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FAAR Releases 2025 Annual and December Housing Statistics

The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics from both December and full year 2025 to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.

Denise Smith, FAAR Treasurer, provides the following comments on the current market. 
“December was a busy month. Buyers were able to “shop” available inventory and negotiate some great deals, while sellers have begun adjusting to a slight shift in the market. Homes that were truly move-in ready and had major systems recently updated tended to sell more quickly than those needing improvements. 
Inventory slowed toward the end of the year, but I expect that to change over the next two to three months. Overall, I believe the 2026 market will be stronger than 2025. Buyers should remain in the driver’s seat, though pricing is likely to stay stable—or even creep up slightly—as more inventory comes on the market by the end of the first quarter.”
01 12 2026 December 2025 Housing Stats
Year End 2025 Housing Stats

Deceptive Advertising of Rental Properties

The Virginia Realtors® recently shared important information about rental pricing and advertising. 

The Legal Team at Virginia REALTORS® wants to make our property managers aware of some recent guidance from the Federal Trade Commission regarding advertising properties for rent. On December 2nd, the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (or FTC) issued a statement that the current administration views predatory conduct in advertising rental properties with “special suspicion.” Following that, the FTC released guidance on December 8th directed to property managers, property management software providers, and anyone else who owns or advertises a rental property. Based on two recent settlements with nationwide property managers, the guidance advises that going forward: 

  • The total cost of renting a unit must be advertised clearly and conspicuously up front. This means that your monthly base rent along with any mandatory fees should be listed in your advertisements so that the consumer can see the total monthly rent before beginning an application (and definitely before signing a lease). 
  • You should do a compliance check of your advertising (both on your own website and on any third-party sites) to ensure that you are complying with this guidance 
  • The FTC is reviewing harmful practices in the rental housing market and will not hesitate to take action against landlords. 

So, what should you do? For now, you should review your advertising to determine if you are clearly stating the total monthly leasing amount up front. The total monthly leasing amount is the base rent plus any regularly occurring monthly fees. For example, if the base rent was $100, but tenants had to also pay a monthly trash fee ($10), utility fee ($20), laundry fee ($10), and parking fee ($20), then the total monthly rent would be $100+10+20+10+20 = $160.  

If you are listing the properties on your local MLS or any other website, we advise you to list the total monthly rent (including any mandatory recurring fees) as the “List Price,” then include a breakdown of those fees in the public comments section. You can also reference any one-time fees for which the tenant would be responsible in the comments. While this guidance currently only appears to be directed only at residential leases, those of you working with commercial leases might want to review your advertising practices as well. 

It is important to note that Virginia law 54.1-1204.1 already requires an itemized list of fees starting on the first page of the lease. While you must still follow that law, based on this new FTC guidance, this information also needs to be in your advertisements. In fact, the FTC states that finding out about additional monthly fees at the time of lease is not acceptable. These fees must be disclosed earlier, allowing tenants to see the total rent amount prior to beginning the application process (including paying the application fee). 

As we continue to receive updates, we will provide additional information, so please stay tuned to your email and our social media channels. If you have any questions, you can always contact us on our Legal Hotline. Thanks, and happy holidays to all. 

November sees a housing market in transition

The regional housing market demonstrated significant softness this November with falling sales and total sold volume along with stagnant price appreciation.  Median price didn’t budge from last year, again coming in at $465,000 across the region.  Units sold dropped nearly 13% with 451 sales in November of 2024, compared to 393 this year.  That translated into a more than 17% decline in total sold dollar volume with approximately $201.4 million in sales in November of this year compared to nearly $244 million last year. 

“‘The month of November started off strong for buyers, with sellers gradually adjusting to the shifting market—namely, buyers requesting concessions such as closing costs, repairs, and more,” states FAAR Board of Director Member Denise Smith.  “Sellers are beginning to recognize that buyers are now in the driver’s seat, something we haven’t seen in several years. In our area, the market is still active, especially for homes that are updated and show-ready.”

Days on market, the time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it receives a ratified contract and is removed from active status on the multiple listing service, increased 19% up to 37 days this November compared to 31 days last year. 

Inventory continued to grow in November, finishing out the month with 1,202 active listings compared to 943 last year, a 27% increase.  New listings were down 8% from last year with 425 homes coming on the market in November of 2024 compared to 391 this past month.  New pending sales were a bright spot this month, posting a more than 18% increase, with 434 pending contracts compared to 367 last year. 

