Jane Dehais, Realtor

03/18/2026

This is a great infographic outlining significant repairs required on a home long term. Factoring in replacement costs and budgeting accordingly, prevents surprises and undue stress.

Nobody shows you this chart before you buy a house.

They show you the mortgage payment. They show you the down payment. They might even mention property taxes and insurance if you're lucky.

But nobody hands you a list of everything that house is eventually going to demand from you.

So here it is.

Your roof has about 20 years before it's done. Your furnace is giving you 15 to 20. The AC is going to tap out somewhere between 10 and 15 years. Windows same thing.

Water heater? 8 to 12 years and counting. Carpet is gone in 8. Exterior paint needs attention every 3 to 7 years whether you like it or not.

And the big ones that people never think about until it's a crisis.

Your electrical panel has a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. Your plumbing is somewhere between 25 and 50. Those aren't small line items when they go.

Those are EMERGENCY situations that show up on a random Tuesday with a five figure price tag attached.

Here's what the math actually looks like.

A new roof runs $10,000 to $20,000. A full HVAC replacement is $5,000 to $12,000. Replumb a house and you're looking at $15,000 to $20,000 easy. Electrical panel upgrade? Another $3,000 to $10,000.

None of these things fail on a schedule that's convenient for your bank account.

Your furnace doesn't wait until you get a bonus. Your roof doesn't care that you just paid for a wedding. The AC compressor will absolutely die on the hottest day of July with zero warning and zero apology.

This is why financial advisors recommend budgeting 1% to 2% of your home's value every single year just for maintenance.

On a $400,000 home that's $4,000 to $8,000 a year.

Every year.

On top of the mortgage. On top of taxes. On top of insurance.

Homeownership is one of the greatest wealth building tools in existence.

It's also one of the most expensive things you'll ever maintain.

The goal isn't just to afford the house.

The goal is to afford everything the house is eventually going to demand from you.

Plan accordingly.

03/18/2026

Sneak peek 👀

317 Mt Vernon Ave in Alexandria is coming soon, and it’s already looking incredible. Huge shoutout to Eugenio working his magic behind the lens.

As a top-producing Realtor ranked in the top 2% of DMV agents, my specialty is transforming a blank canvas into a market-ready home. Working alongside my design team, we focus on cost-effective, cosmetic updates that maximize ROI for our sellers, and this home is a perfect example.

From the light-filled kitchen to the cozy, perfectly staged living spaces, this one is going to turn heads. Stay tuned for the full professional photos… you won’t want to miss it.

03/17/2026

On March 17th, everyone’s a little bit Irish

St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast honoring Ireland’s patron saint, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. Over time, it’s grown into a global celebration of Irish heritage, resilience, and community, filled with parades, music, and a whole lot of green.

But beyond the festivities, the day also reflects deeper stories of perseverance and migration. From the courage of Irish immigrants throughout history to moments like the Saint Patrick’s Battalion in the 1800s, it’s a reminder of the complex and powerful journeys that shape our communities.

Today, it’s about connection. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just for the day, here’s to celebrating culture, community, and a little shared joy.

I’m even contemplating a stop at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo to really get into the spirit, looks like they’ve got live music all day, including the Chieftones in the afternoon and Irish dancing throughout

And don’t forget, wear something green… even green underwear will do. Green where it matters most 😉

03/16/2026

Coming to Market This Week

An incredible opportunity in Rosemont, perfectly nestled between Del Ray and Old Town. This home has been beautifully renovated and is completely turnkey, offering the charm of the neighborhood with modern updates throughout.

And the best part? An unbelievable price point for Rosemont.

If you’ve been waiting for the right home in one of Alexandria’s most sought-after locations, this is it. Walkable to Del Ray favorites, minutes to Old Town, and an easy commute to DC, the lifestyle here is hard to beat.

- Rosemont | Alexandria
- Turn-key renovation
- Rare value for the neighborhood

Take a look before everyone else does. Professional photography comes online Thursday:
https://www.compass.com/listing/2061025361317174433/view?agent_id=60230f38a2fdcf0001aa6a76

📩 DM me for details or to schedule a private showing.

317 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 is a townhouse that will be listed for sale at $815,000. This is a 2-bed, 2-bath, 1,200 sqft property.

