How Your Capital Estate Group Closed Over $25M in Homes in a First Trimester of Contradictions

If you've been tracking the national real estate conversation, you've likely heard a mix of hesitation and headlines: mortgage rates above 6.5%, cautious buyers, and sellers holding out for the “perfect moment.” But in the Capital region, that broad narrative misses the mark.

Your Capital Estate Group has a different 1st Trimester story to tell—one grounded in data, strategy, and a deep understanding of the DMV’s unique dynamics. Between January and April, we successfully guided 29 sets of client friends to the closing table, achieving over $25 million in sales volume across Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

From discreet off-market deals to bold spring launches, we leaned into the market's complexity — and it paid off. Because in a landscape of uncertainty, the right guidance doesn’t just navigate change. It capitalizes on it.

🔍 What the Market Really Looked Like

While national media painted a picture of pause and pullback, the DMV told a different story. The market didn’t freeze — it refined itself. Buyers became more discerning. Sellers grew more strategic. And in a landscape of limited inventory and elevated rates, success favored precision.

Here’s what your Capital Estate Group witnessed on the ground:

• Well-prepared homes moved fast, particularly in sought-after pockets like Alexandria, Bethesda, Reston, Kensington, and Kalorama— where curated presentation met real-time demand.
• Compass-exclusive platforms like Private Exclusives and Coming Soon listings gained traction, drawing serious buyer interest before hitting the open market.
• Strategic pricing and purposeful staging weren’t optional — they were essential. In a high-stakes market, buyers didn’t just want value—they expected excellence.
• The upper tier remained active, with sales ranging from $360K condos to estates closing north of $4.5M. High-net-worth individuals continued to engage, but only for properties that aligned with their lifestyle and standards.

Market Statistics highlighting the trends:

• Washington, D.C.: The median home price rose by 6.6% year-over-year, even as active listings increased by nearly 30%, indicating a more competitive environment. The Washington Post
• Maryland: Home prices saw a 3.4% year-over-year increase, while the number of homes sold declined by 7.5%, reflecting a more selective buyer pool.
• Virginia: The median sales price climbed 7.3% from the previous year, with home sales experiencing a modest uptick of 1.8%. Virginia REALTORS®

Yes, some home listings saw softer traffic — especially in over-saturated or poorly-priced segments. But others shattered expectations, reinforcing a core truth: resilience in this market isn’t about riding trends. It’s about reading the moment, adapting quickly, and positioning with intent.

For your Capital Estate Group, that’s not new thinking — it’s our foundation.

📈 The Bigger Picture: Trends to Watch

Zooming out on the 1st Trimester, several key trends emerged—patterns we expect to echo well into the 2nd Trimester of late Spring and Summer :

• 1. Low Inventory Is the New Normal
  Housing supply continues to trail well below historical norms, especially in top-ranked school districts and highly walkable neighborhoods. For sellers, this means listing now could offer a strategic advantage — facing fewer competing properties than in a typical Spring/Summer market.
• 2. Rates Matter, But They Don’t Define the Market
  While elevated interest rates did temper some buyer urgency, the market didn’t fully pause. Lifestyle changes — like growing families, relocations, or downsizing — continue to drive decisions. Today’s buyers are recalibrating, not retreating.
• 3. Timing Isn’t Just About Luck — It’s a Lever
  We saw strong results from sellers who listed early in January, beating the seasonal rush. On the buy side, those who acted decisively while others hesitated secured standout opportunities. Timing, when paired with strategy, is a powerful tool — not a gamble.

The bottom line? There’s no such thing as a “perfect” moment. There’s only the right strategy — designed around you, your goals, and the market as it really is.

And that’s exactly what we deliver at Capital Estate Group.



If this trimester proved anything, it’s this: in a shifting market, the right guidance isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Whether you're considering a spring listing, preparing for a summer move, or simply exploring your options, Capital Estate Group is here to help you navigate the market with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

Our promise is straightforward:

No pressure. No guesswork. Just honest, expert advice—tailored to your goals.

Because in real estate, timing matters. But strategy? That’s everything.

📞 Connect with Our Team

J.P. Montalvan
📧 jp@ceghomes.com
📱 (301) 922-3700

Jacqueline Battistini

📧 jacqueline@ceghomes.com
📱 (202) 430-7835

Orlando Gonzalez
📧 orlando@ceghomes.com
📱 (305) 968-8522

James Nastus
📧 james@ceghomes.com
📱 (202) 674-5277

Brantley Sanderson
📧 brantley@ceghomes.com
📱 (202) 819-4566

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