Summer
Home & Real Estate
Dr * Falls Church City
Dr * Falls Church City
Falls Church City Real Estate Update: There is No “Off-Season”
BY TORI MCKINNEY
Everywhere I go, the conversation finds its way to the same question. Someone leans in at the coffee shop or catches me at the farmers market and asks, “So what is the market really doing right now?” Most people expect me to say summer is the slow stretch, the season when real estate takes a breather while everyone heads to the beach. I have good news for anyone holding that belief. Around here, the summer market still has a full line-up.
Falls Church City does not have an off-season. This is a year-round sellers’ market, and it has been that way for a long time. New homes keep going up for sale, and buyers keep showing up ready to compete. The sellers who prepare well are walking away thrilled. The band has not left the stage. If anything, the encore is the best part of the show.
June deserves a special mention. It tends to be the headliner of the entire year, quietly pulling in some of the strongest sale prices we see, and this season is following the same melody. Smartly-priced properties are moving in a matter of days, and many of them are closing at or above asking. A market that behaves like this is not winding down. It is playing to a full house.
So why does the Little City keep drawing such a crowd? People really want to live here. Falls Church offers something unique, a place with small-town charm that still gives you big-city access. You can walk to dinner or hop on the Metro into the city, then bike home along the W&OD Trail as it runs right
through the middle of town. Saturday mornings bring the farmers market, and summer evenings bring live music close to home. There is almost always something worth walking to within a few blocks. Neighbors actually know each other here, and that sense of community is hard to put a price on. That kind of lifestyle does not go quiet when the temperature climbs. If anything, summer is when the Little City shows off.
The city’s growth is turning the volume up even higher. West Falls, the largest development this city has ever taken on, is bringing new housing and retail to the corridor near the Metro, along with a hotel and fresh gathering spaces. The food scene just hit a record, with more than 150 restaurants now packed into two square miles. This tells you how alive this place has become. Each new café, shop, and community space gives another household a reason to put down roots. All of that interest keeps the pressure on an already tight market.
• If you’re selling: your window is wide open. Buyers are active and good inventory is scarce, so a home that shows well still commands real attention.
• If you’re buying: don’t give up hope. Fresh listings keep arriving all summer, and a little preparation puts you in a strong spot the moment the right one appears.
So here is the honest answer I give the folks who stop me on the sidewalk. Falls Church City real estate never packed up for the season. The lights are still on, and the music has not stopped.
F.C. Approved ADUs, Will We Ever See Them Catch On
BY FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Falls Church leaders opened the door to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, with the hope that homeowners would embrace a new housing option that could benefit families, seniors, and renters alike. Yet so far, ADUs have not emerged as a significant trend, suggesting that legalization alone may not be enough to spur widespread construction.
That raises an important question: If ADUs offer so many potential benefits, why aren’t more homeowners taking advantage of them?
The answer appears to lie in a combination of cost, complexity, and caution.
For many residents, the advantages are easy to understand. An ADU can provide space for aging parents, adult children, caregivers, or tenants. It can create supplemental income for homeowners while offering a smaller housing option
in a community where housing costs continue to rise. For families hoping to remain in Falls Church for years to come, an ADU can provide flexibility that evolves as needs change.
In many ways, ADUs seem well suited to the character of Falls Church. The city has long valued neighborhood stability, walkability, and thoughtful growth. ADUs offer a way to add housing without dramatically changing the look and feel of established neighborhoods. Rather than replacing homes with larger developments, they allow homeowners to make better use of the property they already own.
Yet the decision to build one is far from simple.
Even homeowners who like the idea may hesitate when they begin considering the expense of construction, the time required to navigate planning and approvals, and the disruption that comes with a major building project. Adding a second living space is a significant
undertaking, and many residents understandably want confidence that the benefits will outweigh the costs.
Lot size and property layout can also present challenges. Not every yard is well suited for a detached cottage, garage conversion, or separate living space. Homeowners often find themselves balancing the desire for additional housing against the desire to preserve outdoor space, privacy, trees, gardens, or recreational areas.
There is also the simple reality that many people are still unfamiliar with ADUs. While the concept has received increasing attention in recent years, it remains relatively new to many homeowners who have never considered adding a second dwelling to their property. For some, the idea may seem appealing in theory but intimidating in practice.
Others may simply be waiting to see how early adopters fare before moving forward them-
selves. That is often how change occurs in established communities. New ideas take time to gain acceptance, and residents frequently look to neighbors for examples of what works and what does not.
Still, the potential benefits remain difficult to ignore.
As housing affordability continues to challenge families throughout the region, communities everywhere are searching for ways to create more options without sacrificing neighborhood character. ADUs may not solve every housing problem, but they can provide one more tool in the toolbox. They can help families stay together, create opportunities for aging in place, and offer homeowners additional financial flexibility.
Perhaps most importantly, ADUs allow growth to occur gradually. Instead of reshaping entire neighborhoods, they provide a way for individual homeowners to make choices based on their own
needs and circumstances.
For Falls Church, that may be one of the strongest arguments in favor of encouraging greater adoption. The city has often succeeded by embracing practical solutions that balance growth with preservation. ADUs fit squarely within that tradition.
The challenge now is not whether ADUs should be allowed. That question has largely been answered. The more important question is whether homeowners see enough value in them to move from curiosity to action.
If they do, ADUs could become an increasingly useful part of Falls Church’s housing landscape. If they don’t, the policy may remain an idea with considerable promise but limited impact.
Either way, the conversation is far from over. As housing needs continue to evolve, ADUs may prove to be an opportunity worth another look from homeowners across the city.
