Living
Techie wonders
Here are several red hot stocking stuffers that’ll have you surfing, texting and gaming in new, fun ways
Editor’s note: part two (of five) of our gift guide. Next week — gifts for kids. Last week’s on books, movies and CDs is here.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday come up again, a lot of retailers will be offering big sales. Here are some electronics to look for that will likely be offered at some great prices.
eReaders
Kindle
Amazon’s Kindle with WiFi now comes in a different color, graphite. The new reader is smaller, but has the same 6-inch screen. It’s 17 percent lighter and has double the storage. Out-of-copyright books are free as well as samples and all other books are $9.99 or less. The Kindle is $139 and can be bought at amazon.com or Staples.
NOOK
Barnes & Noble’s NOOK now comes with a 7-inch color touchscreen. The NOOKcolor includes a new feature, NOOKkids, which brings picture books to life for children and will even read the books out loud. Books are $9.99 or less. NOOKcolor with wifi is $249 and can be purchased from b&n.com or other stores including Best Buy.
Sony Reader
Sony’s Reader Touch Edition features a 6-inch clear touch screen that “reads like a real book.” Coming in two colors, red or black, the Reader can hold up to 50,000 books, allows for freehand highlight and note taking, and can play MP3 audio files. The Reader costs $229.99 and can be purchased as sony.com or many other stores including Wal-Mart.
Video Games
Playstation 3 has come out with new hardware giving games a more interactive feel with Move. Amazon.com is offering a bundle with a 320 GB console and a Move starter pack which includes the EyeCam, Move controller and Sports Champions game for $399.
Heavy Rain
PS3 game, “Heavy Rain” ($59.99), is an action-packed adventure with four playable characters with savable chapters. It has become Move compatible through a Playstation Network software update.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the “Super Mario Bros.” game, Ninetendo is releasing a special limited edition red Wii bundle this holiday season. The bundle includes red versions of the console, Wii remote, nunchuck and a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports ($199.99).
Donkey Kong Country Returns
“Donkey Kong Country Returns” ($49.99) is on Wii and is the first time in the franchise history that two people can play together at the same time, one as Donkey Kong and one as Diddy Kong.
Xbox 360 also has new hardware to make its games more interactive with Kinect, which makes the player the controller. Microsoft is offering a bundle with a 250 GB console, the Kinect censor, “Kinect Adventures” game and a choice of a second game, including “Kinect Sports,” all for $449.98.
“Dance Central” is a new game with a soundtrack that spans today’s current pop, hip-hop and R&B artists with dance routines that incorporate authentic choreography without the use of any controller.
Apple
Apple has redesigned its iPod Nano. Now just big enough to fit a small touchscreen, the Nano no longer has the click wheel like the Classic and you can shuffle through songs with a quick shake. You can even listen to FM radio. Also has a built-in clip to listen hands free. An 8GB nano is $149 and a 16GB is $179.
iPod Touch has received an update as well. It now features FaceTime, HD video recording and a dual camera for taking pictures on either side of the iPod. An 8GB Touch is $229, a 32GB is $299 and a 64GB is $399.
Apple iPad, starting from $499, has a 9.7-inch Multi-Touch display and features many of the same apps as an iPhone, with some apps only compatible on the iPad. Makes for a great photo album or screen to watch movies. The iPad comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models.
Apple TV ($99) hooks up to your television at home giving you instant access to HD movies on iTunes as well as Netflix, YouTube and more. Have an iPod, iPhone or iPad? Download the remote app and control Apple TV with one touch.
10 Interesting Apps on iTunes
Robot Unicorn Attack by Adult Swim features a robot unicorn that runs and jumps through the sky collecting fairies and rainbow-attacking giant stars all to the tune of “Always” by Erasure ($1.99). A Heavy Metal edition featuring “Battlefield” by Blind Guardian can also be purchased.
Scene It? Happy Potter is the perfect app for any Harry Potter fan. Includes 30 distinct quiz sets with 16 puzzle types. This app features questions based on movie clips, images and more ($1.99). There is an HD version of this game for the iPad that costs $4.99.
Angry Birds has been on iTunes top paid apps for a long time now and is in the essentials group, Hall of Famers. Angry Birds has 195 levels that require logic, skill and brute force (99 cents).
Trivia Master! features more than 3,000 questions falling into one of eight categories, general knowledge, entertainment, arts and literature, sports, science and nature, geography, history and politics and food and drink ($1.99).
