On June 12, NVAR hosted its 2025 Economic Summit at The Lodge at Hanson Park in Aldie, convening a dynamic group of real estate professionals, economists, and regional leaders to explore the economic forces shaping Northern Virginia’s housing market. Organized by NVAR’s Real Estate Finance & Settlements Forum, the summit delivered timely insights into how inflation, income trends, and interest rates influence real estate activity across the region. 

The event featured keynote presentations from Dr. Terry Clower, Director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, and Dr. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of Realtors®. NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin sat down with Dr. Clower during his session on “Regional Analysis with NVAR and GMU,” where Dr. Clower provided a deep dive into the local economy, highlighting changes in employment, wage growth, and regional competitiveness. Dr. Lautz followed with a national perspective, focusing on demographic shifts reshaping the market — including the rise of multigenerational households, delayed homeownership, and sustained demand from first-time buyers. 

Two curated sessions offered attendees valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead. In “The Economics of Development: What Drives Builder and Developer Decisions,” industry leaders Reid Allen (Pulte Group), Amy Friedlander (EYA), and Paul Jester (Van Metre Homes) shared a behind-the-scenes look at how builders and developers approach land acquisition, project selection, and market timing. The panel explored how factors like zoning regulations, land costs, entitlement processes, and population trends drive development decisions. Panelists emphasized that while buyer demand remains strong — particularly for walkable, mixed-use communities — access to land and predictable approval processes are essential to delivering new housing to market. 

Later, “Regional Resilience: Opportunities for Growth in this Regional Economy” featured Alex Iams of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Buddy Rizer of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development. The session explored how local governments are positioning their communities for long-term economic growth by attracting industry, talent, and infrastructure investment. Both speakers highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and major corporate investments in driving regional competitiveness and supporting housing demand. 

Attendees left the summit with a deeper understanding of the macroeconomic and demographic dynamics shaping the future of real estate in Northern Virginia. From evolving buyer expectations to regional investment strategies, the day’s discussions reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making and long-term strategic planning. For Realtors®, the summit served as both an educational opportunity and a call to action — underscoring their role in advancing sustainable, economically vibrant communities through informed advocacy and professional insight.