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Timing can make all the difference when it comes to landing your ideal home. For buyers eyeing 2026, the period from September 27 to October 3 could offer a rare blend of opportunity—think expanded inventory, softer prices, and a slower pace. During this week, active listings are projected to be up 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than the average week, creating more options to choose from nationwide. Listing prices are expected to be 3.5% below their seasonal peak—potentially translating to savings of around $14,000 on a median-priced US home of $416,000. Competition is also forecasted to ease, down 30.1% from its annual high, and homes may stay on the market for an average of 64 days, giving buyers more breathing room. The evolving market trends suggest that as fall unfolds, buyers could see both more choices and greater price flexibility. Drawing on my extensive experience in Baltimore and the surrounding counties, I always keep a close eye on patterns like these to help you make informed, well-timed decisions for your next move.

We're seeing a notable shift in the housing market: in Mid-Q3, the price per square foot dropped year-over-year in 36 of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, signaling a broader cooling trend. Nationally, there was about a 2% yearly decrease in price per square foot—marking the tenth consecutive month of this softer pattern. As we closed out Mid-Q3, momentum slowed, and sellers began adjusting list prices more aggressively to align with buyers' expectations. High mortgage rates are putting extra pressure on affordability, especially in regions that saw significant price increases during the pandemic. It's clear that many markets are now giving back some of those rapid gains, with inventory sitting above pre-pandemic levels. Drawing from my extensive experience in the Baltimore area, I’m keeping a close eye on how these trends play out locally, and what opportunities or challenges may arise for both buyers and sellers.

Nestled in the charming Chapel Village community, this delightful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Built in 1988, this well-maintained unit features a warm brick exterior and a cozy garden-style layout, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed space, complete with essential appliances that make daily living a breeze. The kitchen boasts a built-in microwave, electric oven/range, dishwasher, and refrigerator w/icemaker, ensuring meal prep is both efficient and enjoyable. The convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer adds to the ease of life here. Other upgrades include newer vanities in the baths, newer HVAC system(2020), newer water heater and upgraded smoke detectors. Chapel Village Residents enjoy access to beautifully maintained common grounds, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. The community association takes care of common area maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the local parks and amenities. With off-street parking and easy access to public services, this location is both practical and inviting. Experience the warmth of Chapel Village, where comfort meets community. This condo is not just a place to live; it's a place to call home.

Over the last decade, there’s been a noticeable shift in new single-family home sizes across the U.S.—the average sold home shrank from 2,700 to 2,400 square feet, while the price per square foot soared by about 72%. By 2025, one in four new single-family homes measured under 1,800 square feet (up from one in six a decade ago), while the share of new homes at or above 3,000 square feet fell from about one in three to one in five. Builders are leaning into more compact designs to navigate increasing land, labor, and material costs, striving to keep home prices manageable even with mortgage rates hovering near 6% to 7%. For budget-minded and first-time buyers in our local market, these smaller homes may help lower upfront and monthly payments—even as a higher price per square foot reminds us that affordability remains a challenge. My extensive experience and expertise in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford, Anne Arundel, and Howard counties allow me to help buyers understand how these national trends can impact their options locally.

Across the U.S., the housing market is taking its time rebalancing. Active inventory has edged up about 4% year-over-year, though that growth just cooled for the first time in five weeks. This hints at a slow but steady shift favoring buyers, without a sudden increase in available homes. Properties are spending an average of 61 days on the market—unchanged from last year and right in line with what we typically see as late Q3 approaches. New listings dipped roughly 1% compared to a year ago, trending back toward 2025 levels. Many buyers remain cautious due to affordability, and some sellers are still hesitant to test today's pricing. The median list price now sits at $419,000 (down about 1% year-over-year), with the price per square foot at $222—the lowest since early Q1 2026. Inventory gains and higher mortgage rates are gradually shifting conditions in favor of buyers, but the national market overall is still moving at a measured pace rather than seeing dramatic change. My deep understanding of market trends here in Baltimore and the surrounding counties helps clients navigate these nuanced shifts with confidence.

Navigating today’s housing market can feel like a stalemate for many in Baltimore and the surrounding counties. With higher mortgage rates, buyers are finding it tougher to justify monthly payments, leading more people to pause their search. Meanwhile, pending sales are tapering off, a clear sign that fewer house hunters are moving forward with offers. On the flip side, many homeowners who already have low-rate mortgages aren’t eager to list their homes, which limits new options for buyers. As a result, transactions across our region remain slow—buyers are waiting for more favorable payments, and sellers don’t want to give up their current loans. My extensive experience in the Baltimore, Baltimore County, Harford, Anne Arundel, and Howard real estate markets helps me guide clients through these complexities with insight and steady support.

–TO BE BUILT—LEHIGH AT HAMPTONS RYAN HOMES. Smart design and light-filled spaces complete the Lehigh. The inviting exterior opens to a spacious foyer that can take on any task playroom, living room or office. The open kitchen hosts a large island and walk-in pantry and connects to the dining and family room. Upstairs, a loft makes an ideal hang-out spot or bedroom. The primary bedroom offers a cozy getaway with walk-in closets and private bathroom. Finished basement with full bathroom included! No need to sacrifice style for sensibility here. Enjoy the lake living lifestyle from kayaking, fishing, hiking or just lounging with your feet in the sand. Take a dip in one of the four pools or schedule your get together at one of the four clubhouses. Want something new partner on the tennis courts, play a game of hoops or hike on the miles and miles of nature trails. Other floor plans and homesites are available. Photos are representative. Ryan Homes is taking precautionary measures to protect our valued customers and employees. Our models are open by appointment only.