Tetris is now on iPhone with this app that features classic marathon mode and new magic mode with includes five new versions. You can even listen and control your music while playing ($2.99). There’s an iPad version for $7.99
Food Network: In the Kitchen features recipes from Food Network stars like Paula Deen, Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri. Not only do you get the recipes, the app lets you click and save ingredients to your phone for shopping trips and cool tools such as a unti converter, cooking timer and more ($1.99).
Lady Gaga Revenge 2, from the developers of Tap Tap Revenge, this game includes “Bad Romance,” “Alejandro” and eight other tracks never before put on a Tap Tap game plus four boss tracks ($4.99).
Grindr X(tra), compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, this is a premium version of Grindr with extras like push notification, swiping through profiles, no ad banner and 11 more guys in your area ($2.99).
Instapaper allows you to save web pages for offline reading. This paid edition allows for sharing via email, Tumblr or Twitter, download up to 500 articles and store unlimited on the website and rotation lock ($4.99).
Nike + GPS, compatible with iPhone and iPod touch, tracks indoor and outdoor workouts without a sensor. This app will record pace, distance and run route using the GPS and accelerometer technology ($1.99).
Kitchen Appliances
Nostalgia Electrics has brought a little piece of the movie theater to home with its Hollywood Kettle Popcorn Maker ($99.99) which makes eight popped cups of popcorn and features a light-up marquee. Add your name or a fun message with 150 vinyl letters included. Available at bedbathandbeyond.com.
Crock-Pot’s Cook and Carry Slow Cooker is a six quart cooler with removable oval stoneware, lid-mounted locking system, convenient warm setting and has a dishwasher safe stoneware and lid. Don’t forget to down load the free Recipe Finder app from iTunes.
Gadgets and Accessories
Heartbeats are high performance in-ear headphones designed by Lady Gaga. These give pitch-perfect highs and club caliber bass. Available in Black Chrome, Bright Chrome and Rose Red with or without ControlTalk, a built-in mic that enables hands-free calls and chat ($119.95 or $149.95).
C.H.I.M.P Rearview Monitor Mirror, available at thinkgeek.com, is a mirror that fits easily on either corner of a monitor with velcro to see who is coming up from behind ($7.99).
Mimobot offers a variety of designer USB Flash Drives including characters from Hello Kitty, Star Wars, Halo and Happy Tree Friends as well as original characters like Fairybit (seen here). Prices range from $24.95 for a 2GB drive to $79.95 for 16GB. Visit mimoco.com to purchase.
KIWI U-Powered ($59.99) can be charged by USP port, car charger, solar energy and a wall charger then will hold its power for at least six months. Compatible with phones, iPods, iPad, GPS and more, the charger comes with a pack of 11 different tips to charge all your electronic gadgets. Find at kiwichoice.com.
The Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote ($249.99) from Logitech features a backlit, full-color touch screen, can control up to 15 devices and recharges with included base, getting rid of the need for batteries. Available at logitech.com.
Thinkgeek.com’s Retro Phone Handset ($29.99) connects to most cell phones via a 2.5mm jack, but not some newer Blackberry models, RAZR or Nokia phones and no batteries required. You can also get the Bluetooth Retro Handset which works with Bluetooth V1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 with a USB charged battery ($29.99).
Real Estate
2026: prices, pace, and winter weather
Lingering snow cover, sub-freezing temperatures have impacted area housing market
The D.C. metropolitan area’s housing market remains both pricey and complex. Buyers and sellers are navigating not only high costs and shifting buyer preferences, but also seasonal weather conditions that influence construction, inventory, showings, and marketing time.
Seasonality has long affected the housing market across the U.S. Activity typically peaks in spring and summer and dips in winter; however, January and February 2026 brought unusually cold spells to our area, with extended freezing conditions.
Persistent snow and ice-covered roads and sidewalks have gone for days, and in some cases weeks, before melting. While snow accumulation normally averages only a few inches this time of year, this winter saw below-normal temperatures and lingering snow cover that has significantly disrupted normal activity.
Rather than relying on neighborhood teenagers to shovel snow to make some extra money, the “snowcrete” has required ice picks, Bobcats, and snow removal professionals to clear streets and alleys, free our cars from their parking spaces, and restore availability of mass transit.
These winter conditions have had an adverse impact on the regional housing market in several ways.
- Construction slowdown: New builds and exterior improvements often pause during extended cold, resulting in delayed housing starts when we need affordable housing in the worst way.
- Listing preparation: Cleaning crews, sign installers, photographers, and stagers with trucks full of furniture may be unable to navigate roads and need to postpone service.
