WASHINGTON —  The new year has already brought big changes in the real estate market.

As the inaugural draws near, high-end homes are being sold. And some homeowners are preparing to sell and boost a low inventory. “They’re getting ready: They’re painting. They’re fixing. They’re staging. They’re packing,” said Eldad Moraru of Long and Foster.

Moraru also has some thoughts on how the slight increase in interest rates will affect prices.