Real Estate
The history of presidential homes
From Mount Vernon to Rehoboth Beach
When I lived in what was West Germany in the late ‘80s, my job allowed me to travel frequently throughout Western Europe. I learned that you can’t go to Salzburg, Austria without running into something Mozart related.
The house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born was built in the 12th century. The family lived in an apartment on the third floor. The building is now a museum and there are more sites honoring his talent throughout the city.
It seemed that the public wanted to get in on the action too because I found no less than six other houses in the city that sported a historical marker reading Mozart Geburtshaus (Mozart’s Birthplace) which, like “Bill Clinton slept here,” was a very popular sign.
If you lived in the DMV pre-pandemic, chances are you’ve been to or taken friends to Mount Vernon Estate, George Washington’s home in Fairfax County, Va. The Palladian home was built in 1734 and expanded several times. Although I have searched three times, I still can’t find any remnants of that cherry tree he purportedly chopped down.
The tradition of letting the public visit the home is more than 200 years old. George, a great host, is said to have announced, “I have no objection to any sober or orderly person’s gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings.”
Upon their return from London in 1788, John Adams and his wife, Abigail, lived at Peacefield, an historic estate and farm in Braintree, Mass., which was renamed Quincy in 1792. When John became president, Abigail embarked on a 12-year renovation project to expand the home from a small, low-ceiling house to a comfortable, Georgian-style residence.
John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree (later Quincy) on 7/11/1767 and continued to live at Peacefield, as did two additional generations of the Adams family (not to be confused with the Addams family), until it was gifted to the National Park Service in 1946.
Fun fact: 186 years, almost to the day, after the birth of John Quincy Adams, I was also born in Quincy, and my father became the town’s city manager in the mid-1950s.
Virginia has been a popular place for our presidents to live. Thomas Jefferson had his Monticello in Charlottesville, James Madison’s home, Montpelier, in Orange County was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
James Monroe lived at Highland, a plantation adjacent to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello until accumulated debts forced him to sell in 1825. Berkley Plantation in Charles City County was the ancestral home of two presidents: William Henry Harrison and his grandson, Benjamin. It is said that American whiskey was distilled there in 1620.
John Tyler’s birthplace was also in Charles City County, Va. He was raised on Greenway Plantation in a manor home his father had built. Rounding out the Virginians, Gerald Ford’s home was an unassuming Colonial in Alexandria, with an enclosed garage that served as an office for the Secret Service while he was president.
After growing up in the famous log cabin in Illinois, President Abraham Lincoln chose a Gothic Revival cottage on the grounds of the Soldier’s home in Washington, D.C., as his local getaway. That same cottage was also selected by James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Chester A. Arthur as their summer White House retreat.
Both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan had California properties that were referred to as the Western White House. Nixon’s was a large, beachfront, Spanish-style, Mission Revival called La Pacifica (House of Peace), located in San Clemente, Calif.
Reagan’s retreat north of Santa Barbara in the mountains was named Rancho de Cielo (Heaven’s Ranch). Toward the end of his term as governor of California, he bought the ranch for $527,000 (valued at roughly $2.7 million in January 2020). After Ronald Reagan’s death, his wife, Nancy, sold the property to the Young Americans Foundation, a conservative youth organization in Herndon, Va.
Now, I know you don’t want to hear more about Mar-a-Lago, so since this three-day weekend encompasses both Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day, I suggest we drive up to the Bidens’ house in Greenville, Del. If they’re not there, we can head to their vacation home in Rehoboth Beach.
Be sure to wear a mask. Bring flowers and candy for Dr. Jill and treats for Major and Champ. We can send out for No Contact food via Door Dash or Uber Eats. See you there!
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Real Estate
What LGBTQ buyers, sellers need to know about new real estate rules
Regulations are reshaping how transactions are conducted
In recent months, the real estate landscape has undergone significant changes, with new rules and regulations reshaping how transactions are conducted. These changes affect buyers and sellers across the board, but LGBTQ individuals and couples navigating the housing market should be particularly aware of how these updates might impact their decisions and opportunities. At GayRealEstate.com, we’re here to keep you informed and empowered.