- Showings and open houses: Simply put, buyers are less inclined to schedule visits in hazardous conditions. Sellers must ensure walkways and parking areas are clear and de-iced and be able to vacate the property while viewings are taking place.
- Inspection and appraisal delays: Like buyers and sellers, ancillary professionals may be delayed by unfavorable weather, slowing timelines from contract to close.
- Maintenance and repairs: Properties with winter damage (e.g., ice dams or frozen pipes) may experience repair delays due to contractor availability and supply chain schedules. Snow and cold can also affect properties with older and more delicate systems adversely, leading some sellers to delay listing until better conditions arrive.
- Availability of labor: Increasingly, construction, landscaping, and domestic workers are reluctant to come into the District, not because of ice, but because of ICE.
Overall, the District has shown a notable increase in days on the market compared with past years. Homes that once sold in a week or less are now often listed for 30+ days before obtaining an offer, especially in the condominium and mid-range house segments. While part of this shift can be attributed to weather and climate, interest rates, uncertain employment, temporary furloughs, and general economic conditions play key roles.
Nonetheless, we continue to host some of the region’s most expensive residences. Historic estates, including a Georgetown mansion that sold for around $28 million, anchor the luxury segment and reflect ongoing demand for premium urban property.
But even in this high-end housing sector, marketing strategies are evolving based on seasonal realities. Price reductions on unique or niche properties, such as undersized or unconventional homes, reflect a broader market adjustment where competitive pricing can shorten selling time.
For example, a beautifully renovated, 4-story brick home with garage parking and multiple decks that overlook the Georgetown waterfront sold in early February for 90 percent of the list price after 50 days on the market.
At the other end of the spectrum, a 2-bedroom investor-special rowhouse in Anacostia only took eight days to sell for under $200,000, down 14 percent from its original list price. In addition, four D.C. homes took more than 250 days to sell, including an 8-bedroom rooming house that was on the market for 688 days and closed after a 23 percent downward price adjustment.
Some frustrated sellers are simply taking their homes off the market rather than dropping prices below their mortgage balances, although we are beginning to see the resurgence of short sales for those who must sell.
Condominiums and cooperatives offer many opportunities for buyers and investors, with 1,100 of them currently on the market in D.C. alone. List prices run the gamut from $55,000 for a studio along the Southwest Waterfront to nearly $5 million for five bedrooms, four full baths, and 4,400 square feet at the Watergate.
So, while Washington metro area prices remain high, the pace of sales now reflects both seasonal and economic realities. Homes taking longer to sell, in part caused by elements of winter, signal a shifting market where buyers can take more time to decide which home to choose and have a better negotiating posture than in recent years.
Accordingly, sellers must continue to price strategically, primp and polish their homes, and prepare for additional adverse circumstances by reviewing fluctuating market conditions with their REALTOR® of choice.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at (202) 246-8602, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Autos
Going for gold: Ford Bronco Sport vs. Toyota RAV4
SUV world has share of bright lights, bold entrances, cut-throat competitors
Let the games begin! Just like the Winter Olympics this month, the SUV world has its share of bright lights, bold entrances, and cut-throat competitors.
Enter the Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4, both ready to claim the podium but each with a different routine. Think hiking boots versus minimalist trainers. Dirt trails versus perfectly paved roadways.
FORD BRONCO SPORT
$34,000
MPG: 25 city/30 highway
0 to 60 mph: 8.2 seconds
Cargo space: 32.5 cu. ft.
PROS: Boxy chic. Off-road ready. Easy-clean interior.
CONS: Meh gas mileage. Firm ride. Outside noise.
The Bronco Sport doesn’t try to blend in — and that’s the point. With an upright stance, squared lines and retro-rugged styling, this compact SUV looks ready for a backcountry photoshoot before you’ve even left the driveway.
Power comes from a three-cylinder turbo engine that handles daily driving with ease. Opt for the four-cylinder turbo, and the personality shifts from relaxed to assertive. Passing power improves. Highway merges are confident rather than cautious.
The standard 4×4 system sets the tone immediately. Traction is constant. Confidence is built in. Add the G.O.A.T. drive trains (in Ford cute-speak, this means “Goes Over Any Terrain”), and the Bronco Sport adapts to mud, sand, snow and rocks like a decathlete moving between events. Higher trims add skid plates, upgraded suspension and special hardware that makes rough territory feel less intimidating.
On pavement, the Bronco Sport is stable and composed, though the firm suspension can be ass-busting over deep potholes and such. And wind noise at highway speeds is kinda annoying, a tradeoff for the boxy profile.
