Now would be a goods time to buy that second home. Lots off aging baby boomers moving closer to civilization (medical support) .

DC may be one of the more interest Real Estate markets.  Extremely good, relatively stable, but still exhibiting extreme sensitivity to the political & economic zeitgeist, even if the results of change is less likely than ever to prognostication.  For example, this political game of chicken being played out on the Hill has had an unfortunate affect on many individuals, some being furloughed, some being sent home, and i am sure, some being fired.  Certainly a hiring freeze has occurred for many contractors and sub-contractors;  in addition, pubs, restaurants, retail, etc. must be feeling, if nought else, the lack of 'bodies' no longer at their accustomed locations.  My guess is, a net cooling of the market, as people swing from the bullish "He who hesitates is Lost!" towards the bearish "Look before you leap!".   Look for an increase on Days on Market; and, a slow down and decrease on sales prices.  How much?  ah, there's the rub.  It depends upon how long this goes on! and on! and on! An appropos cartoon on xkcd.com  is here: http://xkcd.com/1274/