03/13/2026

Feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day?

Some of my clients might be receiving a little extra luck in the mail this week.

Just a small thank you for your continued support and referrals. In real estate, I truly feel lucky to work with such amazing people!

And who knows… maybe your scratch ticket will bring a little extra gold at the end of the rainbow.

If you know someone thinking about buying or selling, I’d love to help them too!

03/10/2026

Making social plans for St. Paddy’s Day?

With the beautiful weather we’ve had the past few days, it certainly encourages us to get outside, relax, and forget our worries for a bit.

If you're looking for a festive place to celebrate around the DMV, here are a few great spots to enjoy a pint, Irish coffee, or some live music.

Whether you're planning a casual afternoon with friends or a lively evening out, these local favorites are always a good time.

Sláinte!

03/10/2026

Preventative maintenance is one of the simplest ways to protect the long-term value of your home.

As we move into spring here in Washington, DC, March is a great time to take care of a few small things around the house after the winter months.

Here are a few seasonal home tips I shared in this month’s homeowner newsletter:

✔ Replace HVAC filters and schedule spring servicing
✔ Clean gutters and downspouts after winter debris
✔ Check exterior caulking around windows and doors
✔ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
✔ Inspect your roof and attic for any signs of winter damage

These small tasks may not take long, but staying ahead of maintenance helps prevent larger (and more expensive) issues later.

A well-maintained home doesn’t just feel better to live in, it also helps protect the long-term value of Washington, DC homes.

If you'd like a copy of the March Home Maintenance Checklist, feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to share it.

03/04/2026

WEEKLY MARKET UPDATE
There’s a lot happening in the world right now, and it’s natural for it to leave many of us feeling a little unsettled. Uncertainty can make us pause our plans — especially when it comes to big decisions like buying a home.

But here’s something not many people are talking about yet…

Mortgage rates have quietly dropped below 6% for the first time since 2022/2023.

For many of us in real estate, this is something we’ve been anticipating for a while, and it’s a positive step toward improved affordability for buyers. A recent article from Investopedia also highlighted the shift, noting that even a small drop in rates can make a meaningful difference in monthly payments for buyers.

The truth is, real estate decisions are rarely just about trying to time the market. They’re about life changes, priorities, and new chapters, growing families, new jobs, downsizing, or simply finding a home that fits your life better.

Over the long term, real estate has consistently been one of the strongest places to build and park wealth, as home values tend to appreciate over time.

The key is positioning yourself in the right home for your current and future needs. And when you work with the right team, there are often strategies that can help make homeownership more achievable, from rate buy-downs to loan programs and buyer grants many people don’t realize they may qualify for.

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time, let’s talk about your goals and explore your options.

Call or message me today to start the conversation.

Freddie Mac’s 30-year average has dipped below 6% for the first time in more than 3 years. Here’s how the milestone could affect what buyers pay each month.

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

I love the snow! This is the first year in a long time that I have said “enough”!!!

Was this our last snowfall of the season?? Well, there may be one last chance in about two weeks. Right around St. Patrick’s Day we could see some more wintry weather. We will see! Are you done with winter??

02/28/2026

I represented the Buyer!

Spring Market Momentum in Maryland. As the spring market continues to wind up with the warmer weather, prepared buyers are still winning, and strategy matters more than ever.

I’m excited to share that I represented the buyer on 13207 Anthem Greenfields Dr in Bowie, and in a competitive multiple-offer situation, we successfully ratified!

After touring several homes over a couple of weekends, this one truly stood out, its youthfulness (yes I said that), thoughtful upgrades, and recently finished basement set it apart, all within one of the most desirable communities in the neighborhood. It checked every box.

To strengthen our offer, my lender partner Benjamin Balser with Potomac Mortgage structured a quick 15-day close option, a strategic edge that helped secure the win.

If you’ve been on the fence about buying and are considering making a move with rates trending lower, let’s have a conversation. Preparation and the right strategy still make all the difference.

13207 Anthem Greenfields Dr, Bowie, MD 20720 is a single family home listed for sale at $725,000 and is pending. This is a 4-bed, 3-bath, 3,676 sqft property.

02/20/2026

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