Erla Reyes, Realtor

Smaller homes are having a moment.

That’s because affordability is tight and, for many buyers, smaller is what fits the budget. And builders are listening.

Newly built homes have been trending smaller since 2014 – and that’s on purpose.

They're more affordable than larger homes. And many come with built-in community amenities like walking trails, fitness centers, and even co-working spaces, so less space still delivers.

If you've been feeling priced out of bigger homes, a smaller one could fit your budget and your lifestyle. And with brand-new everything, it may not feel like as much of a compromise as you think.

DM me to walk through what's available in our area.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

Because even though you want rates to come down, experts say this latest inflation data could actually set the stage for rates to stay “higher for longer.”

So, what can you do about it? Should you just wait?

My advice is simple. Focus on what you can control.

Even in a market like this, there are things you can do to get the best mortgage rate possible. Because sometimes you need to move no matter what’s happening – and that’s okay.

You just need the right strategy.

Let's talk about what this means for your situation and your timing. Drop a comment below or send over a message.

Because you don’t have to figure it out alone. And there are still ways to move forward.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel high. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below and I can send you over an article that breaks it all down.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

What Rising Inflation Means for Your Move

Inflation is still above where the Fed wants it, and that means mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated for a while. But for people who need to move, strategy matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Wondering what this means for your specific situation? Reach out today. Let's cut through the noise together and make a plan that actually works for you.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

Qué significa el aumento de la inflación para su mudanza Los datos muestran que la inflación se está desplazando en la dirección equivocada. Pero antes de que los titulares provoquen pánico, a continuación, le explicamos qué está pasando realmente, por qué es importante para el mercado de la vivienda y qué significa si usted está pensando en com...

The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026

The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.

Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. But importantly, when those two things settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.

So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.

If you want to know what’s happening in our local market, and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

Actualización de medio año del mercado de la vivienda: Por qué cambiaron los pronósticos en el 2026 Si el mercado de la vivienda le parece confuso en estos momentos, usted no está solo.

After a year or more of rates coming down, things have changed. And lately, mortgage rates have been climbing again.

And if that's made you wonder whether you should delay your move until they drop, you're not the only one.

The honest truth is that rates probably won't come down much until inflation cools off and some of the global uncertainty settles. And no one knows exactly when that'll be.

But what most headlines won't tell you is that rates aren't the only thing that affects affordability. Sure, they’re a big factor, but not all of the affordability news is bad.

Wages, home prices, and inventory are all trending in a direction that could still help make your move possible.

Want to know what that actually looks like for your situation? Drop a comment or send me a DM.

Because even though rates are higher, there are pockets of opportunity in any market, if...



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

A lot of people have been waiting for rates to drop or prices to come down before making a move. But the reality is, sometimes life changes before the market does.
A growing family.
An empty nest.
A new job.
Retirement.
Needing to be closer to loved ones.

Those are the real reasons 1 in 5 buyers last year said they felt like they had to move, no matter the market. Because life doesn't wait for the timing to be perfect.

And if that’s where you are right now, you can still move. You may even have more options than you think. You just need someone who can help you find them.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

You’ve probably heard of the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan. But do you know what it offers?

In a recent survey, 68% of Veterans didn’t know they may be able to buy a home with zero money down. 77% didn’t know PMI isn’t always required.

Many also have no idea they may be able to count their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as income.

Any of those VA loan benefits could make homeownership more achievable than you realize.

If you’ve served (or know someone who has), get in touch with a trusted lender for more information on VA home loan options and what you may qualify for.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

The Real Reason Some People Are Still Moving Right Now

Life changes. Priorities shift. Families grow. Kids move out. Careers evolve. And eventually, the house you’re in may stop fitting the life you’re living.

If that’s been weighing on you lately, let’s talk through what your options could realistically look like today, no matter where rates or prices are.

Life can’t always wait for perfect market conditions. Maybe you don’t have to either.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

La verdadera razón por la que algunas personas todavía se están mudando ahora mismo Puede que se esté diciendo a usted mismo que va a esperar para mudarse; quizá usted está esperando que bajen las tasas hipotecarias, que bajen los precios o que el mercado se sienta un poco más tranquilo.

The Truth About Affordability Today

Yes, rates have been volatile, and global instability is keeping them from settling down anytime soon. There’s no sugar coating that. But the full picture of affordability is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Want to run the real numbers for your situation? Let's talk. Reach out and let's set up a quick, no-pressure conversation.



Erla Reyes, Realtor
[email protected]
Call/text me 703-731-2873

La verdad sobre la asequibilidad hoy en día Seamos sinceros un momento sobre la asequibilidad.