Mortgage rates at 9-month low; big changes coming to Richmond Highway; record prices in DC; and more

It's challenging to keep up with local news, particularly the items that may impact your life, your commute, or your community. That's why each week we compile a few interesting developments happening in the area.

Alexandria Living: Richmond Highway Embarks on a New Era

Fairfax County’s first bus rapid transit system. Metro to Hybla Valley. Mixed-use developments — some with buildings as tall as 22 stories. This is Fairfax County’s vision for the future of the Route 1 corridor. The changes outlined in Embark Richmond Highway, an update to the county’s comprehensive plan passed in March 2018, envisions a complete overhaul of Route 1 from Huntington to Woodlawn.

Greater Greater Washington: The Richmond Highway corridor could be getting more housing, shops, and fast buses

"The Virginia Department of Transportation will host a public hearing in the spring to discuss its plans to widen Richmond Highway and incorporate bike lanes and better sidewalks, as well as its part in ensuring there is enough room for BRT. Once its designs are approved, it will begin acquiring the property it needs to expand the road."

The Washington Post: Mortgage rates continue their six-week decline, falling to nine-month lows

"According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average tumbled to 4.45 percent with an average 0.5 point. (Points are fees paid to a lender equal to 1 percent of the loan amount.) It was 4.51 percent a week ago and 3.99 percent a year ago. The 30-year fixed rate dropped below 4.5 percent for the first time since April."

UrbanTurf: Same Story, New Month: Record Prices Result in Declining Home Sales in the DC Area

"The narrative of the regional housing market in the final months of 2018 was one of record prices and falling sales, and December was no exception."

The Washington Post: New survey highlights first-time home buyers' biggest regrets

"The No. 1 regret across all generations, according to the survey of nearly 1,000 homeowners, was buying a property that was too small. The second most common mistake was not saving enough money before buying their first home. Fifteen percent of millennials regretted not saving enough before their first year of homeownership."

Washington Business Journal: Amazon will be a magnet for D.C.-area talent, a new survey finds. That's not good news for current employers.

"Amazon.com Inc. will not have a problem finding qualified employees for its Arlington headquarters campus, according to a new survey. Actually, it might have to turn people away."

Alexandria Patch: Alexandria Ranked America's Second Safest City

"Alexandria gets the distinction of being the second safest city in the United States in 2018, according to research by SmartAsset, which reviewed at least 200 major cities."