While real estate markets across the country continue to slide, the Washington market is beginning to show underlying strength. Donna Evers, president of high-end realty firm Evers & Co., spoke with The Examiner about the housing market, hot neighborhoods in the area and whether now is the time to buy.

The national real estate market appears to be in dire straights. How is the Washington region weathering the housing crisis?

We’re looking very good locally. We have all these things going on, whether it’s the positive job situation [the region is adding jobs], income growth or young ambitious people who live here. Because we’re a prosperous area with a lot of jobs, we have a good housing market. After a few down years, a lot of people are saying we’ve made a turnaround.

Does the federal government shelter the area?

This story continues below
Advertisement

Yes, but we’ve had downturns that occurred because of the federal government as well. In the early ’90s, we had some government agencies thinning out and giving out pink slips. We feel it when things like that happen. When the federal government grows, we prosper. When it’s lean, we feel it immediately. Also, lobbyist and law firms are connected with the government. If the federal government is doing well, they are too.

What are the hot neighborhoods in the Washington area?

Anything in Northwest Washington. Anything close [to the border of D.C.] in Montgomery County. Alexandria and Arlington are also hot, as is Capitol Hill.

Is now a good time to buy?

It depends on the needs of the buyer. If they’re looking for a place and they have their own time frame — I don’t see anything out there that makes me think “wait” or “hurry up.” Educate yourself when you make a purchase, feel good about it. Will the market continue to be strong? I think that the Washington market is pretty much unstoppable.