Let me preface this by saying that when I set out to create this newsletter, I was very conscious of one thing: I did not want this to become a self-promotional, ego-driven vehicle. Every week before I hit "send," I ask myself: Is this useful? Is it focused on the reader, or is it just about me?
I’m deviating from that rule today, but I believe the context is important. My perspectives on the market are shaped by my life and my 20-year career. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can weather the "tough" markets; I don’t feel the "squeeze" to get a deal done, which allows me to provide the kind of unfiltered, objective advice my clients deserve.
Lest anyone forget, I am still very much in the arena. In 2025, our team closed over $80 million in sales, ranking me among the top 10 agents in our entire market.
Before we delve into the personal "slop" below, I want to share two quick data points from this month. I launched two listings in Falls Church (Fairfax County) at the $1M and $1.2M price points. Despite it being a "slow" time of year, the results were telling: Both had high showing volume, multiple offers, and sold quickly.
The takeaway? Pent-up demand hasn't gone anywhere. Buyers are cautious and timid, but they are ready to act the moment quality inventory hits the market. I spent the last few weeks prying into the motivations of dozens of buyers and agents, and I look forward to sharing those deeper insights with you soon.
But for now, I hope you’re enjoying a day off. If you’re still reading, here is how our 2025 looked behind the scenes...
The Lifestyle: Travel Soccer & Piano My twin girls are now ten years old and in 5th grade. They’ve reached that age where they are more fun, more independent, and significantly more competitive. This was their third year with Vienna Youth Soccer, and if you’ve ever done travel sports, you know it’s a total lifestyle. Meanwhile, Nahla has continued to thrive at piano; watching her discipline and focus grow has been incredible.
The "Microfarm" At home, my wife Courtney is the engine behind our little Vienna microfarm. She’s on a "sourdough everything" mission and remains a health nut in the best possible way. She also might love animals more than people, which explains our current roster: 2 Red Standard Poodles, 11 Silky Chickens (hatched and raised ourselves), a Teddywither bunny, 2 parakeets, and a Ragdoll cat on the way. It’s chaotic, but it’s our kind of chaos.
Adventures: From Dude Ranches to the Smokies Instead of a typical spring break, we spent a week on a Colorado dude ranch. It felt like a different world and was one of the best family trips we’ve ever done. Over the summer, Courtney and I took the girls on individual trips. Mine was a week RV camping through the Smoky Mountains. We spotted a bear on a hike and went white-water rafting, which was absolutely terrifying for me, though the girls now act like they’re experts.
A Humbling New Hobby On a personal note, I finally took up golf. I joined a club waitlist four years ago and finally got the call. If you’ve ever tried to learn golf as an adult, you know how humbling it is. If you are reading this and ever want a round on me, let me know!
As I look back on $85 million in sales and a top-tier ranking in Northern Virginia, I know none of it happens without the people who trust us and refer us. I don't take that for granted for a second.
Wishing you a happy new year and an amazing start to 2026!