Found 98 blog entries tagged as Chris Colgan.

I've sold real estate in Northern Virginia for 22 years. I grew up here — literally in Lawnvale, a small community in western Prince William County off Catharpin Road — and I still live here today in Haymarket with my family. I've closed over $1 billion in transactions across every county in this region, and the single most expensive mistake I see relocation buyers make is treating Northern Virginia like one market.

It isn't.

It's five completely different real estate markets stitched together by highways, Metro lines, and the gravitational pull of Washington DC. Pick the right county for your lifestyle, commute, and budget and you'll love it here. Pick the wrong one and you'll be sitting in traffic on I-66 every morning wondering what went wrong.

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That massive old Lord & Taylor space at Tysons Corner Center has been sitting vacant for six long years. At one point, there were talks of a mixed-use tower going up in its place. But instead, we are getting something much more exciting—and it tells us exactly where the Northern Virginia retail and real estate market is heading.

Welcome to Dick's House of Sport

Dick’s House of Sport is officially coming to Tysons One Place, slated to open in Fall 2027. If you haven't heard of this concept, it is not your average sporting goods store. This is a fully immersive, experiential retail destination.

Imagine walking into a store and finding a massive rock-climbing wall, a multi-sport practice cage, and state-of-the-art golf simulators. They even feature…

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By Chris Colgan

Months after the shocking announcement that the Dulles Expo Center was sold to make way for a new IKEA, the massive CSA Shows sports autograph and card convention is still searching for a new home.

Why it matters: For over 25 years, the Chantilly show has been a staple for collectors, vendors, and sports fans across the East Coast. The sudden loss of its venue highlights a tightening commercial real estate market in Northern Virginia, where large, flexible event spaces are becoming scarce.

My thought bubble: The community feel at these shows is unmatched. I'll never forget bringing a massive baseball glove to get signed by Cal Ripken Jr. He actually walked around the floor showing it off to everybody. It’s that kind of fun,…

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Why it matters:

Unidentified drones flying over a military base in Washington, D.C. are raising new security concerns — not overseas, but right in the nation’s capital.

What’s happening:

Multiple unidentified drones were detected flying over Fort Lesley J. McNair, a key U.S. Army installation just minutes from the White House, according to a report from the Washington Post.

The base houses senior officials, including the Secretary of State and Defense Secretary, making the situation especially sensitive.

Officials say:

  • Multiple drones were spotted during a single night within the past 10 days

  • The origin of the drones remains unknown

  • The sightings triggered increased security measures and internal discussions…

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I've been watching a lot of major moves happen across Northern Virginia lately — from a nearly $20 million farm sale in Loudoun County horse country to rent prices that had Reddit in a frenzy, to data center drama that's heading to the Virginia Supreme Court. Here's my roundup of what I'm seeing right now in the market and across the region.

 

As someone who's lived and worked in this area for over 18 years — I grew up in Lawnvale in western Prince William County and currently live in Oak Valley off Catharpin Road — I have a front-row seat to all of it. If you're looking for the best realtor in Northern Virginia to help you make sense of these shifts, I'd love to connect.

The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Right Now

Let me start…

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Capture images of the serene lake, hiking trails, or families enjoying recreational activities like fishing or picnicking.

Northern Virginia residents, rejoice! Burke, VA—often referred to as Virginia Burke—has been officially named the best place to live in Virginia by the respected U.S. News & World Report. This recognition underscores what locals have known for years—Burke offers an unbeatable combination of community charm, natural beauty, and convenient amenities. Burke Lake is a beautiful area known for its scenic green spaces, waterfront views, and peaceful environment. Burke is located within the Washington Metropolitan Area, providing easy access to major cities and regional attractions. To help you visualize where Burke sits in Virginia, refer to a map of the area.

Why Burke Stands Out

Burke is a picturesque community nestled in Fairfax County, just…

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By Chris Colgan | The Colgan Team at eXp Realty | www.ColganTeam.com

 

If you're relocating to Northern Virginia and trying to decide which county to plant your roots in, you're asking the most imprtant question of your home search. The Loudoun vs. Fairfax vs. Prince William County debate is one I have with buyers almost every single week — and the financial difference between making the right call versus the wrong one can easily top $200,000 over the life of your decision.

I'm Chris Colgan, a Northern Virginia Realtor with over 18 years of experience and more than $1 billion in closed transactions across this region. Most NoVA agents specialize in one or two counties. I actively sell in all three — Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William — which…

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OK, this one is exciting because we are not talking about the usual chains. We are talking about high-concept, experience-driven spots that are actually going to change how people see certain neighborhoods in Northern Virginia.

If you are looking for where the energy is shifting in 2026, you need to keep an eye on these five spots. Let’s run through them.

1. Repeal Speakeasy in Manassas

This place is hidden inside the new Tempo by Hilton hotel on the NOVA Live campus, and it is not just a bar. It is a full theatrical experience.

They have committed completely to the 1920s Prohibition theme. We are talking dim lighting, velvet furniture, and staff dressed in flapper dresses and flat caps. The whole production.

The drinks are apparently…

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Northern Virginia is leveling up again. As a local real estate expert, I see firsthand how new dining and retail spots drive neighborhood value and change the vibe of our communities. We are moving way past cookie-cutter chains and seeing incredible, high-concept experiences open right in our backyards.

From a hidden 1920s speakeasy in Manassas to a major retail comeback in Alexandria, here is your insider scoop on the five most exciting openings you need to check out in NoVA right now—and where you can live nearby.

1. Repeal Speakeasy – Manassas

Neighborhood: NOVA Live / Tempo by Hilton Address: 9849 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA

Manassas nightlife just got a major upgrade. Hidden inside the new Tempo by Hilton on the NOVA Live campus,…

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If you have been scrolling through Zillow late at night searching for homes for sale in Winchester VA, you are likely noticing a major shift. What used to be Northern Virginia's "best-kept secret" has officially transformed into a market of opportunity as we head into 2026.

As a local expert helping families navigate this market every day, I can tell you the data tells a fascinating story. We are seeing a "flight to quality"—buyers aren't just looking for any house; they are capitalizing on a market that has finally balanced out.

Whether you are eyeing a historic row home near the walking mall or a sprawling new build, here is your roadmap to the Winchester real estate market right now.

The Real Numbers: What’s Happening in 2026?

I just pulled…

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