Newsletter ·
If You Wanted to List in the Fall, Guess What!
Planning a fall sale? Nicole explains how to set a listing date and work backward through preparation, pricing, and photography.
By Nicole YoungPerspectives from our team
Gold Star Insights
Articles, newsletters, and videos from the people you work with. Each contributor brings their own voice and local perspective.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
What happens to all the parking spaces when we don’t need them anymore?
This week, that future looked a little closer.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Decoding Real Estate Agent Language
Nicole shares a lighthearted look at what agents mean and why clear advice matters when buying or selling.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Autonomous Vehicles and Northern Virginia Real Estate
Johnny introduces his Friday newsletter on the Cybercab spotted in Fairfax and what autonomous vehicles could mean for parking and real estate.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Remembering Arlington’s Local Favorites
Johnny looks back at Boston Market and the everyday gathering places that shaped Arlington’s neighborhood character.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
What Sellers Say—and What They Mean
Nicole brings humor and listing experience to the conversations she has with home sellers.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Is That Floor Really Hardwood?
Johnny shares what to look for during a home tour, from repeating grain patterns to exposed edges and the difference between flooring materials.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
What Buyers Say—and What They Mean
A playful look at how buyers’ preferences can change as they explore homes with Nicole.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Is There a Right Season to Move?
Nicole discusses choosing when to buy or sell based on your life and circumstances.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Don’t Wait for “the” Season..
Nicole considers why personal readiness, finances, and the reason for moving matter more than waiting for a particular season.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Northern Virginia Rents Are Starting to Soften
New data shows year-over-year declines in Arlington and Fairfax.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Virginia’s Digital ID: Nicole’s Take
Nicole reacts to Virginia’s Apple Wallet ID rollout and shares her thoughts on keeping a physical backup.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
What You Learn at a Home Showing
Nicole explains how seeing layout, light, parking, and commute in person can help clarify your search.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Arlington, Then and Now
A look at how a few Arlington blocks have changed over time, with Rocklands remaining a familiar neighborhood landmark.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Which Updates Matter Before Listing?
Nicole considers cosmetic upgrades, major systems, and how to prioritize work before selling.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Condo or Townhouse?
Nicole opens the conversation about choosing between two common DMV home types.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Your Offer Was Accepted. What Comes Next?
Nicole introduces the steps beyond an accepted offer and points readers to her longer Substack article.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
A Late-Summer Garden in Arlington
Johnny highlights cool-season crops for Arlington homeowners thinking about planting at the end of summer.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Your offer got accepted, you’re not done yet!
Nicole walks through what comes after an accepted offer, from contract deadlines and inspections to financing and the final walkthrough.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
The 30-Year Mortgage Is Newer Than You Think
Your grandparents did not grow up with this type of loan.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Remembering Columbia Pike
Johnny reflects on Columbia Pike before its recent redevelopment and why knowing a neighborhood’s history matters.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Curb Appeal and First Impressions
Nicole discusses the impression a home’s exterior makes before buyers step inside.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
Look Beyond the List Price
Nicole highlights fees, maintenance, and future repairs when comparing the cost of homes.
By Nicole Young
Watch videoVideo ·
What Backyard Moss May Be Telling You
Johnny explains how moss can point to drainage, shade, or soil issues—and why addressing the underlying cause matters.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Behind the Scenes with Gary
Nicole shares National Dog Day outtakes featuring an unexpected contribution from Gary.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Your First Home Probably Won’t Be Your Dream Home
Nicole shares why a first home can fit your life today while helping you work toward a future dream home.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Sellers Will Have More Control Over What Appears Online
More privacy for sellers could mean less information for buyers.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Glebe Road, Arlington, and the Opportunity to Own
Johnny reflects on the changing face of Glebe Road and why opportunities to own a home matter for Arlington’s future.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
That Zestimate is lying to you..
Nicole explains why a pricing conversation should consider a home’s condition and improvements alongside comparable sales.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
The New American Status Symbol: The Paid-Off Mortgage
Less Flash. More Freedom.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
The Path to Homeownership Isn't As Long As You May Think
Nicole outlines practical starting points for buyers: reviewing finances, gathering documents, and speaking with a lender.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Pricing a Home Is Part Art, Part Math
Comps, condition, appraisals, and what the market is actually telling you.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
3 Things I Want You to Know Before You Sell Your Home.
Nicole shares three considerations before selling: your motivation, which improvements matter, and a pre-listing inspection.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Why Don't People Buy More Duplexes?
Buying a duplex and renting out the other side almost seems like a housing cheat code.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
3 Things I Wish Everyone Knew Before Starting Their Home Search
Nicole shares three things to know before starting a home search: speak with a lender, allow time for the process, and be prepared to compromise.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Fantasy Football This Fall?
Last year was the first time I had played fantasy football in a number of years, and I forgot how much I enjoyed it.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
So, you're considering new construction for your new home..
