Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of public policy issues and headlines from around the Northern Virginia Region, the Commonwealth, and Capitol Hill.

1. Veterans Affairs Signals Temporary Suspension of Buyer Agent Payment Ban

By National Association of REALTORS®

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation until the agency deems it necessary to engage in a formal rulemaking process, a VA official said Tuesday at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference in New York.

2. Fairfax Lawmakers OK Pivot From Office to Residential in Tysons

By DAN BRENDEL, Washington Business Journal

Fairfax County lawmakers approved a rezoning plan that paves the way for a residential tower in Tysons’ Arbor Row, in place of an office building previously approved there.

3. FHA Increases Allowable Fees for Assumable Loans

By JEREMY GREEN, National Association of REALTORS® Washington Report

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) doubled the allowable fees from $900 to $1,800. Government-insured mortgages have the unique feature of being assumable to homebuyers. Assumable loans create opportunities for those with FHA-mortgages who are struggling to sell their homes in high interest rate environments, and consumers who wish to purchase but are sidelined because of higher monthly payments.

4. Venture Capital Firms in New Economic Development Trust

By DAVE BESS, Richmond Times-Dispatch

Virginia is launching a new multimillion-dollar economic development initiative that aims to use a federal grant with matching funds from venture capital firms to fund small businesses, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday.

5. Randall Thanks Staff, Talks Housing, Mental Health During State of the County

By HANNAH PAMPALONI, Loudoun Now

Randall said the county leads Virginia in business and spending reaching over $4 billion in 2022. That same year local wineries and breweries served one million visitors and garnered over $48 million in revenue. Hotels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals supported by the agritourism sector resulted in $4.8 million of transit occupancy tax revenues for the county during fiscal year 2025.

BONUS: 

Arlington Remains Guinea Pig for Ranked-Choice Voting in Virginia

By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, Gazette Leader

The eyes of Virginia, and beyond, are on Arlington. At least when it comes to the commonwealth’s first ranked-choice general-election contest, to be held for Arlington County Board in the fall.