FINE NEST OCTOBER 2021 NEWSLETTER

10/7/2021

Black cat thoughts - "feeling cute, might scratch you later"

The history behind black cats living up to their freight inducing reputations runs deep into European and North American history. Beginning in the the Norman and Germanic period, people back then believed black cats afflicted passers by with omens of death. From there, it didn't take long for superstitions involving black cats to evolve into correlation without accurate causation. These superstitions eventually spread throughout the medieval times, where mass culling of black cats became common practice. According to the Animal Welfare League, Historians even believe the Bubonic Plague took shape, partially, due to the eradication of black cats, which in turn increased the infestation of rodents. Rodents that we now know carried fleas containing the Bubonic Plague bacteria that was spread one flea bite at a time. Fast forward to the Salem Witch Trials that took place in colonial Massachusetts, black cats were believed to be used in witches magic, and were all but treated kindly.
Today, the superstitions around black cats are not as prevalent as they once were. Mostly likely due to modern day science and societies shift away from superstitious thinking in general. Despite this change, black cats still get a bad rap in small pockets of the world. Especially around the Halloween season when their blemished past is plastered across modern day horror attractions. This Halloween, take a moment to appreciate the black cats in your lives as the affectionate companions they are. And if you're really looking to invoke the heebie jeebies, just visit any of the spooktacular happenings listed in the events section!

Fine Nest gladly provides the most up-to-date real estate information and local resources we hope are useful to you and your loved ones as we continue to navigate this unusual time.

The Latest News

October Market Metrics Report

Where Have All the Good Offers Gone and Where Are All the Bids?

The days of 100K above asking and "all contingencies waved" offers are officially dwindling. Listing price offers, home inspections, appraisals, and other contingencies are back on the negotiation table as the 2020-2021 sellers market continues to simmer down. While sellers, and some real estate agents, aren't the most happy with this change, contract contingencies are an extremely important part of buying a home. This is especially true in a buyer beware state like Virginia. Earlier in the year, buyers were waving pretty much all contingencies to land themselves a home. The unfortunate aftermath of the hot sellers market resulted in some buyers discovering critical issues in their homes infrastructure after closing, and little to no options on covering repairs. With contingencies back on the negotiation table, buyers everywhere can breath a sigh of relief into the 2021 fall/winter market.

Market Numbers for This Month

As we continue to monitor the slow down in the real estate market, there's one area where the numbers are holding strong, and that's home sale prices. Month to month and year over year numbers indicate that home sale prices are still increasing and/or hovering around the same place. There are a few reasons for this, but the most prevalent reason is one we touched on in last months report. Demand for housing skyrocketed in 2020 with low inventory driving home prices up and up via the many bidding wars that ensued. Inventory is still on the lower side across NOVA and MD, and sellers are still listing their homes at pandemic era pricing. As this continues, home prices will most likely stay where they are.
Rental prices have also drastically increased with the end of pandemic era rental discounts and increased demand. Current median rental prices for 1 bedroom units are up 10.7% and 13.1% for 2 bedroom units compared to 2020. Who's renting these days? People moving back to urban areas for in-person work and school attendance, priced out home buyers choosing to continue renting, and an overall lack of housing. To read more about the rental market, click HERE.

Your Halloween Spook-Playlist is Here!

Early Voting in Virginia

The Virginia 2021 general election is coming up on fast on November 2nd. For those of you who want to get your vote in early, find out where your county is holding early voting polling stations below:

Not registered to vote? The Deadline to register for the 2021 Virginia General Election is October 12th! - register HERE

Booster COVID-19 Vaccine Shots Now Available for Eligible Groups

Help Virginia and Maryland reduce COVID-19 infections and find out if you or your family members are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Eligibility details --> Northern Virginia | Maryland.

Spooktacular Events Near You!

Itching for a good scare this spook season? Check out these local hauntingly frightening events!

Shocktober Haunted House

Leesburg, VA from October 1st - 31st
Buy Online HERE

Laurel's House of Horror

Laurel, MD from September 24 - November 6th
Buy Tickets HERE

DC Ghosts Tour

Washington, DC
Learn about DC's fascinating history and gruesome hauntings
Buy Tickets HERE

Bask in the 2021 Fall Foliage

Be a part of witnessing one of the east coasts most beautiful times of year. Check out the best Virginia and Maryland locations to admire the fall foliage!

Northern Virginia

Lake Fairfax
Georgetown Pike
Prince William National Forest
Mount Vernon
& More!

Maryland

Chesapeake County Scenic Beltway
Chester River
Tuckahoe State Park
& More!

Make Autumn Leaf Cleanup Fun!

Don't just throw away the fall leaves you rake up this season! Check out these Halloween themed Leaf Lawn Bags that make for some easy and fun Halloween decorating!