1. Transparency in Agent Compensation
One of the most notable changes involves how real estate agents are compensated. New rules aim to increase transparency, requiring agents to clearly disclose their commissions and how they are paid. For LGBTQ buyers and sellers, this means you’ll have a better understanding of the financial side of your transaction, making it easier to avoid hidden fees or misunderstandings.
Tip: Make sure your agent explains their compensation structure up front. Working with an LGBTQ-friendly real estate agent through GayRealEstate.com ensures you’re connected with professionals who prioritize clarity and fairness.
2. Contracts Before Home Tours
In some areas, buyers are now required to sign a representation agreement before touring homes. While this adds a layer of formality, it can also help you establish a stronger relationship with your agent and ensure they’re working in your best interest.
What It Means for LGBTQ Buyers: Choosing an agent who understands your unique needs is critical. Signing a contract ensures that your agent is committed to helping you find a home in a community where you’ll feel safe and welcome.
3. New Protections Against Discrimination
Recent policy changes reinforce anti-discrimination measures in housing, which is particularly relevant for LGBTQ individuals. While federal laws like the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, some states have gone further by implementing additional protections.
How to Navigate: Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific laws, and rely on LGBTQ-friendly agents who are committed to advocating for your rights throughout the transaction process.
4. Market Conditions: Buyers vs. Sellers
The current housing market is in flux, with inventory levels, interest rates, and demand varying widely by region. Sellers may face longer listing times, while buyers could encounter more competitive environments in desirable areas.
5. Mortgage Updates for LGBTQ Couples
Lenders are becoming more inclusive in recognizing diverse family structures, but disparities still exist. It’s essential to work with lenders who understand your unique situation and ensure fair treatment during the mortgage process.
Advice: An LGBTQ-friendly agent can connect you with lenders who are sensitive to your needs and knowledgeable about programs that support equal access to home financing.
Why These Changes Matter
The new rules emphasize fairness, transparency, and accountability — values that align closely with the mission of GayRealEstate.com. However, navigating these changes requires expert guidance, especially for LGBTQ buyers and sellers who may face additional challenges in the market.
Take Action Today
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make, and having the right support can make all the difference. At GayRealEstate.com, we connect LGBTQ buyers and sellers with experienced, LGBTQ-friendly agents who are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve your goals.
Whether you’re just starting your real estate journey or ready to make your next move, we’re here to help. Visit GayRealEstate.com to find your perfect agent and get started today.
This article is brought to you by GayRealEstate.com, the nation’s largest network of LGBTQ-friendly real estate agents.
Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at 303-378-5526.
Real Estate
Your holiday home journey
Real estate decisions often tap into our deeper desires for connection
Thanksgiving and real estate share an essential theme: the importance of home. It is traditionally a time of gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. While its hallmark symbols may include turkey dinners, family gatherings, and autumnal décor, it also invites us to think deeply about our values and who and what we hold dear.
For some people, the family home connotes a place of safety, comfort, and community. For others, visiting with family over the holiday can be a contentious and stressful ordeal best avoided. Countless of my friends have severed toxic relationships that can rival an exploding, deep-fried turkey. They have opted instead for dining out or hosting a gathering of food and football with like-minded people.
During Thanksgiving, the idea of “home” becomes particularly poignant. It is more than just a physical structure; it’s where people gather, memories are made, and traditions are passed down. For those involved in real estate — whether as professionals or as individuals embroiled in the market — this emotional dimension of home is a driving force.
When buying a house, it’s not just about square footage or the number of bedrooms. It’s about envisioning a Thanksgiving dinner in the dining room, imagining children playing in the backyard, or hosting friends in the cozy living space. Real estate decisions often tap into our deeper desires for connection, stability, and legacy — values closely tied to the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving falls in the quieter part of the real estate calendar, with spring and summer being the traditionally hot seasons for buying and selling. Yet, for those who choose to list their homes in November, the holiday offers unique opportunities. Sellers can use Thanksgiving’s warm, inviting atmosphere to their advantage, staging homes with seasonal touches like autumn wreaths, a cornucopia of fruits and nuts, the sparkle of a dining room chandelier, and the scent of freshly baked pies.
