Through the Lens: the Current State of the DMV Real Estate Market (Q3 '25)

This year has been anything but predictable, and from behind my camera, the story is as much about the mood of the market as it is about the homes themselves.

It Just Doesn't Stop

The numbers tell a tale of dramatic change: DC’s housing inventory has surged by over 50% compared to last year, with more than 3,500 homes on the market May and June alone. At the same time, prices have edged upward, with the median home price in DC hovering around $635k—that's over a 4% bump from the previous month. Some neighborhoods, like Congress Heights and Dupont Circle, have seen price jumps of 30% or more, while others are experiencing slower growth or even declines.

What This Means for You

For us photographers, this market shift is palpable. More homes for sale mean more listings to shoot, but also more competition for sellers. In a crowded market, first impressions matter more than ever. Agents and homeowners are increasingly turning to high-quality photography, 3D tours, and aerial shots to make their properties stand out. The days of snapping a few quick photos with minimal lighting and your Galaxy phone are long gone—buyers expect to be wowed before they even step foot inside.

Telling the Story

Every shoot now feels like a collaboration in producing a feature-length film. Whether I’m photographing a renovated rowhouse in Columbia Heights, a luxury condo in Navy Yard, or a McMansion in Warrenton, my goal is to highlight what makes each property unique. With so many options on the market, buyers are scrolling fast—so every image has to capture attention and evoke emotion instantly.

The New Normal

The increased inventory seems to be leading to tighter timelines. Agents want their listings live yesterday, and fast turnaround has become a feature, not a premium. As of late, I’ve streamlined our editing and delivery process to make sure we're keeping pace and guaranteeing our clients can move quickly to stay competitive.

Looking Ahead

We're seeing all sorts of things happen with interest rates and the looming threat of the Fed Chair; despite the market’s uncertainty, one thing is clear: visual storytelling is more important than ever in real estate. As the DMV area continues to evolve, I’m excited to help agents and sellers showcase their properties in the best possible light. Keep bringing me homes and I'll keep taking pictures.

If you’re ready to make your listing stand out, let’s connect. The market may be unpredictable, but great photography will always be in demand.