Va. congresswoman seeks answers on next steps following IG report on January snowstorm — A Virginia congresswoman wants to know what steps are being taken to prevent future snow-related traffic backups such as the one that snarled traffic and stranded motorists on Interstate 95 last January. [WTOP-FM]
‘FARTCAR’: The license plates Virginia DMV won’t let you have — Blink and you’ll miss it: a bad pun, a cryptic joke, a reference to a favorite movie or hobby. Virginia vanity license plates blanket the roadways and have tested motorists’ wit and ingenuity since they were first introduced in 1981. [WCVE-FM]
Virginia’s Executive Mansion to reopen for public tours — Virginia’s Executive Mansion is reopening to the public for tours after being closed for over 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [WWBT-TV]
Spotsylvania County middle school teacher is Region 3 Teacher of the Year — On Tuesday, Parker’s fellow educators and administrators at Thornburg Middle School–where she is in her second year as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages–as well as school division leaders and representatives from the VDOE surprised her with the news during an assembly. [Fredericksburg.com]
Meet Dashan Turner, North Stafford High School’s new principal — North Stafford High School, affectionately known as North Nation, started the school year with a new principal after saying goodbye to Daniel Hornick, who led the Wolverines for the past five years. [Insidenova.com]
Woodbridge graduate Da’Shawn Hand makes Tennessee’s final 53-man roster — Tennessee initially signed Hand to its practice squad Jan. 5. Hand became a free agent Jan. 30. Hand only played in the Titan’s regular-season finale, getting on the field for six snaps. [Insidenova.com]
Recent Stories
Manassas is working on a major maintenance project at Harris Pavilion, a well-known community hub in the heart of downtown.
If you’ve been watching the real estate market in Northern Virginia, you know things are constantly shifting. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell, staying informed is crucial. That’s where experienced Realtor Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty comes in. With his deep knowledge of the local market and an eye on mortgage trends, Mark helps clients make the best decisions in a competitive real estate landscape.
Mortgage Rates are Trending Down
One of the biggest concerns for homebuyers is mortgage rates, and the good news is that rates have been trending downward. Mark points to the latest numbers, showing that conventional loan rates have dipped to 6.59%, with VA loans falling below 6.15%. FHA loans have also seen a decrease, making homeownership more accessible for many buyers. While Jumbo loan rates remain near 7%, Mark remains optimistic that the overall trend is moving in the right direction.
“For buyers who have been hesitant due to high interest rates, now may be a great time to revisit their options,” says Mark. “We’re seeing a slow but steady decline in mortgage rates, which is encouraging for both buyers and sellers.”
Market Trends: Prices Remain Strong, Inventory is Growing
According to Mark’s research, home prices across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Prince William counties, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities are holding steady. In Stafford, the average home price for March 2025 is $662,000, while Spotsylvania sits at $652,000, and Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park average at $678,000. While prices are still high, the pace of appreciation has slowed slightly, making it easier for buyers to find a home without experiencing extreme bidding wars.
Additionally, inventory levels are improving. According to data from the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR), active listings jumped 21% year-over-year, from 661 homes in February 2024 to 795 in February 2025. However, new listings are down 12%, and pending sales have dipped 10%, signaling that buyers are becoming more discerning in their choices.
Multiple Offers Still a Factor, But Cash Offers Less of a Concern
Even with inventory increasing, buyers should still expect some competition. “The market remains strong, and while more homes are available, we’re still seeing multiple offers in certain price ranges,” Mark explains. “That said, the fear of being constantly outbid by cash buyers seems to be easing.”
Multiple agencies gathered at Walker-Grant Middle School for a semiannual exercise on Friday, March 7, but the doors were closed to keep plans from reaching the wrong eyes.
Get ready for a fun-filled evening at Luck O’ The Irish Bingo on March 14 at the ARTfactory in Manassas! Doors open at 6 PM, and the first game kicks off at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $35 for 10 games, each with three squares per game.
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
