If you had to guess which Northern Virginia city was most impacted by recent federal downsizing, where would your mind go? Most people would bet on Arlington, the long-standing hub of government operations.

But you’d be wrong.

According to a revealing report from the Brookings Institute, it's actually Alexandria, Virginia, that has been hit the hardest. At first glance, the headlines might seem alarming. But as we often say in real estate, the numbers behind the numbers tell the real story. And the story in Alexandria is one of incredible resilience.

Let's break down what's really happening.

The Alarming Numbers (On the Surface)


The data shows a clear shift. With over 13,000 federal workers living in the city, the downsizing has had a…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: October 8, 2025

"Today, we are checking out Manassas, Virginia … Manassas is huge. You've got a couple different zip codes and areas."

Overview

"Today, we are checking out Manassas, Virginia."

"Manassas is huge. You've got a couple of different zip codes and areas, right? So, you also have Manassas City, which is 20110. Then you have Manassas Park, which is 20111."

"And then you have Prince William Manassas, which is several different zip codes."

"You would be about 27 miles from Washington, DC."

Key Takeaways

  • "Manassas is huge. You've got a couple different zip codes and areas, right? So, you also have Manassas City, which is 20110. Then you have Manassas Park, which is 20111."…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: April 5, 2025

"Fairfax has more Fortune 500 companies than 30 U.S. states, 8,700 tech firms, and, guess what, the #1 public high school in the country."

Overview

"Fairfax has more Fortune 500 companies than 30 U.S. states, 8,700 tech firms, and, guess what, the #1 public high school in the country."

"Fairfax County sits just outside Washington, D.C., and the proximity is phenomenal for commuters."

"It's the largest county in Virginia, over a million residents, and that proximity to D.C. is huge."

"We're breaking that down in this video, so let's get into it."

Key Takeaways

  • "Tysons Corner alone has 28 million sq. ft. of office space, Virginia's largest business district, bigger than…

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Fall, Horses, and History: Why You Need to Experience the Gold Cup at Great Meadow

One of Northern Virginia's most spectacular traditions returns October 25th

By Chris Colgan

There's something about autumn in Virginia that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. The leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, the air gets crisp, and suddenly you're craving apple cider and wide-open spaces. For me, one tradition captures all of that perfectly: the International Gold Cup at Great Meadow in The Plains.

A Day at the Races—Virginia Style

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, horse racing fans and first-timers alike will gather at Great Meadow for the 88th running of the International Gold Cup—one of the largest steeplechase events in the…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: May 17, 2025

"There's an area in Northern Virginia that I think will be the next big technology hub. It's right here in Haymarket and Gainesville. I've lived here my whole life, so I know the area very well."

Overview

"There's an area in Northern Virginia that I think will be the next big technology hub. It's right here in Haymarket and Gainesville."

"I'm giving you a full driving tour of Haymarket. I've lived here my whole life, so I know the area very well."

"Most of my clients come directly from this YouTube channel."

Key Takeaways

  • "Crossroads Village, with townhomes around $300,000–$400,000 and single-family homes between $600,000–$700,000." (1:33)
  • "Heathcote Commons, where…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: June 21, 2025

"With an average sales price around $840,000, who could argue? But I'm about to show you a side of Arlington nobody talks about: hidden factors that work in your favor, neighborhoods with surprising price ranges, and one area just named the best neighborhood in the United States."

Overview

"I know you've heard Arlington, Virginia, is exclusive, expensive, and elite, and with an average sales price around $840,000, who could argue?"

"The top neighborhood in the nation is right here in Arlington, Virginia."

"Full disclosure: my name is Chris Colgan. I've been a realtor in Northern Virginia for 20 years."

"By the end of this video, you'll know which neighborhood fits you, what daily life…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: September 3, 2025

"I grew up here, my parents built one of the first houses in the 1970s in a neighborhood called Lawnvale Estates, and I've lived in Northern Virginia my whole life."

Overview

"Today I'm in Gainesville, Virginia, one of the places you comment about all the time and want to know more about."

"We're in western Prince William County."

"Haymarket, Gainesville, and Bristow all pretty much touch."

Key Takeaways 

  • "This community was built roughly 20 years ago, in the early 2000s, by multiple builders, with about 300 homes." (0:12)
  • "Most lots are just under an acre, around three-quarters of an acre … the HOA is only about $80 per month." (0:12)
  • "Homes start around $900,000…

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The real estate landscape is shifting, and if you’re a homeowner in Northern Virginia, you’ve likely felt the tremors. A recent report from Bright MLS for August 2025 has revealed a stark truth: a staggering 25% year-over-year increase in sellers taking their homes off the market in the Mid-Atlantic region. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a clear indication that the red-hot market many sellers grew accustomed to is cooling, leaving many wondering why their "For Sale" signs are coming down without a "Sold" one going up.

The Numbers Don't Lie: A Market in Flux


Let's break down what Bright MLS found:

  • 3,000 Homes Delisted: In August 2025 alone, 3,000 homes in the Bright MLS service area (including much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northern…

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The fog rolls off the Potomac just before dawn. Brick-lined streets glisten under wrought-iron lanterns. Somewhere between the historic cobblestones of Old Town Alexandria and the sterile hum of federal offices in Arlington, a serial killer waits in the shadows. This isn't a Netflix trailer — it's the opening pulse of Patricia Cornwell's Sharp Force, the 29th installment in her iconic Kay Scarpetta series. And this time, the crime scene isn't Richmond or New York. It's right here. Northern Virginia.

For those of us who've spent our lives navigating the I-66 corridor, dodging Beltway traffic, and grabbing coffee along King Street, this thriller hits different. Because Cornwell didn't just set a book in Northern Virginia — she made our home the backdrop…

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By Chris Colgan | Real Nova Network
Credit: PrinceWilliamTimes.com

A Gainesville Icon Faces Its Final Christmas

For decades, Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville has been a go-to destination for holiday shoppers, plant lovers, and families looking for that perfect Christmas tree. Its greenhouse, gift shop, and festive events made it one of the most beloved businesses in western Prince William County.

But this year marks the end of an era. The 38-acre property has been sold to a data center developer for an astonishing $160 million, a price that works out to more than $4.2 million per acre — one of the highest land sales ever recorded in the county.

$160 Million Sale Shocks the Market

According to property records, Merrifield’s…

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