Michele Lerner - Washingtonian

Michele Lerner

Michele Lerner (mvlerner@comcast.net) covers real estate, interior design, and personal finance.

It’s a Buyer’s Market. Here’s How Washingtonians Are Selling Their Homes.

Real Estate

It’s a Buyer’s Market. Here’s How Washingtonians Are Selling Their Homes.

As buyers enjoy newfound leverage, agents and sellers are finding creative ways to sell property, from hiring synchronized swimmers for an open house to changing the address of “stigmatized properties.”

April 27, 2026

This Mansion in McLean Sold After a $100,000 Makeover

Real Estate

This Mansion in McLean Sold After a $100,000 Makeover

When the $18.5 million home wasn’t moving, the seller reimagined it—and covered up the gold paint

home sales, staging, The Real Estate Market

April 27, 2026

5 Home Staging Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make (and One Stroke of Genius)

Real Estate

5 Home Staging Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make (and One Stroke of Genius)

Entice buyers by avoiding these missteps–and by standing out

home sales, staging

April 27, 2026

Virtual Staging Can Help You Sell Your Home–but at What Cost?

Real Estate

Virtual Staging Can Help You Sell Your Home–but at What Cost?

AI tools are increasingly popular—but not without drawbacks.

home sales, staging

April 27, 2026

How to Market Your Condo in the DC Area

Real Estate

How to Market Your Condo in the DC Area

In the face of strong headwinds, here's what sellers can still control

Condos, housing market

April 27, 2026

How to Pick a Good Title-and-Settlement Company in the DC Area

News & Politics

How to Pick a Good Title-and-Settlement Company in the DC Area

Plus our list of top firms in the region.

September 24, 2025

Inside the Secret World of Luxury Real Estate in DC

Real Estate

Inside the Secret World of Luxury Real Estate in DC

NDAs, private listings, LLCs, security teams. Power brokers and high rollers in DC have countless ways of shielding their properties from prying eyes—or threats far worse. Here’s how the elites create a layer of privacy around their homes.

luxury real estate

May 15, 2025

DC’s Real Estate Market Is Weird Right Now

Real Estate

DC’s Real Estate Market Is Weird Right Now

Experts’ secrets for navigating the market—and getting the most for your money, whether you’re buying or selling.

October 11, 2024

DC’s Office Real Estate Market May Not Be Doomed After All

Real Estate

DC’s Office Real Estate Market May Not Be Doomed After All

There are some bright spots in the local office market. Plus, our first-ever career achievement awards for commercial real estate.

office buildings

September 9, 2024

5 DC-Area Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2024

News & Politics | Real Estate

5 DC-Area Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2024

More transparent agent fees, lower mortgage rates, and what else to know if you’re buying or selling a home.

Condos, housing market, real estate trends

February 27, 2024