Meet Your Home Experts
A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial
CHRIS & MATT EARMAN - Weichert Realtors - Falls Church
As Lifelong residents of Falls Church City, we’ve experienced first hand the growth and changes to the local and regional Real Estate Market. My past experiences in Mortgage & Finance, running local small businesses, volunteering, being involved in the local school systems, and building relationships over the decades, gives us a unique perspective and advantage in representing our clients in the local Northern Virginia Real Estate Market. We are fully committed to providing you with a higher level of service that will make your real estate experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team of experienced Agents, gives us additional flexibility and availability for our Clients. Please call us for a “No Obligation” consultation for all of your Real Estate needs.
Chris: cell 703.628.4541 Matt: Cell 703.328.4563
Chris@EarmanRealEstate.com Matt@EarmanRealEstate.com
Bethany Ellis -REALTOR® Paul Wesley Real Estate
Hi, I’m Bethany...
With two decades of experience in the real estate industry, I am committed to providing my clients with the highest level of service and expertise. My journey as a real estate agent has been driven by a passion for helping people find their dream homes and make sound investments. Honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of my practice. I believe in building strong, lasting relationships with my clients based on trust and open communication. My deep knowledge of the local market allows me to guide you through every step of the buying or selling process with confidence and clarity. I take pride in going above and beyond to ensure my clients’ needs are met. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to sell, or seeking an investment property, I am here to provide personalized support tailored to your unique situation. My dedication to your success is unwavering, and I am always ready to advocate for your best interests. Let’s work together to turn your real estate goals into reality! Call or text me for a free and confidential conversation.
Cell 703.307.7003 • bethany.ellis@paulwesley.com
FOXCRAFT Design Group
FOXCRAFT Design Group is in their 37th year as an award-winning design/ build firm and general contractor.
FOXCRAFT is among the most creative, experienced design/build firms in the region, specializing in meeting clients’ budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines. Chandler Fox, the owner at FOXCRAFT, is also a licensed real estate agent, so his expertise in both building and real estate provides the best of both worlds for the client. Fox analyzes the property for current and future marketability and helps his clients make an intelligent decision about whether or not a renovation is the best investment for their property’s future value. “We build relationships with every client, based on their individual needs and wants, and advise them honestly, as to the best path for their family’s future.”
703.536.1888 • foxcraft.com
The Gaskins Team
The Gaskins Team has been serving clients throughout the Metro DC area for more than 40 years. Based in Falls Church, they are deeply familiar with the neighborhoods, schools, and market trends that shape local real estate decisions. Their team approach provides clients with responsive service, expert guidance, and consistent communication from start to finish. Whether buying, selling, or simply exploring options, clients benefit from decades of experience and a commitment to personalized service. Be sure to check out their 400+ Zillow reviews to see what friends and neighbors have to say about working with The Gaskins Team.
703.722.0725 • team@thegaskinsteam.com
Miller & Smith • Feels Like Coming Home
Beacon Park at Belmont Bay offers a limited collection of distinctive four-level townhomes featuring rooftop terraces, elevator options, and waterfront-inspired living in Woodbridge. Sales Manager Debora Flora helps homebuyers find a home that blends style, convenience, and low-maintenance living.
Dflora@millerandsmith.com (703) 300-1333
At Birchwood at Brambleton , one of Northern Virginia’s premier 55+ communities, only four homes remain. Sales Manager Eric Hansen assists active adult buyers seeking a vibrant lifestyle with resort-style amenities and a strong sense of community. 571.835.4422 • Ehansen@millerandsmith.com
Tori McKinney & ROCK STAR realty group
Your Home. Your Move. Let’s Make It a Hit. I’m Tori McKinney, CEO and Realtor® with ROCK STAR realty group. I’ve been in real estate for over 21 years and I’ve called Falls Church home for 28. This is my community. I know the streets, the market, and the people. The summer real estate market is sizzling. Right now, homes in Falls Church City are averaging about one week on market and inventory is tight. Sellers who are prepared are coming out on top, and buyers who show up with a strategy are the ones winning. My team and I make sure you’re ready for either.
Got real estate questions? I’ve got coffee. Swing by ROCK the House, Wednesdays from 10 to 11 AM at Northside Social. Let’s chat about your next move.
Tori McKinney | CEO, Realtor® | ROCK STAR realty group
703.867.8674 • Tori@ROCKSTARrealtygroup.com
Saint Exclusion Pest Control Services – Family Owned & Operated
Founded in 2023, Saint Exclusion Pest Control Services is a family-owned and operated company serving Northern Virginia. Owner Tim Saint Rounds brings over 15 years of experience in pest management, rodent control, exclusion services, and pest prevention. Fully licensed and insured in Virginia, we specialize in identifying and sealing pest entry points, rodent control, rodent clean-up, sanitation and disinfecting services, and general pest management. Our mission is to provide honest service, quality workmanship, and longterm solutions that protect homes, businesses, and families from unwanted pests year-round.
703.929.3387 • Saint-Exclusion.com
Zimmermann Homes
Zimmerman builds custom luxury homes of unmatched performance, beauty, and durability. Every home features upgraded products and advanced building techniques for exceptional energy efficiency, low maintenance, and timeless appeal. Work with our talented architect to design your dream home from scratch or select from dozens of proven plans. We can help secure the perfect lot or offer fair market value for your existing property if you’re ready to sell.
Right now, we have exciting off-market opportunities: multiple luxury homes under construction and available for sale in the City of Falls Church & the Haycock School Pyramid—ideal for this spring buying season. We also have select off-market lot opportunities for those seeking prime build sites. Don’t miss these exclusive new-build options! Contact us to learn more!
Sales@ZimmermannHomes.com • zimmermannhomes.com