Nicole explores the benefits and tradeoffs of new construction, including customization, contracts, upgrades, and timelines.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
July 17, 2026 Newsletter
Read Johnny’s July 17, 2026 newsletter on Constant Contact.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
The 80/20 Rule for Your Home Search
Nicole explains how separating essential features from changeable finishes can make a home search more focused.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
The Home Maintenance Items Nobody Wants To Do
Nicole highlights often-overlooked maintenance tasks for gutters, heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, and water heaters.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Homeownership Costs Are Up 39% Since 2019
It’s no secret that everything has gotten more expensive in recent years, especially housing.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Hot Take: Private Exclusives aren't cool.
Nicole shares her perspective on private exclusive listings and the tradeoff between privacy and exposure to the broader market.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
July 3, 2026 Newsletter
Read Johnny’s July 3, 2026 newsletter on Constant Contact.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Business Owners Should Know This Before Signing a Lease
Commercial real estate can feel very intimidating if you have never dealt with it before.
By Johnny Mendez
Watch videoVideo ·
Nicole’s Perspective on Office-Exclusive Listings
Nicole explains why she favors broad market exposure when advising home sellers.
By Nicole YoungNewsletter ·
Where to Eat Late Night in Arlington
This was one of my favorite emails to send out when I first got started in real estate. After COVID, a lot of the late-night and especially the 24-hour spots that used to be open either…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Here’s Something I’ve Been Working Hard on Lately
Consistency is something I have struggled with in the past.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
6 Virginia Real Estate Laws Changing July 1st
Real estate laws can be so nuanced and change so often, making it important for anyone who owns, rents, or invests in property to stay informed.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Why Don’t People Just Use a Lawyer to Buy and Sell Property?
Every once in a while, I'll hear someone say:
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Things People Notice Immediately Walking Into a House
After walking through hundreds and hundreds of homes over the years, there are certain things I can tell you most people notice almost instantly when they walk through your home.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
The Complete Lowdown on Pets and Real Estate
One of the funniest reasons I hear people give for wanting to buy a house is:
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Finally, Some New Condos Proposed in Arlington
I have some good news to share regarding housing in Arlington.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Most People Don’t Have a Plan For This
If for some reason the water stopped working tomorrow and you didn't have much on hand, what would you actually do?
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Why I’m Bearish on Parking (Medium Term)
I've been going down a bit of a rabbit hole on autonomous driving and one idea keeps coming up. What happens when people don't need to own cars? Not tomorrow, but over time. If you can…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Your Taxes Are Done. Now What?
Now that tax season is behind us, you have something lenders really care about: verified income.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
How Affordable is “Affordable Housing”?
Over the last few years, “affordable housing” has become a major political buzzword. But what does it actually mean?
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
April 3, 2026 Newsletter
Read Johnny’s April 3, 2026 newsletter on Constant Contact.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Peak Bloom is Happening Right Now
It’s a world-renowned tradition that takes place right in our backyard, and a lot of people take it for granted. I’m talking about the annual cherry blossom season in Washington, DC.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
There’s a Fight Happening Over Your Home Listing
The Fight Over Listings Is Heating Up
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
This Has Nothing to Do with Real Estate (But You Should Read It Anyway)
This is Serious. Don't Miss This Wave.
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
The DMV Has a Thriving Music Scene: Here's How to Find It.
Did you know that the DMV has a vibrant music community? Several actually. And whether you are into blues, rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, or pretty much anything else, these communities…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Why Do People Sell The Family Home?
I have never met someone who wishes they sold their residential property 15 years ago. On the other hand, I have met many people that regret selling or not holding on to a property years…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Are you Gardening This Year?
No matter if you are an experienced gardener or want to try it out for the first time, now is the time to start planning your 2026 garden. While you'll need to wait until after the last…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Why People LOVE Using Real Estate to Build Wealth
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, here are just a few reasons why people love using real estate to build wealth:
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
2026 Tax Assessments: Appeal Deadlines You Can't Miss
2026 tax assessments are out, or will be very soon, depending on what county you live in. This is where your local government sets a value on what they believe your home or commercial…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Thrilled to Share My New Journey with You!
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially joined the Samson Properties Arlington office!
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
An Important Update About Buck & Associates
I wanted to share some news with you personally. Buck & Associates will be closing on March 31st, 2026, after 50 wonderful years serving Arlington. This came as a surprise to all of us,…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
Make Your Valentine’s Reservations Now
With Valentine’s Day coming up, now is the time to lock in reservations before the best spots fill up. Whether you are planning a date night, a double date, or just a great meal with…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
How I Track Mortgage Rates.
Real estate is one of the most interest rate sensitive industries out there. Mortgage rates directly impact affordability and they can change from one day to the next, almost like a…
By Johnny MendezNewsletter ·
5 Things to Watch This Year
Let me be the thousandth person to wish you a Happy New Year! Now that that’s out of the way, here are five things I’m keeping a close eye on in 2026:
By Johnny MendezNo insights match these filters. Try another author or topic.