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SPRING HOME & GARDEN 2020: Navigating D.C.’s housing market in COVID era

Coronavirus impacting cities in different ways

Published

6 years ago

on

real estate covid, gay news, Washington Blade
real estate covid, gay news, Washington Blade
(Photo by Carol Highsmith for the National Park Service)

The cherry blossom trees are beginning to bloom and the weather is warming up in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Springtime is generally the time D.C.’s housing market hits a high. How will COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus, affect the market?

The two main concerns Americans have right now are health and the economy. Schools are closed and places of business have shut their doors and many may never reopen. But what does that really mean for the housing market? And although a recession would have catastrophic consequences for our economy, historically speaking the housing market isn’t closely aligned with the ebbs and flows of the stock market, not including the housing market crash of 2008, which was unlike our current predicament. The 2008 recession was led by real estate that lasted 18 months. Although we are likely in a recession right now, it is too early to see what kind of effect it will have on home prices.

D.C. market stronger than other cities

It is looking like the greater metropolitan D.C. area may get through this pandemic in better shape than many other areas of the country due to our unique local economy. Local Realtors are reporting requests for showings and listings. This is most likely due to the housing shortage D.C. is facing. D.C. has faced a shortage of housing for years. The people in this area are in need of housing and the coronavirus is not eliminating that demand. The lack of inventory is the reason D.C.-area homes are expensive and coming into spring 2020, many expected record sales prices throughout the region.

This housing shortage isn’t expected to go away anytime soon, even with our current pandemic. The nation’s capital and its contracted companies alone employ thousands of people, many essential with work-from-home capacity. Because of the federal government and internet-based companies in the D.C. area, when the stock market falls it doesn’t hit quite as hard in D.C. According to Clint Mann, Urban Pace’s president of sales and marketing, new home sales are trending to beat projections. Just last weekend, eNvy, a new condo development in the city’s Ballpark District, received more interested buyers than it has in all of 2020. This may be due to a younger population interested in purchasing a condominium and their belief they will not get sick from the virus. Regardless of our current situation, this is not a city where people are rushing to get out. In fact, it is quite the opposite. People are trying to get into the D.C. greater metropolitan area.

Should I enter the market?

We have known D.C. to be a seller’s market for quite some time. Will it continue to be? That is impossible to predict at this uncertain time, but there is a chance that it will continue. Much of this is dependent upon mortgage rates. Right now they are up, down, and then up again due to our uncertain situation. People are asking, “should I buy a house?” “Should I sell my house?” COVID-19 is terrifying, there is no question about that. However, anyone entering the housing market may find themselves with the benefit of low rates and less competition. If you have to have to sell a home, you will very likely find a willing buyer.

If you spend any time at all online or watching the news you will see news reports that will tell you America is on its way to another recession and other reports predicting everything will level off and we will survive this pandemic and economic crisis just fine.

You need to determine why you are selling or buying a home. Pay attention to national and local trends. We at Glass House have helped several buyers and sellers during this time and each situation is unique. We have our finger on the pulse of the local market and are well equipped to help you determine whether buying or selling is right for you.

Khalil Alexander El-Ghoul is principal broker with Glass House Real Estate. Reach him at [email protected] or 571-235-4821.

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

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10 hours ago

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January 16, 2026

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(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC. 

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment. 

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

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Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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10 hours ago

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January 16, 2026

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Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP. 

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

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Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

Published

10 hours ago

on

January 16, 2026

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(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.

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