THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Welcome to my weekly newsletter featuring a personal note on the ever-evolving world of real estate along with a few news-worthy updates. Enjoy!

Happy second half

The first half of the year has been a wonderful whirlwind. The last weeks of June have involved countless "final walkthroughs" - those perilous occasions when the buyer does a last check of the house before heading to the settlement table. Everything rides on its success.

Very early in my real estate career, I appreciated the relevance of my Mom's favorite phrase "proper planning prevents piss poor performance"! And thankfully my Dad, who was always tinkering with things (mostly antique cars), instilled my confidence to realize I could figure most things out... Because no matter how prepared you are, there are inevitably toilets that don't flush, exhaust fans with random flashing lights, automatic shades that don't do anything, door locks that need to be reprogrammed.

So whether it's your big walkthrough, or you're just keeping your home in shape as summer kicks into high gear, here are a few important reminders:

Clean and Repair Gutters - Prepare for summer storms by unclogging your gutters and downspouts and make necessary repairs! I cannot stress this one enough - getting water away from a home's foundation is critical.

Power Wash Exteriors - Give your patio, driveway, walkways, and siding a fresh look for a more clean and inviting exterior. Mold build up looks bad and invites wood rot.

Seal Your Driveway - Protect your paved driveway from cracks, water damage, and weeds by resealing the pavement. The process simply requires cleaning your driveway, filling in existing cracks, and applying a sealant.

Service Your Air Conditioning Unit - Even better, sign up for an annual service contract that provides twice yearly service. Having such service gives you (and a prospective future buyer) huge peace of mind. Moreover, a well-maintained air conditioning unit runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Change the air filter, clean the coils, and remove any debris from around the unit.

Inspect and Clean Your Deck - Check and repair loose or rotting boards, nails, or screws. Apply a fresh sealant or stain to protect the wood and enhance the longevity of your deck.

Clean Your Dryer Vent - Avoid the risk of a house fire by unclogging any lint from your dryer vent. This comes up in almost every home inspection and is incredibly easy to remedy. Not to mention a great way to avoid a fire hazard!

Wash Your Windows and Screens - Let in more natural light, and protect your windows’ energy efficiency.

Deep Clean Your Carpets - Refresh your carpets with a deep clean to remove built-up dirt, pet hair, and other debris.

Clean Your Exhaust Fans - Inspect and clean your bathroom exhaust fans to prevent and eliminate mold. I know - no one thinks about it but it, but trust me it's important!

If you need contractor recommendations, we are always here to help!

real estate & the news

• A survey of some 200 agents specializing in luxury property found that ultra-wealthy buyers, defined as individuals worth at least $30 million, are still making big-ticket purchases despite trade war and recession fears. They are also driving a substantial rise in all-cash offers. Meanwhile, affluent but less wealthy buyers are more sensitive to interest rates and are acting more cautiously. (CNBC)

• Big money takeovers of private companies have driven mergers and acquisitions in the first half of 2025, with over half of the 10 largest deals announced involving a private target. The value of all deals globally has increased by almost 20% to $1.8 trillion, driven by transactions like Meta's $14 billion-plus investment in Scale AI and other large deals. Despite ongoing geopolitical and trade turmoil, dealmakers are optimistic about the rest of 2025, with a strong second quarter and a more constructive market environment contributing to their confidence. (Bloomberg)

• Corporate post-tax profits dropped in the first quarter by 3.3%, their biggest fall since the pandemic by far. After-tax profits account for an unprecedented 10.7% of GDP, when in the last 50 years of the 20th century, they never exceeded 8%. About $530 (11%) billion of the US federal government’s $4.8 trillion comes from corporate taxes: Individual income taxes (49%) and payroll taxes (35%) pay the most. (US Bureau of Economic Analysis/Bloomberg)

• SUPERWOOD? A new product called Superwood could someday replace steel I-beams in the skeleton of a building, while being impact-resistant enough for bulletproof doors. It’s also fire resistant—the outside carbonizes in a way that protects the inside, and it won’t sag in a fire like steel. (WSJ)

around dc

AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION

AT MOUNT VERNON

Salute the first commander in chief during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day event. Hear former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger deliver a keynote address at a naturalization ceremony. Details available here.

Lee Arrowood

Principal, Arrowood Advisory at Compass

M: 202.251.3175

O: 202.448.9002

lee.arrowood@compass.com

+$173M Sold In 2023

#3 Team Lead 2022