
Our Latest Posts
Are you caught up on the latest real estate trends? Looking for tips for your next purchase or sale? Wondering what renovation and staging advice is out there? Find all of that (and more!) right here on our blog.

The Fairlington Flip Project: Transforming 4318 35th St S
???? FLIP ALERT ???? Join us as we document the process of flipping a Clarendon I unit at 4318 35th St S in the heart of Fairlington! It may not look like much right now, but when it’s done, it’s going to be a beauty! ???? Introduction Welcome to our exciting journey of transforming a Clarendon I unit in Fairlington. At 4318 35th St S, we’re turning a blank canvas into a masterpiece. Let’s dive into the transformation process. Before Photos To give you a glimpse of where we started, here are some “before” photos of the unit: Phase 1:...

Home Affordability: How Much House Can You Afford?
Figuring out how much home can I afford is a common question for many prospective homeowners. Our home affordability calculator simplifies this by providing a clear estimate based on your financial details. Why Use a Mortgage Budget Tool? When setting out on the journey to buy a new home, many turn to a mortgage budget tool to set realistic expectations. Using a house cost estimator like ours ensures you only view properties within your financial capability. Consider our platform as your personal property affordability tool, guiding you in every step of the home buying journey. Benefits of a Home Purchase...

30 Years? Ask About Mortgage Planning.
Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Mortgage Plans The Concern Around Increasing Mortgage Rates The recent and rapid increase in interest rates has certainly created concern. While the 11 increases in the Fed Benchmark Rate since the Fed began its inflation fight in March 2022 do not have a direct impact on mortgage rates, 11 straight rate increases currently the top story all over the media does shock the market. Mortgage rates have increased from a low of 2.96% in 2021 to an average mortgage rate close to 7% in 2023 creating concern for prospective buyers. Understanding the 30-Year Mortgage...

Selling Arlington, VA: Navigating the Real Estate Market
Arlington, Virginia, is a thriving urban area with a robust real estate market. The city is known for its high-quality schools, excellent public transportation, and vibrant cultural scene. Navigating the Arlington real estate market can be complex. This is true whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time home seller. This infor will give you an overview of the market. It will also provide practical advice to help you make the most of your real estate transaction. Understanding the Arlington Real Estate Market Key Market Trends Rising Property Values: Over the past decade, property values in Arlington have consistently...

Unlocking Your Dream Home: Join Our FREE Home Buyer Seminar in Arlington!
Unlocking Your Dream Home: Home Buyer Seminar in Shirlington Village Date: Wednesday, August 23 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Reserve Your Seat Here! Are You Ready to Own a Home? Thinking about buying your dream home in Arlington, Virginia? Let Kay Houghton & Associates guide you through the home-buying process at our exclusive Home Buyer Seminar in Shirlington Village. Come and join us for an opportunity to gain knowledge and uncover: – Unraveling the Mystery of Purchasing a Home – Keeping Up with the Current Market Patterns in Arlington, Virginia – Gain Valuable Advice and Knowledge to Assist You in...

Celebrating a New Chapter: Kay Houghton and Associates’ Grand Opening in Shirlington
We are thrilled to announce a new milestone in our journey. On June 15, Kay Houghton and Associates officially opened its doors at our brand new office in the Village at Shirlington, marking an exciting chapter in our continuing story. The grand opening launch party was a truly memorable day. As we swung open our doors, the warmth and support of our clients, friends, and colleagues who turned out in numbers was truly heartening. A shared sense of camaraderie and excitement for the future filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere that was nothing short of inspiring. Our launch party...

Best Time to Sell a Home in Virginia
Selling a house can be daunting, especially when you need to figure out the right time to sell. The timing of your home sale can significantly impact the selling price, the number of offers you receive, and the time it takes to sell your property. In Arlington, Alexandria and the surrounding Northern Virginia area, there are certain times of the year are considered better for selling a house. And according to REALTOR.com, there is a week that represents a balanced selection of market conditions that favor sellers. “The week of April 16-22 is expected to have the ideal balance of...

How Have Higher Interest Rates Impacted the Real Estate Market?
The real estate market has changed a lot in less than a year, mainly due to higher interest rates. To help make sense of it, we’re breaking down what this means for buyers and sellers, how we got here, and where the market is going. Multiple rate increases by the Federal Reserve have drastically increased what were record-low mortgage interest rates. The average mortgage rate at the beginning of 2022 was 3.22% and was 6.70% by the end of September. For a $500,000 home with 5% down, the difference in monthly payment is over $1,000 per month! To put it...

Kay Houghton & Associates: A Triple Crown Recipient of the Washingtonian Magazine “Platinum Top Producer”
A Prestigious Recognition We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Kay Houghton & Associates has been named a “Platinum Top Producer” by Washingtonian Magazine for three consecutive years in 2019, 2020, and 2021! This prestigious accolade recognizes real estate agents and teams who have produced the highest sales volumes in the preceding year. The Washingtonian Magazine bases its list on surveys sent to over 50,000 subscribers and nearly 2,000 agents who made the previous year’s “Best Agents and Top Producers” lists, asking for names of agents they’ve most enjoyed working with, considering a number of criteria including market knowledge and...