Inside, durability meets thoughtful design. Rubberized surfaces and easy-clean materials welcome muddy boots, sandy paws or ambitious weekend projects. The cargo area features a flip-up rear window and adjustable floor, making it a breeze to load gear. Storage cubbies and nylon straps keep equipment organized without fuss.
Safety and other tech amenities are modern and practical. Wireless smartphone integration, cameras and driver-assistance gizmos such as adaptive cruise control make daily driving and long trips easier to manage.
What truly sets this SUV apart? In a sea of aerodynamic lemmings, the Bronco Sport feels like a free spirit. Rugged. Confident. A little rebellious.
And, like alpine skier Breezy Johnson, it looks particularly good with a bit of trail dust.
TOYOTA RAV4
$34,000
MPG: 47 city/40 highway
0 to 60 mph: 7.1 seconds
Cargo space: 37.8 cu. ft.
PROS: Fuel savvy. Spacious. Tech-laden features.
CONS: Less-sporty ride. Blasé base trim. Pricey options.
If the Bronco Sport is the adventurous wanderer, the Toyota RAV4 is the precision athlete who arrives early, stretches properly and performs effortlessly. Cue figure skaters Amber Glenn or Paul Poirier and you get the picture.
Fully redesigned for 2026, this compact SUV retains a formula that has made it one of the best-selling vehicles in America, blending efficiency, versatility and lots of tech features.
Toyota nixed the traditional gas engine for the RAV4, but that’s just fine. All models are now either standard hybrids, with fuel economy in the mid-40 mpg range, or plug-in hybrids, which can go up to 50 miles on battery power alone. The result: Vehicles that can handle daily commutes in near silence while retaining long-distance flexibility that would make an Olympic coach proud.
Acceleration is smooth and responsive, particularly in the plug-in hybrid, which is surprisingly quick. The transition between electric and gas power is seamless, though heavy throttle inputs mean the engine sometimes sounds strained. Handling is more predictable than sporty, so this was a minor deduction on the RAV4’s scorecard … at least from me.
But overall comfort is outstanding. The suspension absorbs potholes and uneven pavement with ease, and cabin noise remains impressively low at highway speeds. Long road trips feel relaxed rather than fatiguing — less triathlon grind, more victory lap.
Toyota’s Safety Sense offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, enhanced collision avoidance and other systems that operate smoothly without seeming intrusive.
Inside, the revamped cabin is user-friendly. Materials are more refined than before, especially in mid- and upper-level trims. A large, high-resolution touchscreen supports the latest apps, voice commands and over-the-air updates. Such a layout is intuitive instead of flashy — stylish athleisure rather than couture.
Passenger space is generous, and cargo capacity remains among the most practical in this segment. The wide opening is especially helpful when tossing in luggage, sports equipment or an overly optimistic warehouse haul.
For drivers like me who are quick to judge efficiency, reliability and daily usability, the RAV4 delivered a gold-medal performance.
Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as a celebration of romantic love — flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. But for many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, Valentine’s Day can also be a moment to reflect on something deeper: the love that creates a safe, welcoming home.
For LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers, homeownership is more than a financial milestone—it is an act of belonging, resilience, and pride. Owning a home can mean finally having a place where you can hold hands with your partner on the front porch, decorate with your authentic style, and build a life free from judgment. In this way, buying or selling a home is one of the most meaningful love stories many LGBTQ+ people will ever write.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple upgrading your space, or an LGBTQ+ seller moving on to your next chapter, it’s worth thinking about how love, identity, and real estate intersect—and how to navigate that journey with confidence, protection, and the right support.
Love, Identity, and the Meaning of ‘Home’
For generations, LGBTQ+ people were denied equal access to housing, homeownership, and legal protections. Even today, many LGBTQ+ home buyers still face subtle bias, uncomfortable interactions, or outright discrimination in the real estate process.
That’s why finding LGBTQ+ friendly real estate and an affirming gay friendly realtor or lesbian realtor matters so much. A home isn’t just a building—it’s a personal sanctuary. Working with LGBTQ+ real estate agents who understand your lived experience can make all the difference between a stressful transaction and a joyful one.
For over 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the leading gay real estate network, connecting LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers with gay real estate agents, lesbian real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly realtors who truly “get it.” Their mission has always been simple yet powerful: to ensure that every LGBTQ+ person has access to safe, respectful, and inclusive real estate services.
Finding Your Match: Choosing the Right LGBTQ+ Friendly Realtor
Much like dating, finding the right real estate agent is about compatibility, trust, and communication. Here are some key tips for choosing the best LGBTQ+ real estate representation:
- Look for experience with LGBTQ+ clients. Search for a gay realtor near me or lesbian realtor near me through GayRealEstate.com, where agents are vetted for cultural competency and community commitment.
