Falls Church News-Press Fall Real Estate Guide 2024
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
At a Home Electrification Showcase last Saturday, dozens gathered at a home in the Fort Hunt area of Alexandria to learn how to plan to “electrify” their home, fully transitioning away from fossil fuels. The event — hosted by homeowner Bob Soule in partnership with sponsoring organizations the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), Citizens’ Climate Lobby, GoElectric DMV, and Rewiring America — aimed to showcase how home electrification can reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and improve indoor air quality while saving money. The event was also promoted by Falls Church Forward and the Falls Church Climate Action Network (FCCAN), both of which held a similar event in the City of Falls Church in July.
The event kicked off outdoors in the home’s front yard, where volunteers discussed the importance of home energy audits and weatherization. A representative from GoElectric DMV explained how these audits can identify gaps in insulation and air leaks, which can be addressed to drastically reduce
energy consumption. After a nextdoor neighbor’s loud, gas-powered lawnmower briefly interrupted the presentation, Soule noted his electric lawnmower, situated nearby, emphasizing how even outdoor tools can be part of the transition to a more sustainable home.
Soule — who is also the founder and an electric coach with Go Electric DMV — then led attendees into his kitchen, where he showcased his induction range and fully-electric oven. Soule emphasized the benefits of induction cooking, noting that it provides superior air quality compared to natural gas ranges. “Using a gas range indoors is like having a smoker in your house,” he said. He further explained that induction cooktops are not only safer—particularly for children, as they produce less surface heat — but also more efficient. “Anything a magnet sticks to can be used on an induction stove,” he added.
Soule did warn homeowners to check for the required 240V outlet behind their current stove before beginning an installation — a lesson he learned the hard way.
The tour then moved to the basement, where Soule discussed his heat pump water heater, electric furnace,
and heat pump for home heating and cooling. These systems, once criticized for inefficiency, have made significant advancements. “Heat pumps are now three times more energy efficient than traditional fuel-based systems,” he explained, adding that beyond reducing a home’s carbon footprint, they also provide a cleaner, healthier environment by eliminating the indoor use of fossil fuels like natural gas. In fact, in fully “electrified” homes, carbon monoxide detectors are no longer needed, removing a common health and safety concern.
Moving outside once again, the discussion turned to solar panels. Soule shared that his home is outfitted with a solar array, adding that while home battery systems were considered, he opted instead to settle for net metering. Net metering allows homeowners to return excess energy back to the grid, with energy companies, in return, providing credits to offset the cost of energy use during evenings, days without sufficient sunlight, or other periods of net use.
Several attendees agreed that net metering has proven sufficient for them, noting the dependable local power grid, with most opting to forego a home battery system. In
addition, Soule and others noted that, while current home battery systems might provide a few days of power during an outage, electric vehicle (EV) batteries hold significantly more energy — and the technology allowing them to be “plugged in” to a home’s power breaker, replacing the grid. The batteries on today’s EVs could power the average home for nearly a month.
Throughout the event, volunteers from CCAN, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Rewiring America discussed how electrification solutions are already widely available and market-ready. According to Soule, “A large portion of the emissions causing climate change are under our control as individuals and homeowners.”
Rewiring America estimates that 42 percent of energy-related emissions come from personal choices, including our vehicles and home systems.
Solar panels, induction ranges, and heat pumps are now cost-competitive with fossil fuel-based alternatives. Federal financial incentives, such as those from the Inflation Reduction Act, can make electrification even more affordable. However, attendees were encouraged to plan carefully, seek multiple contractor bids, and phase in replacements over time
to maximize savings. For example, while a premium home battery might not be necessary now, installing a larger solar array than what is needed today could future-proof a home, as our energy consumption is expected to continue to increase in coming years.
One major takeaway from the event was that the largest contributors to our carbon footprint is our vehicle, followed by home heating and cooling. Switching to an electric vehicle and replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump can have a profound impact on both emissions and household costs. “Collectively, we can make a big difference,” Soule said. “These technologies are not only better for the environment — they’re better for your wallet and your health.”
