_[This market recap on the Northern Virginia from MLS data is compiled by [Butch Hicks](http://bhicks.com), a former president of [RAC (Relocation Appraisers and Consultants)](http://www.rac.net) (that I am a member of), a friend and an experienced appraiser in Northern Virginia. His results are published on his web site as [a series of charts](http://www.bhicks.com/statistics.htm), each with a brief summary. (As a kid growing up in the Washing DC area, I was barraged by “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism ads, and of course “DC is for US, by George”)]_ -Jonathan Miller

Note: Butch will be joining our regular writers on [Soapbox](http://soapbox.millersamuelv2.wpenginepowered.com) with his own column shortly called “Hicks on Sticks”.

[View the charts [BHicks.com]](http://www.bhicks.com/statistics.htm)

Here’s a sample of the charts available online.

* Median sales price for October 2006 was $436,313, down 5% from the same period las year.

* Inventory is up 209% from the same period last year.

* New offerings added to the market have been declining since June 2006 but contracts have too.