A
viral social media post claiming hundreds of homes are hitting the market in the D.C. area due to federal worker layoffs is unfounded, according to real estate experts. The post shows new listings in Arlington County and Falls Church, Virginia, suggesting a mass exodus from Northern Virginia.

    However, Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, says the photo is fake. "We're not seeing any major increase in inventory or plunging home prices," he stated.

    Real estate agent Ashleigh Wehmeyer with Compass Realty agrees that the post is bogus and has been causing confusion among clients. Some realtors have received calls from concerned buyers asking if they should put their house on the market due to the false claims.

    Housing data for February shows minimal changes in most Northern Virginia cities and counties compared to last year, except for Loudoun County which saw a 24% increase in new listings. Wehmeyer attributes this to new construction and people returning to work after being ordered back.

    Yun notes that the federal government workforce accounts for only 9% of the region's workers, with most employed in the private sector. He believes the "Beltway bubble" won't pop soon due to the highly educated workforce and companies' desire to tap into it.

    Experts advise homeowners not to panic sell. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is hosting a free webinar on Thursday for those affected by federal cuts.