The event provided a tangible look at how homeowners can take direct action to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and improve their quality of life. Through partnerships with organizations like CCAN and Rewiring America — and locally through the advocacy of FCCAN and Falls Church Forward — more and more households are choosing to follow Soule’s lead in transitioning away from fossil fuels to a fully “electrified” future.
by Brian Reach Falls
For generations, home ownership has been a cornerstone of financial stability and wealth-building in America. Yet climbing interest rates — and, in particular within the City of Falls Church, skyrocketing listing prices — have made homeownership increasingly elusive for many. At the same time, rising rents are squeezing budgets, making it harder to save — especially for young families with additional expenses like childcare and student loan debt. Given these financial pressures, the News-Press sought insight from local realtors on whether it’s smarter to rent or buy in today’s market.
Over the past two decades, housing costs in Falls Church have risen dramatically. Since May, the median sale price for a single-family home in the city is about $900,000, compared to around $600,000 in 2014 and $400,000 in 2004. Since May, nearly twice as many homes have sold at or above $2M (13) than below $1M (7). Townhomes begin right around $1M, condos range from $400,000 to above $750,000. For many potential buyers, the affordability gap has widened with higher interest rates. In
2024, mortgage rates hover around 7.25 percent, compared to less than three percent just a few years ago.
This has a significant impact on what prospective buyers can afford, with the commonly recommended maximum housing cost being 30 percent of gross monthly income, though most suggest 25 percent is smarter. For example, a household earning $164,536 annually (the median household income for the city), under a three percent interest rate, could afford a home priced up to $1.2 million. With a seven percent rate, however, that budget drops to roughly $710,000 — a more than $400,000 difference.
For renters, the situation isn’t much better. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Falls Church is about $2,200 in 2024 (plus an average of $300 between basic utilities and parking), up from $1,500 a decade ago. Throughout the region, rates have doubled or more over the last two decades, leaving many struggling to save for a down payment on a home.
To afford the average onebedroom apartment in the City of Falls Church without exceeding 30 percent of gross income, an annual
Aside from what is currently listed for sale, the U.S. Census reports that the median value of all owneroccupied housing in Falls Church (from 2018-2022) was $938,500. For a household to afford a home at this price, they would need an annual income of at least $220,000, assuming a 20 percent down payment and a mortgage rate of around seven percent. This far exceeds the average household income in the region, making homeownership unattainable for many without significant financial resources.
Future interest rate changes could alter housing budgets dramatically — a one percent drop in mortgage rates can boost a buyer’s budget by tens of thousands of dollars — but waiting for rate changes comes with risks. Housing prices have steadily increased over the past decades, meaning potential buyers who wait may face even higher prices down the road.
As Tori McKinney (CEO and realtor at RockStar Realty Group) explained, “There is a cost for waiting. Prices continue to rise. So if a buyer intends to buy within a year, a home will likely cost more next year. Not only will a buyer pay more for the same home, they will lose that
year of earning equity.”
Realtors across the area share this sentiment. Albert Bitici (partner and licensed realtor at The Bitici Group) emphasized that the longer potential buyers wait, the more difficult it may become to purchase a home. “Price appreciation for single-family homes remains strong and continues to outstrip the appreciation of townhomes and condos,” he said. “The notion of renting to continue saving for a larger deposit becomes a challenging argument as house price growth, not to mention increasing rental rates, can outstrip any potential savings.”
For first-time buyers, Alison Miller (realtor at KW-United Falls Church) advised considering smaller properties as a stepping stone to homeownership. “When interest rates were in the two to three percent range, it was much easier for first-time buyers to buy their dream home as their first home purchase,” she said. “With higher interest rates, they may only be able to qualify for a condominium or townhouse, but that’s okay. I would still advise firsttime buyers to buy that smaller, less expensive property to build equity.”
Despite the challenges, realtors are optimistic that homeownership is still within reach for many — if
approached strategically. McKinney underscored the importance of working with the right professionals. “It is essential for buyers to identify the right realtor to help navigate the home-buying process and to help the buyer to be the winning buyer. The next and equally important step is to talk to a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage,” she advised. Bitici agreed, noting that many potential buyers don’t realize the options available to them. “Working closely with my buyer clients to carefully assess their affordability and implement a strategic plan to achieve their home-buying goals has resulted in many success stories,” he said.
Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy hinges on individual financial situations and long-term goals. With prices rising and interest rates fluctuating, both renters and buyers face significant challenges in today’s market. But, as McKinney put it, “There is a cost for waiting.” For those interested in pursuing homeownership, speaking with a realtor and developing a clear plan is critical. No matter the approach, having a plan is the first step toward achieving homeownership in an increasingly competitive market.
