Northern Virginia Home & Lifestyle — August 12, 2026

Welcome to the inaugural edition.

As a REALTOR®, I have the privilege of seeing our communities through many different perspectives. Every week I meet people beginning a new chapter—whether they’re buying their first home, moving closer to family, downsizing after many wonderful years, or searching for the place that simply feels right.

Those conversations continually remind me that while every home is unique, what truly makes Northern Virginia special is the life we build around it. My hope is that every other Wednesday this publication gives you something useful: an event to enjoy, a local business to discover, a clearer understanding of today’s housing market, or simply a reason to appreciate where we live.

— Tricia Filbert, REALTOR®

Late summer, local markets, and the return to routine.

August has a particular rhythm in Northern Virginia: farmers markets are overflowing with peaches, sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, flowers, artisan breads, local honey, and other seasonal favorites—just as school calendars begin pulling families back into their fall routines.

Back to school means back to traffic.

The familiar yellow buses are returning to Northern Virginia’s roads. For the first few weeks, allow a little extra time during the morning and afternoon commutes while bus routes settle in, families adjust to new schedules, and school zones become busy again.

Worth putting on the calendar.

Aug. 14 · Fairfax — Movies Under the Moon

Aug. 15 · Middleburg — Wild Virginia & Kickin’ Back at the MCC

Aug. 21 · Middleburg — Bryan Fox & Friends

Aug. 22 · Middleburg — Midsummer Nocturne

Event schedules can change; confirm details with the organizer before heading out.

8109 Counselor Road

Some homes simply have a way of making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. 8109 Counselor Road combines comfortable living spaces with thoughtful updates and a wooded setting that makes everyday life feel just a little more enjoyable.

VIEW PROPERTY DETAILS

More choice does not mean the same market everywhere.

Prince William County illustrates why the headline numbers need context. Overall active inventory was up 24.5% from June 2025, but detached-home inventory was essentially flat at +0.5%. Townhome inventory, by contrast, rose 49.7%. Detached homes still moved quickly, with a $745,000 median price and a 7-day median market time.

For homeowners, the practical message is simple: buyers have more choices, but desirable, well-prepared homes can still command attention. Pricing, presentation, and property type matter more than a single countywide statistic.

Source: Bright MLS, June 2026 Housing Market Reports; data as of July 7, 2026.

A little attention now can protect value later.

Late summer is one of the best times to complete the projects that protect your home’s value. Pressure washing, touching up exterior paint, refreshing mulch, trimming landscaping, and servicing outdoor living spaces now can make a noticeable difference next spring—and make your home shine if your plans unexpectedly change.

“The homes that create the strongest first impression almost always receive the strongest interest.”

Could you know the right home?

I’m currently working with buyers hoping to find main-level living with a finished basement, less than 3,000 square feet, a private fenced yard, and a location in Gainesville, Haymarket, Nokesville, or one of the surrounding communities. Their budget is up to $750,000.

If a home comes to mind—even one that is not currently on the market—I’d be happy to have a conversation.

El Tío · Gainesville

Every community has those restaurants that become neighborhood favorites, and El Tío is certainly one of mine. If you’re planning dinner out this month, I highly recommend the Bistec con Camarones—steak with shrimp in a garlic sauce. It’s my favorite item on the menu.

Autumn is beginning to come into view.

Fall festivals, winery harvest celebrations, community fairs, apple-orchard openings, and the first unmistakable signs of autumn are coming into view. I’ll highlight the ones worth planning for in the next edition.

Real estate has always been a relationship business for me.

If someone you care about could use thoughtful guidance with a move, I’m always happy to be a resource.

Curious What Your Home Is Worth?

Whether you’re considering a move or simply keeping an eye on your investment, understanding your home’s current market position is useful information to have.