- Ask about their experience with same-sex couple home buying. A strong agent should understand issues like joint ownership, legal protections, and financing considerations.
- Choose someone who listens. You should feel safe sharing your priorities—whether that includes proximity to LGBTQ+ nightlife, affirming schools, or lesbian-friendly neighborhoods.
- Prioritize respect and transparency. Your agent should advocate for you, not just push a quick sale.
The right gay friendly real estate agent isn’t just helping you buy a house—they’re helping you find a place to build your life.
Best Cities for LGBTQ+ Home Buyers
If love is your compass, location is your map. Some of the best cities for LGBTQ+ home buyers consistently offer strong community presence, legal protections, and welcoming neighborhoods:
- Wilton Manors, Florida – A hub for LGBTQ+ culture with thriving LGBTQ+ real estate opportunities
- Palm Springs, California – A long-standing LGBTQ+ retirement and second-home destination
- Provincetown, Massachusetts – Historic LGBTQ+ community with progressive housing protections
- Asheville, North Carolina – Growing market with inclusive real estate services
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Diverse, welcoming, and highly sought-after for LGBTQ+ home ownership
Working with GayRealEstate.com allows you to connect with local LGBTQ+ real estate experts who know these markets inside and out.
Navigating Legal Protections in LGBTQ+ Real Estate
Love is universal—but legal protections are not always consistent. Understanding your rights is essential when buying or selling a home as an LGBTQ+ person.
Key protections include:
- Fair Housing Act (FHA): Prohibits discrimination based on sex, which courts have increasingly interpreted to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
- State and local protections: Many cities and states offer additional safeguards against LGBTQ+ housing discrimination.
- Same-sex couple legal considerations: If you are married, joint ownership is typically straightforward. If not, consult an attorney about co-ownership agreements.
A knowledgeable LGBTQ+ friendly realtor from GayRealEstate.com can help guide you through these complexities and connect you with trusted legal professionals when needed.
Buying a Home as an LGBTQ+ Person: Practical Tips
If you’re embarking on your home-buying journey this Valentine’s season, here are smart, practical steps to take:
- Clarify your priorities. Do you want a vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood, quiet suburbs, or access to queer community spaces?
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This strengthens your position in competitive markets.
- Work with an LGBTQ+ real estate agent. Searching “finding a gay real estate agent” or “finding a lesbian real estate agent” through GayRealEstate.com is a great first step.
- Research inclusive communities. Some neighborhoods are more welcoming than others.
- Know your rights. If you experience bias, document it and seek legal guidance.
Buying a home is an act of self-love—and community love.
Selling a Home as an LGBTQ+ Person
Selling can be just as emotional as buying, especially if your home represents years of memories with your partner, friends, or chosen family.
When selling a home as an LGBTQ+ person, consider:
- Working with a gay friendly realtor who will market your home inclusively
- Highlighting LGBTQ+ community appeal in listings
- Being prepared for potential buyer bias (and knowing how to respond)
- Leaning on GayRealEstate.com’s LGBTQ+ real estate services for trusted guidance
Your story—and your home—deserve respect.
Real Estate for LGBTQ+ Families
More LGBTQ+ couples are raising children, fostering, or building blended families. This makes homeownership even more meaningful.
When searching for real estate for LGBTQ+ families, consider:
- LGBTQ+ affirming school districts
- Family-friendly queer communities
- Safe neighborhoods with inclusive values
- Access to LGBTQ+ resources and social networks
GayRealEstate.com specializes in helping LGBTQ+ families find homes that truly fit their lives.
Love, Pride, and Homeownership
At its core, Valentine’s Day is about connection. For LGBTQ+ people, homeownership can be one of the most profound expressions of love—love for yourself, your partner, your family, and your future.
Whether you are a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple relocating, or an LGBTQ+ seller moving forward, you deserve an experience rooted in dignity, fairness, and celebration.
For over three decades, GayRealEstate.com has stood as the leading source for LGBTQ+ real estate, gay real estate, lesbian real estate, and LGBTQ+ home buying and selling representation. Their nationwide network of gay real estate agents, lesbian-friendly real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly realtors ensures that your real estate journey is guided by professionals who understand your heart—and your home.
This Valentine’s Day, let your next chapter be written in a place where you can truly belong. Because when love leads the way, home is never far behind.
Scott Helms is president and owner of Gayrealestate.com.
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2026: prices, pace, and winter weather
