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February 2026 Updates from your favorite Washington DC area real estate advisors. |
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| February may be known for Valentine’s Day, but in real estate it’s also the season when buyers start falling in love with new possibilities. As we edge closer to spring, activity is beginning to pick up — and with mortgage rates stabilizing, more people are stepping back into the market. Whether you’re happily settled or beginning to think about your next move, this time of year always brings a renewed sense of momentum.
There’s truly nothing we love more than shepherding our clients through a successful transaction — from strategy and negotiation to the moment keys change hands — and then continuing to build those relationships long after closing day. Real estate is about more than contracts; it’s about trust, guidance, and being a steady hand through big decisions.
We’re especially grateful when clients share kind words about their experience working with us. Your feedback means the world, and this month we’re including a recent note that captures exactly why we do what we do.
In the spirit of the season, we’re also introducing our first “Love List” — a roundup of a few things we’re loving right now, both in our community and beyond. We hope it inspires you to discover something new and share the love locally. |
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We LOVE making clients happy! |
| Some kind words from a delighted client: |
| "We doubt many people could make it look easy to orchestrate the purchase of one home and the sale of another within the span of two months including the holidays, but Katie and Piers did just that for us.
When we decided to relocate while staying in Takoma Park, we knew we needed realtors with deep knowledge of the local market. Katie and Piers offered exactly that, plus a network of local builders and contractors who helped us navigate our decision-making process and complete a few small but necessary pieces of work timely and reliably.
At every stage, their team went out of its way to help, turning what initially felt like a marathon of boxes to check into a seamless process. Whether helping us shuttle stuff between homes, getting us ready to stage our home for open houses, spending time at the county permitting office, or helping us meet a series of quick deadlines, Katie and Piers were always on top of things for us and brought great, positive energy with them.
For anyone looking to buy and/or sell a home in or around Takoma Park, we cannot recommend Katie and Piers highly enough!"
For more reviews, click here. |
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| | What's going on in the market locally? |
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January Market Pulse: Steady, Selective, Strategic
If January tells us anything, it’s this: the market isn’t sleepy — it’s selective.
In Washington, DC, sales were down significantly year-over-year, and fewer new listings came to market. But here’s the interesting part: the median price jumped nearly 19%. That’s not a soft market. That’s a market where strong homes are still commanding strong numbers, even if fewer people are playing the game.
In Montgomery County, the story shifts slightly. Sales were basically flat. Prices were steady. But inventory rose sharply — up 34% from last year. Buyers have more choices than they did, which brings a bit more balance to the table.
So what do I take from this?
Demand hasn’t disappeared — it’s just more discerning. Pricing strategy matters more than ever. Presentation and positioning are doing the heavy lifting. The spring market will likely reward sellers who lead, not chase.
January is always a transitional month. The real test comes as we move toward March and April. If inventory continues to build, buyers gain leverage. If demand absorbs it, we’ll see continued price resilience — especially in sought-after neighborhoods.
As always, real estate is hyper-local. The right house, priced right, still moves. If you’re curious what this means for your block or your plans this year, let’s talk. |
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| Recent Listings & Transactions |
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| | | 5437 Stream Bank Ln, Greenbelt MD 20770 |
| 4 BD 5 BA 2400 SF $715,000 |
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| SOLD IN Bethesda (REPRESENTED THE BUYERS) |
| | 4 BD 3 BA 1650 SF $1,300,000 |
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| | | 2 BD 3 BA 1184 SF $535,000 |
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| | We also have Private Exclusive Listings in/ near Takoma Park! |
| We have 5 properties in the area that are listed as Compass Private Exclusives. Reach out to learn more! |
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| | | Taking place at the historic 1,200-seat Lincoln Theatre, this well-attended festival showcases a powerful lineup of films, art, and music that celebrate the depth and diversity of Black culture. |
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| | | This highly-rated, interactive 5-star comedy show features two world-class magicians competing for the audience's vote in an intimate theater setting in the heart of Chevy Chase. |
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| | | Chinatown comes alive with this vibrant community celebration featuring traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and a spectacular firecracker finale to welcome the Year of the Horse. |
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In the spirit of sharing the love, here are a few things we’re especially enjoying right now.
A Local Restaurant: Trattoria da Lina (Takoma Park) -- A cozy and authentic Italian restaurant where we spent Valentine's Day this year, perfect date night location! meeting friends. @trattoriadalinatkpk
A Local Coffee Shop: Koma (Takoma Park) -- One of our faves, often our second office. We love meeting up with friends, family, and clients here, for great coffee and friendly vibe. @koma_cafe
Worth Watching: Shrinking (Current Season, Apple TV) -- The new season of Shrinking continues to blend humor and heart in the best way. It’s funny, thoughtful, and full of characters navigating change in imperfect but relatable ways. Equal parts entertaining and meaningful — perfect for a winter binge.
Worth Reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear -- A favorite for good reason. Atomic Habits is all about how small, consistent changes can lead to big results over time. It’s practical, motivating, and a great reminder that meaningful progress — whether personal or professional — starts with simple steps.
Community Spotlight: ArtStream (Silver Spring) -- ArtStream is a local nonprofit that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through theater and performance. Their productions are joyful, moving, and deeply community-centered — a wonderful organization to know and support. @artstream_inc |
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| Say hi to Oslo, one of Carter's dogs. He is a 4-year-old Jack Russell. He is a trouble maker more than a problem solver. Loves his mum. His human companions are are currently trying to reduce his screen time. |
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Thanks for reading and subscribing! Ready to achieve your next real estate goal? |
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| | Katie Bocock Team of Compass
M: 301.793.7954 katie.bocock@compass.com www.katiewithcompass.com IG @katiebrealtor |
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| | | Katie Bocock
Realtor® M: 301.793.7954 O: 301.298.1001 katie.bocock@compass.com |
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| | | Piers Bocock
Realtor® licensed in MD & DC M: 301.385.7387 O: 301.298.1001 piers.bocock@compass.com |
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| | | Julia Baumberger
REALTOR® M: 202.657.7389 O: 301.298.1001 julia.baumberger@compass.com |
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| | | Mark Goodson
REALTOR® | Licensed in DC, MD, and PA M: 917.747.7879 O: 301.298.1001 mark.goodson@compass.com |
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| | | Carter Nicholas
REALTOR® M: 508.827.9848 O: 301.298.1001 carter.nicholas@compass.com |
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Office: 301-298-1001 Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. |
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