Northern Virginia Home & Lifestyle — September 18, 2026
Home & Lifestyle
A little more time outside.
September is one of those months that asks us to pay a little more attention.
The days are still warm enough to sit outside with a cup of coffee, enjoy dinner on the patio or head out for a hike without bundling up—but the afternoon light is already beginning to fade a little earlier.
It is a good reminder to enjoy this in-between season while it is here. Take the walk. Sit outside a little longer. Find a trail you have not explored. Open the windows on a comfortable evening.
Fall will be here soon enough. For now, September gives us a little more time to enjoy Northern Virginia outdoors.
— Tricia Filbert, REALTOR®️
Fall-festival season begins.
The calendar begins to feel unmistakably autumnal this weekend, with several Northern Virginia traditions returning.
Cox Farms Fall Festival · Centreville
September 19–November 8
The 90-acre fall tradition returns with its signature hayride, giant slides, farm animals, cornfield adventures, apples and cider. Tickets are sold online.
Reston Multicultural Festival · Reston
September 19 · 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Reston Town Center hosts the festival’s 25th-anniversary celebration, featuring performances, visual arts and cultural traditions.
50th Annual Falls Church Festival
September 19 · 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
The festival includes live entertainment, local businesses, children’s activities, a beer garden and the Taste of Falls Church.
Colonial Market & Fair · Mount Vernon
September 19–20 · 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon becomes an 18th-century marketplace with artisan demonstrations, traditional wares and period entertainment.
Old Town Alexandria Art Festival
September 26–27
King Street becomes an outdoor art gallery for the weekend—an easy reason to spend an early-fall day exploring Old Town.
14261 Clubhouse Road
Offered at $970,000, this four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath Potomac model by NVR Builders offers three finished levels and 4,825 finished square feet.
Hardwood flooring extends throughout the main level, connecting the formal living and dining rooms, private office, bright kitchen, vaulted sunroom and sunken family room. White cabinetry, granite counters, double wall ovens and a gas cooktop give the kitchen a clean, practical finish.
A custom stone fireplace anchors the adjoining living space, while French doors open to a large wood deck overlooking the wooded backyard.
4 bedrooms · 4½ baths · 4,825 finished sq. ft.
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More choice—but every home is still its own market.
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$750K
Median Price
−1.3% YoY
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3,025
Active Listings
+19.6% YoY
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21
Average DOM
+5.0% YoY
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2.13
Months Supply
+14.8% YoY
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One of the most noticeable changes in Northern Virginia’s housing market has been the increase in available inventory.
For buyers, more listings can mean more time to compare homes and, depending on the individual property, greater room to discuss terms. But “more inventory” describes the regional market—not necessarily the home a buyer wants.
A well-priced, carefully prepared home in a desirable neighborhood can behave very differently from one that has been sitting on the market. Conditions also vary between neighborhoods, property types and price ranges.
For buyers, the useful question is not simply, “Is this a buyer’s market?”
For sellers, buyers having more alternatives makes pricing, preparation, presentation and positioning increasingly important.
Source: Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®️ / Bright MLS · August 2026 regional housing data.
Fall light has a way of revealing the windows.
As the days grow shorter and we spend more time indoors, natural light becomes increasingly valuable. It is also when summer’s pollen, dust and streaks can become particularly noticeable.
Early fall is a practical time to clean the glass, screens, tracks and sills before colder weather arrives. Clear windows can make rooms feel brighter while also providing an opportunity to spot damaged screens, deteriorating seals or exterior caulking that may need attention.
You do not need to be ready to buy to be ready to plan.
Not every home search begins with a showing. Sometimes it begins with a question: What could I comfortably afford? Should I sell first? Is there enough inventory for what I need? Is now even the right time?
I am currently welcoming new buyer clients throughout Northern Virginia. Whether you are purchasing your first home, looking for more space, downsizing, relocating or simply trying to understand your options, we can begin by developing a strategy.
Regal Window Cleaner
Fall has a way of bringing the home-maintenance list we ignored during summer back into view.
One project worth moving toward the top is having the windows professionally cleaned before cold weather brings us indoors and the shorter days make natural light increasingly precious.
For window cleaning, Andrew at Regal Window Cleaner is the person I recommend speaking with.
Ask for Andrew and tell him Tricia sent you.
October is beginning to fill the calendar.
September 25–27
Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend brings concerts, a parade and its signature sand-sculpting competition to the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
September 26–27
Mosaic Fall Festival brings seasonal food, entertainment and artisan vendors to Mosaic District.
October 3
Historic Downtown Manassas Fall Jubilee returns as October begins.
October 10
The Fall Festival returns to Old Town Historic Fairfax.
October 15–18
The Middleburg Film Festival returns to Loudoun County—one to place on the calendar now if you enjoy film, conversation and a fall weekend in Middleburg.
Event schedules can change because of weather, capacity or other considerations. Confirm current details with the organizer before heading out.
Real estate has always been a relationship business for me.
If someone you care about could use thoughtful guidance with a move—or simply needs a reliable place to begin asking questions—I am always happy to be a resource.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
Whether you are considering a move or simply keeping an eye on your investment, understanding your home’s current market position is useful information to have.
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