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Kelly Millspaugh Thompson
As a Falls Church City native and small business owner Kelly strives to make buying and selling less overwhelming for her clients. Kelly opened STYLISH PATINA her Home+Gift shop in 2012 and has been a licensed Realtor since 2019. She has been recognized as a Platinum Producer by NVAR and Top Producer by Arlington Magazine. Kelly is known for her cutting edge marketing, business savvy and concierge approach to Real Estate. She and her team are able to manage all aspects of buying and selling a home: home prep, liquidation, organization, renovation, moving, and design. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Kelly has a passion for helping folks as they transition through life stages - needing a larger home for a growing family or downsizing. Kelly is a mother of 5 and understands the stress of moving with children and the overwhelm of transitioning out of a home you raised your family in when it comes time to simplify. These big life transitions are where she finds the most joy in helping families. If you are looking for a Realtor with compassion and commitment to making your next Real Estate transaction less stressful contact Kelly, 703-303-3700.
Pam Micciche- KW HBC Group
Pam Micciche, a standout member of KW’s HBC Group, brings exceptional performance and deep local expertise as a native Washingtonian and a proud Falls Church City resident for over 20 years. When you work with Pam, you gain the support of a dedicated, full-service team committed to guiding you through every step of your real estate journey—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. Pam offers a seamless experience, including complimentary home preparation services with an in-house designer, help coordinating repairs and improvements, top-tier property marketing, expert negotiation skills, and meticulous management of the closing process. Licensed across the DMV, Pam is your trusted partner in achieving real estate success.
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Floor Coverings of Tysons Corner, VA
As FCI Tyson’s approaches its 2-year anniversary, owner Owen Sullivan, a City of Falls Church resident, is excited to share that business is going well. His team has grown since last year adding a sales rep, warehouse manager, and a third install team to meet his increasing demand. His
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ROCK STAR realty group
The air is crisp, the leaves are turning into a tapestry of warm hues, and the real estate market is buzzing with exciting opportunities for both buyers and sellers. With fewer competitors and motivated sellers eager to move before the holidays, it is a prime time to discover your dream home!
The market has experienced significant shifts over the past year. As we navigate through these changes, ROCK STAR realty group is here to help educate our sellers & buyers. My team and I are here to answer any questions. Give me a ring any time to talk.
Being a 26-year resident, my Little City community spirit runs deep - encouraging everyone to come together and thrive is my passion. Supporting our teachers and schools, affordable housing, charity events and local music weaves connections between residents and local businesses.
My ROCK STAR realty group and I are your go-to resource for all things real estate. Connecting our clients with the neighborhood in a meaningful way brings so much joy.
Got Real Estate questions? We’ve got answers. Stop by Northside Social, Falls Church on Wednesdays, 10:00–11:00 AM for our ROCK the House coffee hour. We’ll buy you a cup!
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Kathy Pippin
See what clients have to say: “We recently had the pleasure of working with Kathy as our real estate agent to sell our house,and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From our first meeting, Kathy took the time to listen to our needs and concerns, making us feel valued and understood. Kathy guided us through every step of the process, from preparing our home for sale to developing a strong marketing strategy. When it came to contract negotiations, Kathy was exceptional. She kept us informed about deadlines and details, ensuring a smooth and timely closing. Her professionalism and attention to detail were greatly appreciated.
Overall, we are extremely satisfied with Kathy’s service as a realtor. Her dedication, knowledge, and support made selling our home a positive experience. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for real estate assistance!” ~ Niyousha
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Alison Miller-Keller Williams
Alison Miller has been in the DC and Virginia residential real estate market as a full-time professional since 2008 as a buyer, rehabber, seller, commercial property owner, and Keller Williams Falls Church agent helping others buy and sell. Prior to going into real estate full-time she earned an MBA degree with dual concentration in information technology and real estate finance. She worked for 25 years in the information technology industry as a Senior Manager and Director for organizations including Marriott International and Fannie Mae. Put her 360-degree real estate experience and technology skills to work for you!
