The movement of politicians and business elites heralds a series of multimillion-dollar blockbuster deals for real estate brokers, especially in elite neighborhoods such as Kalorama and Massachusetts Heights, which are expected to be the core areas for luxury home transactions.
“We expect to see a new wave of high-priced deals in the market starting next January,” said Michael Rankin, Washington head of Sotheby's International Realty. He noted that potential buyers are generally in a wait-and-see mode at the moment, with many reluctant to make major investments in the face of uncertainty. However, many buyers will be ready to make multi-million or even tens of millions of dollars in transactions once market conditions become clear, especially once the political landscape becomes clear.
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During Trump's first term, Washington's real estate market had experienced a round of home purchases by the political and business elite. Trump himself and his top team had purchased several luxury homes in Washington. For example, then-Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross purchased a luxury home for $12 million, while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson bought a Kalorama property for $5.5 million. With Trump's reelection campaign, these top government officials and their allies are expected to re-enter the market and drive a series of deals.
Under Trump's influence, Kalorama once became a gathering place for Washington's political and business elite. Compared to Georgetown, Kalorama's properties are not only larger, but also designed in a more modern style, making it the preferred place to live for top political executives. While Georgetown has its own unique charms, Kalorama is more appealing to those seeking a luxurious lifestyle.
However, it's not all smooth sailing in the Washington real estate market. The Trump administration's plans to make massive cuts to the federal government workforce could have some impact on the demand for homeownership from middle-class and civil service families. Even the higher end of the market could be affected. Some real estate brokers say they have already begun to receive inquiries from clients who are looking to sell their homes before the change in government structure.