For Northern Virginia, the worst is over, according to George Mason University economist Stephen Fuller. Economic indicators are on the rise, and he said that unemployment figures will soon improve as well. Job growth typically lags up to 18 months behind the start of economic recoveries.

That's good news for homeowners, who may want to sell but fear timing the market wrong. As the economy strengthens, so will the housing market. 

Christine Todd, CEO of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, hopes Fuller's message spreads. “Perhaps buyers and sellers are confused and misinformed about the economy,” she said. “I’m concerned they’re not digging deep enough, getting the facts and putting their houses on the market. They’re not getting the real news and taking advantage of the sweet spot in the market.”

Read more in the Sun Gazette....