12 10 2025 November Market Statistics

King George Planning Commission rejects downzoning amendment

The King George Planning Commission met on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to conduct a public hearing on changes proposed by the Board of Supervisors that would increase minimum lot sizes in the county’s largest zoning category.  These changes would impact all agriculturally zoned parcels, which make up more than 90% of the land mass in the County, and would increase minimum lot sizes from 10 acres to 20 acres in A-1, 2 acres to 5 acres in A-2, and 1 acre to 3 acres in A-3.  The proposed amendment would also make changes to access and connectivity requirements within subdivisions.

The Planning Commission heard from 5 individuals during the public comment part of the hearing with 4 of those speakers strongly opposed to any changes and one that was very focused on preserving the current lot sizes for family subdivisions.  Commissioners did confirm that the current lot sizes would remain for divisions that meet the family subdivision criteria.

After much discussion among the Commissioners, a consensus emerged that everyone is opposed to changing the minimum lot sizes and supportive of the access requirement changes.  The Planning Commission voted unanimously to report the amendment unfavorably to the Board of Supervisors with a note that they are in favor of isolating the piece on access requirements and moving that forward.  The amendment is now forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for its consideration as the actions of the Planning Commission are recommendations to the Board, not binding votes.

A public hearing should be set for this issue to be discussed at the Board level.  FAAR is actively campaigning against any changes to the minimum lot sizes as a taking of private property rights.  If you’d like to send a letter of concern to the Board of Supervisors, visit FAAR’s action site at https://www.protectkinggeorgepropertyrights.com/.

Median home prices back up in October

Median housing price increases rebounded again in October after just one month of year-over-year decreases in September.  Median price was up over 3% in October 2025, coming in at $469,900 compared to $455,000 last October.  Units sold were also up over last year with 426 properties changing hands in October versus 404 last year, a more than 5% year-over-year increase.  These two factors fueled a 5% increase in total sold dollar volume with October posting approximately $212.9 million in sales compared to $202.6 million in October of 2024. 

This is against a backdrop of continually rising inventory and lengthening days on market.  Active listings posted a significant annual increase with 43% more listings available this October than last.  There were 969 active listings at the end of October in 2024 compared to 1,382 at the end of this October.  Active listings have posted monthly year-over-year gains for almost two years now and the market has exceeded 1,000 homes since April of this year, providing significantly more choice and options for would-be buyers. 

Days on market, the time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it receives a ratified contract and is removed from active status on the multiple listing service, increased 26% up to 34 days this October compared to 27 days last year. 

Despite more varied options for buyers, new pending sales were down nearly 4% this October with 463 new pending contracts compared to 481 last October.  New listings were up 8% with 615 homes coming onto the market this October compared to 569 last year.

FAAR Board of Director Michelle Caldwell Thompson comments, “Optimism may return to the market this fall as we anticipate the federal government’s full reopening. The temporary pause in activity created a bit of pent-up demand, especially among buyers who were waiting on the sidelines for stability and clarity. We’re beginning to see renewed inquiries, increased showing activity, and a lift in consumer confidence.  Sellers who remain realistic on pricing are benefiting from motivated buyers eager to take advantage of easing rates and expanded inventory. As these buyers re-engage, the next few weeks could bring a steady and encouraging close to the year — a positive sign of momentum returning to the Greater Fredericksburg market.”

11 11 2025 October Market Statistics

Blue Wave Hits Virginia, Lots of New Faces in Local Politics

There was a blue wave in the Commonwealth of Virginia on Election Night 2025 with Democrats coasting to victory all across the state, a strong shift after last year’s swing to the right with the election of Donald Trump.

Abigail Spanberger easily defeated Winsome Earle-Sears to become the first woman Governor of Virginia.  Ghazala Hashmi also made history as the first Muslim woman to be elected to statewide office in the Commonwealth.  Jay Jones secured Attorney General, despite a late campaign scandal.

Many new faces will be joining the General Assembly and local Boards of Supervisors along with the City Council.  FAAR is eager to provide accurate, timely information on the housing market to these new members and looks forward to establishing relationships as they take office.

Caroline County did not have any elections this year.