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Chris & Matt Earman - Weichert, Realtors - Falls Church
As a Lifelong resident of Falls Church City, I’ve experienced first hand the growth and changes to the local and regional Real Estate Market. My past experiences in mortgage & finance, running local small businesses, volunteering, being involved in the local school districts, and building relationships over the past decades, gives Me a unique perspective and advantage in representing my Clients in the local Northern Virginia Real Estate Market. I am fully committed to providing you with a higher level of service that will make your real estate experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Working with my son Matthew Earman gives us more flexibility and availability for our Clients. Please call us for a “No Obligation” consultation, for all of your Real Estate needs. Chris Earman 703.628.4541 • Matt Earman 703.328.4563
JD Callander & Ed Blanchard
JD Callander and Ed Blanchard with Weichert Realtors both call Falls Church City home and bring 30 years of combined real estate experience and passion to their work. They are well known and respected agents who demonstrate success through integrity in all that they do. They are experts on the local market, are attentive to details and truly care about their client’sneeds. They also love giving back to their beloved community through sponsoring the FCC Memorial Day Fun Run, HTG Games benefiting Falls Church City ES/PTA, Little League baseball plus many additional events. JD and Ed are honored to serve our community and feel a strong sense of responsibility in assisting homeowners through important life transitions.
703.821.1025 • JD@NewNovaHome.com
Albert Bitici -Bitici Group at KW Metro Center
Volatile interest rates and record low inventory continue to impact market conditions with some homes receiving multiple offers and selling in a matter of days, while others sit on the market despite multiple price reductions. Your choice of realtor, and how you prepare and
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Falls Church City’s Affordable Housing Programs
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
Housing affordability remains a challenge for many residents in Falls Church, but the city offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting individuals and families with different needs. These initiatives, managed by the Housing and Human Services (HHS) department, focus on providing affordable rental options, financial relief for renters, and homeownership opportunities for lowand moderate-income residents.
One of the cornerstone programs, especially with new (not cheap) apartment complexes opening up with some regularity, is the city’s Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program. Currently, Falls Church has 81 ADU units spread across several properties, including Pearson Square and West Broad Residences. These units cater to residents with incomes between 50 percent and 80 percent of the area median income, adjusted for household size and unit type, with one-adult households making as much as $68,500 qualifying for discounted units. The breakdown of units includes studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, some with additional dens. As new buildings like the recently opened Broad and Washington, the nearly-completed Founders II, and West End buildings come online, the city will add another 99 units to the ADU stock.
The ADU program is designed to accommodate various housing needs, offering flexibility in the types of units available. While the city is accepting applications for units coming online in new developments, most existing units are currently occupied, reflecting the high demand for affordable housing.
For older residents and those with disabilities, Falls Church also offers rental relief grants. This program helps residents with annual incomes under $53,235 by offsetting their rent costs. In FY2024, seven residents applied for these grants, with six being approved and receiving checks. So far in FY2025, eight applications have been received, and seven residents have been approved. The application process is simple, requiring proof of income and city residency, and provides a vital lifeline to residents living on fixed incomes.
The city’s efforts to support affordable housing extend beyond renting. The Affordable Homeownership Program (AHP) offers a pathway for low- and
moderate-income families to purchase homes at below-market prices. Since its inception last year, the program has sold five properties to eligible buyers, with two more condominiums currently available. One of these units, located at 1130 S. Washington St. T-1, was recently placed under contract. The city, in partnership with the NHP Foundation, continues to seek new properties to add to the program. The availability of homes is subject to market conditions, so prospective buyers are encouraged to check in regularly for new listings — and homeowners interested in making their home a future AHP property are encouraged to reach out to the city.
To qualify for the AHP, buyers must meet specific income thresholds and complete a homebuyer education course, ensuring that participants are prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership. The program’s goal is to provide families with a foothold in Falls Church’s competitive housing market, helping them transition from renting to owning.
In addition to local initiatives, residents can also explore the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Administered by Fairfax County, Section 8 provides rent subsidies for low-income families, with rental payments calculated as a percentage of the household’s income. While separate from the ADU program, both options can be explored simultaneously, as long as it is permitted by law. The city encourages interested applicants to reach out to Fairfax Housing and Community Development for more information on how to apply for Section 8 vouchers.
Together, these programs form a robust support system designed to ensure that housing remains accessible in Falls Church, regardless of age, income, or household composition. Whether residents are looking for rental assistance or seeking to purchase their first home, the city provides avenues for both. By offering affordable rental options, homeownership opportunities, and financial relief, Falls Church aims to foster a diverse and inclusive community where all residents can find a place to call home. Residents interested in learning more about any of these programs should contact the Falls Church Housing and Human Services Department for guidance. Detailed eligibility guidelines and application instructions are available on the city’s website or through direct outreach to the department.
