The availability of affordable housing in the United States has been identified as a national crisis, caused by many different factors over several decades. In 2023, Arlington County, Virginia sought to address its housing shortage via amendments to the County zoning ordinance known as the “Missing Middle”. A recent Virginia Court of Appeals decision calls the future of affordable housing regionally into question by potentially “reactivating” the Missing Middle zoning amendments.

Owning real estate is a documented way to increase personal wealth and encourage generational financial stability. This is likely why owning real estate is still considered by many to be part of the “American Dream.” Most people and institutions, however, do not own their property “outright”—or without any existing lender interest. Instead, financing through a bank or other financial institution is more common.

A recent Virginia Court of Appeals decision, Primis Bank v. Mahaley, highlights the nuances and complications that can arise when liens encumber a property.

The last several weeks have been marked by significant fluctuations in financial markets worldwide. Economists state that the Trump Administration’s recent tariffs are the primary drivers of market-related impact. In addition, thousands are also suffering due to job loss and other uncertainties.