The chart below indicates the outcome of races in the FAAR service territory.
* Denotes incumbent

Virginia House of Delegates
HD-63 Forrest Miller, D Phil Scott*, R WINNER Virginia Realtors® endorsed Phill Scott
HD-64 Stacey Carroll, D WINNER Paul Milde*, R Virginia Realtors® endorsed Paul Milde
HD-65 Josh Cole, D WINNER Sean Steinway, R Virginia Realtors® endorsed Josh Cole
HD-65 Nicole Cole, D
WINNER
Bobby Orrock*, R Virginia Realtors® endorsed Bobby Orrock
HD-67 Mario Haggerty, D Hillary Pugh Kent*, R WINNER Virginia Realtors® endorsed Hillary Pugh Kent
 
City of Fredericksburg
Ward 1 Matt Rowe
WINNER
David Cropper    Ken Gantt FAAR endorsed Realtor® member David Cropper
Ward 2 Joy Crump
WINNER
Anne Little FAAR endorsed Joy Crump
Ward 3 Susanna Finn WINNER Matt Kelly FAAR endorsed Susanna Finn
Ward 4 Chuck Frye* WINNER Jesse Dominguez FAAR endorsed Chuck Frye
King George County
Monroe Shawn Palivoda Bryan Metts
WINNER
No endorsement made
Shiloh Cathy Binder* WINNER Uncontested
Orange County
District 1 J. Jason Capelle WINNER Andrew Fossen     W. Chris Herndon No endorsement made
District 4 Crystal Hale* WINNER Robert Rabe No endorsement made
Spotsylvania County
Battlefield Chris Yakabouski* Baron Braswell Too close to call right now

FAAR endorsed Baron Braswell

Lee Hill Lori Hayes* WINNER Marcus Garcia No endorsement made
Berkeley Kevin Marshall*

Nilo Garza

David Goosman
WINNER
FAAR endorsed Kevin Marshall
Stafford County
Aquia Maya Guy
WINNER
Hank Scharpenberg No endorsement made
Hartwood Darrell English*
WINNER
Kelly Robertson Marcus Oates No endorsement made
Falmouth Michael Catell Kecia Evans
WINNER
FAAR endorsed Kecia Evans
Garrisonville Pam Yeung*
WINNER
Bart Randall No endorsement made
FAAR REALTOR® Cereal Drive Collects 7,388 Boxes — And Counting!

FAAR REALTOR® Cereal Drive Collects 7,388 Boxes — And Counting!

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) is proud to announce the success of this year’s REALTOR® Cereal Drive, with 7,388 boxes of cereal collected so far to support local families facing food insecurity. Additional donations are still being reported, and the final total is expected to increase in the coming days.

Each year, FAAR REALTOR® and Affiliate members unite to collect cereal for distribution to local food banks and community partners serving families across the region. These donations provide thousands of bowls of breakfast to neighbors in need and help keep pantry shelves stocked during a heightened period of demand.

This year’s participating companies include:

  • Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty

  • Coldwell Banker Elite – Stafford

  • Coldwell Banker Elite – Fredericksburg

  • CTI Real Estate
  • eXp Realty

  • Long & Foster
  • Realty ONE Group Key Properties

  • Samson Properties

  • Topside Federal Credit Union

(Additional offices may be added as final collections are reported.)

Cereal donations were distributed to local food banks and partner organizations serving Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and surrounding counties. 

FAAR extends heartfelt thanks to every REALTOR®, Affiliate, office, and community member who contributed time, funds, or cereal to make the 2025 drive a success!

King George Planning Commission sets Public Hearing on downzoning ordinance

King George County has spent the last year discussing a downzoning ordinance that would increase the minimum lot size in the majority of land in the county.  Under the current zoning, A-1 parcels required a 10-acre minimum, A-2 requires a 2-acre minimum and A-3 requires a 1-acre minimum.  Under the revised proposed changes to the text amendment, these minimum lot sizes would increase to 20, 5, and 3 acres respectively.  King George County already has one of the most restrictive zoning codes in the region with an annual growth rate of less than 2%.  This downzoning punishes rural landowners who have built up considerable value in their land by making it harder for them to realize the full financial potential of their property.

If you are concerned about this issue, consider reaching out to your member of the Planning Commission by either sending an email or attending the next meeting where this will be discussed.

King George County Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:30pm
Board Room of the Revercomb Building
10459 Courthouse Drive
King George, VA  22485

These changes could restrict the ability to develop land efficiently and cost-effectively and could have significant economic consequences for King George County landowners. Here are some key talking points to consider when advocating against these amendments at the upcoming planning commission meeting:

 

  1. Economic Impact:The increase in minimum lot sizes could reduce the market value of property as many divisions will need to go through the costly and time-consuming rezoning process.

