December 2025 Updates from your favorite Washington DC area real estate advisors.

Our annual holiday card . . . still trying to get them signed, addressed and sent!

Bounce back with passion.

As December winds down, it feels safe to say this has been one heck of a year in the DC area—at home, at work, and in the overall rhythm and mood of life in and around Washington. So much has felt unsettled and unpredictable. And as we look back on 2025 and toward 2026, we keep coming back to a phrase that captures the moment perfectly: one of Compass’s core principles—“bounce back with passion.”

Among the many shocking disruptions of this year was the sudden and devastating dismantling of the world in which Piers worked for more than two decades before joining Compass nearly two years ago. When USAID was so unceremoniously—and cruelly—shuttered earlier this year, we watched in real time as friends and colleagues, along with countless professionals at implementing partners, were abruptly left without work. It was heartbreaking.

But what we witnessed next was extraordinary.

Again and again, we saw people pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and ask a powerful question: “How can I still make a difference?” Many answered it by turning their energy closer to home—into primary and secondary education, nonprofits, local politics, and community-based organizations. The scale may have shifted, but the impact remains real and deeply meaningful.

Life rarely unfolds the way we expect it to. Those who manage to adapt—to bend without breaking, to respond rather than retreat—offer a powerful example for the rest of us. Resilience isn’t just about surviving disruption; it’s about finding purpose on the other side of it.

Throughout this rollercoaster of a year, one question we’ve asked again and again is: “How are you staying sane amid all the unpredictability?” The answers have been remarkably consistent—variations on a single theme: staying connected. To friends, to family, to neighbors, to community. That sense of connection is what has kept us grounded and hopeful too.

So as we reflect on a year marked by upheaval and uncertainty, we want to say thank you—to everyone who has stayed connected with us, who has said yes to conversations, check-ins, support, and community. It has meant more than we can adequately express.

Here’s to resilience, to connection, and to bouncing back—with passion—in the year ahead.

Warmly, Piers & Katie

Making people happy is our "why."

Some kind words from one of our beloved clients:

It has been a couple of months since Katie and Piers sold my house. When I found them, I was overwhelmed with the process and underwhelmed with the realtor I had. I had a large 6-bedroom-house on a beautiful large lot, and ~15 years of my life living there. Not to mention stuff from my children and several family members that had lived with me over the years. I did not know anything about selling a house, and my then-realtor did not seem to listen to my wants and needs.

Then comes Katie and Piers, they spent a lot of time listening to understand my situation, my wants and my needs. They treated me like a true friend. They were very professional, knowledgeable, honest and direct. They presented options and explained different circumstances and realistic expectations.

As soon as I signed with Katie and Piers, I was confident I was no longer alone at this. I was part of the larger Katie & company dynamic team.They did not just sell my house, they tapped into their extensive network of contractors, handymen, and movers. They were never pushy, demanding or judgmental about my lack of knowledge or lack of time to reach out to a contractor, because they knew what was going on in my life, and I knew they were there for me at EVERY STEP of the process. They helped me with follow-ups with contractors and utility companies as needed. They were at the house to meet with contractors while I was at work.

They went above and beyond what I expected. And they sold my house at 25% more than what my previous realtor had suggested.So if you’re looking for a team that has the full-range support to go from thoughts of selling your home, to “SOLD”, Katie & Piers Bocock have you covered from A to Z. The cherry on top is that Katie and Piers are lovely human beings and pleasant company. I am so lucky to have found this amazing dynamic team.

Featured Listings

Local events.

through December 23

Downtown

Holiday Market

Check out this beloved local tradition for holiday shopping! It features dozens of pop-up tents with a rotating lineup of local small businesses, artists, and crafters, plus live music and seasonal treats like hot chocolate and mini-donuts.

through December 29

Winter City Lights

An immersive, outdoor holiday experience featuring a mile-long walking trail with over a million twinkling lights, a 52-foot programmable Christmas tree show, an eight-lane snow tubing hill, and a holiday village with bonfires, s'mores, and concessions. This is a massive, highly-rated light spectacular.

through January 4

Winter Walk

of Lights

A beautiful, light display at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. This half-mile walking trail features hundreds of thousands of lights, choreographed light displays, nature-themed light sculptures of butterflies and flowers, concluding with a gazebo and lake reflection view.

Pup of the Month

Meet Georgia.

Georgia -- one of a group of four pups named for the Beatles -- came to us early in the COVID pandemic from Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue. Adopted as a younger sister for the indefatigable Legolas (now in the great dog park in the sky), she has been a wonderful "big" sister to Coral, who's now been with us nearly 3 years. She likes peanut butter, long cuddles, and protecting our family from anything that dares pass in front of the house. Follow "Gigi" on IG @ms_georgia_b

Thanks for reading and subscribing! Ready to achieve your next real estate goal?

Katie Bocock Team of Compass

M: 301.793.7954

katie.bocock@compass.com

www.katiewithcompass.com

IG @katiebrealtor