Bright MLS July 2026 Housing Market Report: Higher-income and transaction-ready buyers continue solid turnout in Mid-Atlantic

July brought some notable shifts to the Mid-Atlantic housing market. Closed sales rose 4%, and median prices climbed 2.5% to $450,999. With new listings up 2.9%, inventory saw a healthy 12.7% boost. Yet, it's clear that higher mortgage rates and prices have made some buyers more cautious—even as higher-income and highly prepared buyers remain active. Having worked extensively across Baltimore, Baltimore County, Harford County, Anne Arundel, and Howard, I keep a close eye on these trends to help clients navigate opportunities as they emerge.