  2. Property Rights:These amendments infringe upon property owners’ rights to utilize their land as they see fit within existing zoning regulations. Limiting the number of lots that can be created per parcel restricts property owners’ ability to maximize the value of their assets.
  3. Housing Affordability:These amendments could drive up the cost of housing in our area by decreasing lot yield. Decreasing available and buildable lots will result in higher home prices, making homeownership less accessible for working families and young professionals.
  4. Competitive Disadvantage: Large developers with more resources may be better positioned to absorb the impact of these amendments or seek alternative development opportunities. Small home builders, on the other hand, may struggle to compete in a market where their ability to maximize land use is constrained.

REALTORS® Raise Nearly $13,000 for Local Housing Assistance Through Back-to-Back Fundraisers

The Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation and Young Professionals Network (YPN) of the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) turned two fun-filled fall events into meaningful community impact, raising nearly $13,000 in one weekend to be granted out to local housing charities.

The fundraising began on Friday, October 10, with the annual Par for FAAR Foundation Charity Golf Tournament at Augustine Golf Club. REALTORS®, affiliates, and community sponsors enjoyed a day on the course while raising funds to help local families facing housing insecurity.

The giving spirit continued Saturday, October 11, as YPN hosted its popular Cheers for Charity Pub Crawl, visiting three favorite downtown Fredericksburg locations.  The crawl alone raised $1,755 for the Foundation.

“The REALTOR® community really showed up this weekend,” said Jenn Burton, President of the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation. “Between the Golf Tournament and the Pub Crawl, we proved that making a difference doesn’t have to be complicated — it can be fun, social, and deeply rewarding.”

The Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation provides emergency housing assistance and financial support to local nonprofit organizations that serve area residents in need.

FAAR extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, participants, and venues who made these events possible. Together, REALTORS® continue to demonstrate their commitment to helping neighbors find — and keep — a place to call home.

📸 Photos from the Golf Tournament are available at: PAR for FAAR – Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors – FAAR

📸 Photos from the Pub Crawl are available at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=FAARYPN&set=a.1410262737775862 

 

Median price dips for first time in over two years

Could the region finally see a stop to ever increasing home prices?  September statistics show that it’s possible the tide is turning and that prices will finally cool after more than six years of consistent price growth.  September of 2025 saw prices dip across the region for the first time since April of 2023.  The median sold price settled at $462,500 this month compared to $472,000 in September of 2024, representing a small 2% year-over-year decline.  Despite the decline in median price, total sold dollar volume was still up 1% with approximately $234.7 million in transactions posting this September compared with approximately $232.3 million last year. 

While the regional median price drop this September is notable as only the second month since early 2019 that the market has seen any price drops, the decreases were not evenly distributed across all jurisdictions.  Only Orange and Spotsylvania counties saw price dips while all other counties saw year-over-year price growth.  Caroline County notably experienced its highest median price point ever at $405,000, a 13% increase in price from last September.     

Days on market, the time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it receives a ratified contract and is removed from active status on the multiple listing service, increased 21% up to 41 days this September compared to 34 days last year. 

Inventory continued to grow in September, finishing out the month with 1,333 active listings compared to 917 last year, a 45% increase.  New listings were up more than 11% from last year with 529 homes coming on the market in September of 2024 compared to 586 this past month.  New pending sales were down 6%, with 448 pending contracts compared to 477 last September. 

FAAR Board of Director Phillip Blake comments, “September continued August’s trend with signs of a normal fall market. Increasing inventory has given buyers more options, allowing them to search patiently while negotiating contingencies that offer them protection as they perform their due diligence. We continued to see sellers offering price improvements, as well as seller paid concessions. There seems to have been an increase in buyer activity toward the end of September coinciding with lower interest rates. All in all, September continued a welcoming trend towards normalcy returning to our market.”

10 13 2025 September Market Statistics

Press Releases

FAAR Releases 2025 Annual and December Housing Statistics

The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics from both December and full year 2025 to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.Denise Smith, FAAR Treasurer,...

November sees a housing market in transition

The regional housing market demonstrated significant softness this November with falling sales and total sold volume along with stagnant price appreciation.  Median price didn’t budge from last year, again coming in at $465,000 across the region.  Units sold dropped...

Median home prices back up in October

Median housing price increases rebounded again in October after just one month of year-over-year decreases in September.  Median price was up over 3% in October 2025, coming in at $469,900 compared to $455,000 last October.  Units sold were also up over last year with...

Blue Wave Hits Virginia, Lots of New Faces in Local Politics

There was a blue wave in the Commonwealth of Virginia on Election Night 2025 with Democrats coasting to victory all across the state, a strong shift after last year’s swing to the right with the election of Donald Trump. Abigail Spanberger easily defeated Winsome...

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