contracts see seasonal rebound. 

At 113 new purchase contracts, this week saw a very typical rebound in the week following the 4th of July (11.9%). Contracts for the week ending July 16th are in line with last year’s numbers, but down around 80% from this week in 2021. The July 2022 slowdown was a direct impact of quickly rising interest rates, while the July 2023 slowdown reflects a lack of inventory rather than a lack of interested buyers. As seen in time to contract, the demand for homes is still strong.

Showings in line with pre-pandemic market. 

The number of showings is consistent with 2019 levels despite the fact that new listings are down about 25% compared to the same period in 2019. This is another indicator of continued strong demand despite higher interest rates and lower inventory.

Family Fun

Summer of Sunflowers and Peaches

Great Country Farms is a 400 acre working farm located just outside the village of Bluemont, VA. They offer a farm market as well as the opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables, but that’s not all. There is so much for the kids to do here! There is a giant pumpkin jumping pillow, a Cow Pie Putt Putt course, splash pad, a farm play area with ropes swings, slides, and tractor tires, wagon rides, a farm ninja course, barnyard, fishing pond, and more.

In addition to all of these amazing things to do, Great Country Farms hosts lots of festivals throughout the year. Head out this weekend for their Summer of Sunflowers and Peaches festival where you can cut your own sunflowers, pick several varieties of peaches, and take your own photos in the sunflower fields to enter into their Sunflower Photo Contest. You save $2 per ticket by purchasing online in advance here. There’s something for everyone at Great Country Farms!

Local Business Highlight

The Local Cut

Located in Purcellville, VA, The Local Cut is a community restaurant that opened its doors in January of this year. They offer traditional American fare using homemade recipes with a focus on high quality dishes. Their menu includes delicious appetizers like “Trash Can” Nachos and Pork Belly Tostadas, a wide variety of handhelds including a Prime Rib Sandwich and Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and entrees such as Pan Seared Scallops and Tony’s Bolognese. They also offer FREE valet service to make parking easier for their clients.  

Outdoor Activities

Purcellville Wine & Food Festival

It’s the 10th anniversary of the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival this weekend! This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, July 22nd from 2 – 8pm at Dillion’s Woods next to Fireman’s Field. There is a great lineup of live music, face painting, caricature artists, and the opportunity to meet and observe local artists… and don’t forget the food and wine! 

There will be 15 different food vendors featuring a range of tasty options from beignets to BBQ to ice cream and everything in between. With 12 different wineries and breweries, you are sure to find the perfect beverage to compliment the delicious eats. Grab your drink tickets and your souvenir glass from the central sales location and then set out to find your favorite beer and wine. Drink tickets are $6 each and can be purchased onsite or online in advance.

Tickets are required for entry. Purchase online in advance for $5 or $10 at the gate. Ages 16 and under are FREE!

Try This!

Murder Mystery Party  

Stage Coach Theater is an award-winning traveling troupe specializing in murder mystery dinner theater, wine and beer tours, and corporate team building exercises. They partner with local wineries, hotels, and restaurants to present interactive theater.

This Friday you can check out the Disco is Dead Murder Mystery Party. Dress up in your favorite disco outfit and head on over to Belly Love Brewing Company to help solve the murder of Donny Strut. The doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:00pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Get your tickets here!

If you can’t make it to this show, check out Stage Coach Theater’s event calendar for other exciting shows!