A well-decorated home during this time can evoke an emotional connection with potential buyers. A cozy environment can help them imagine spending their future holidays in that very space. Additionally, homes listed during the Thanksgiving season often face less competition, as fewer properties are on the market. This can lead to more serious offers from motivated buyers.
For buyers, Thanksgiving can function as a reminder of why they are on the hunt for a new home in the first place. Perhaps they are looking for a bigger space for a growing family. They may be downsizing to retire or to simplify life. They might be looking for home to accommodate both children and aging parents simultaneously. The holiday season underscores the importance of finding a home that aligns with lifestyle needs and future goals.
In our tight real estate market, buyers still face challenges such as limited inventory and higher interest rates; however, Thanksgiving encourages a shift in perspective. It’s a time to focus on gratitude for what is within reach — whether it’s finding a starter home, securing a dream property, or taking incremental steps toward long-term, financial goals.
Interestingly, Thanksgiving weekend has become an increasingly popular time for real estate research. Families can gather around the table and begin discussing the future, including moving to a new city, upgrading their home, or purchasing an investment property. Digital tools like web searches and virtual tours can help buyers and sellers stay connected to the real estate market without disrupting their Thanksgiving traditions.
Whether you are buying or selling, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of gratitude in real estate. For buyers, it’s about being thankful for the chance to find a home that meets their needs, even if the journey is challenging. For sellers, it’s a moment to appreciate the memories made in a home while looking forward to new opportunities.
For real estate agents and other industry professionals, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to clients and colleagues, build stronger relationships, and highlight the human aspect of a business often driven by transactions alone.
If you are staying put this Thanksgiving, you have a chance to celebrate your current home, no matter its size or condition. Simple gestures like decorating with fall colors, rearranging furniture for a cozy feel, or preparing a special meal can deepen your connection to your space. Inviting neighbors, friends, or family to share in the festivities can reinforce the sense of community that makes a house a home.
Whether it’s the home you currently have, the one you’re searching for, or the one you are leaving behind, each holds a unique place in your life story. Take stock of the journey so far, recognize the progress made, and look forward to the possibilities ahead.
Real Estate
Who are the people involved in a real estate transaction?
Lenders, agents, inspectors, and more play a role
When buying a house for the first time, people may wonder if their life is going to be like what you see on HGTV or another TV show. Yes, some real estate agents drive nice cars, put photos on social media of beautiful countertops, luscious landscaping, stunning backsplashes, high-end appliances with bespoke details, and price tags that seem like they belong on a television show – stuff that “vision boards” are made of.
Real estate can be sexy. There is also the experience of what I call, “the everyday transaction.” This is the situation where someone may be the first in their family or friend group to buy a property. Or maybe this is the last one of their friends to buy a home. It could be the person that just got a notice from their apartment community that their rent was going up by $500 a month next year, and they decided it was time to start putting this inevitable amount of money into an investment each month. As my previous broker calls it, homeownership is a “forced savings plan.” It can be hard to force oneself to save at times, but your rent payment is going into equity. At some point, you can sell the investment and get back the money you put into it. Rent that is $2,400 a month can easily turn into over $115,000 during one presidential term.
The cast of characters in a real estate transaction includes:
• The buyer agent and the seller’s agent (if the house is for sale by owner, then no seller agent)
• The lender (mortgage officer) and their team
• The title company (a company of attorneys and staff to help with the legal aspects of transferring ownership, recording the deed with the municipality or state and transferring water utilities, paying off the old mortgage with the proceeds from the sale, etc.)
• Any employees of a city or county that might be brought in (e.g. a down payment assistance loan funded by a municipality)
• A home inspector (if an inspection is requested by a buyer)
• Any contractors that are brought in for estimates for repairs or work projects.
These are the people that are brought into the transaction to help bring it to completion. A good agent usually has recommendations on title companies and attorneys, home inspectors, lenders, may have contacts with city or county departments for processing permits, etc. and will utilize the network they have built over the years to help coordinate a smooth transaction (as smooth as possible) and result in a happy seller and a happy buyer.
Who you work with matters. If you have more questions about this, please do not hesitate to ask. Yes, real estate CAN be sexy, but you also want competent people working on your behalf, who know how to navigate the process smoothly.
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at [email protected] or 703-587-0597.
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