In the past four weeks ending August 23, we've seen a slight uptick in new US listings—up 0.4% weekly—and a 0.5% rise in total homes for sale, bringing inventory to its highest point since early Q2. While this means more options for buyers, pending US home sales dipped 1.1% weekly to a six-month low, showing that high housing costs are still keeping many on the sidelines despite the improved selection. The median US home-sale price is up 1.9% from last year, now topping $400K, and average mortgage rates are hovering near 7%, marking a 13-month peak. With inventory building and demand softening, buyers currently have more negotiating power—including the possibility of price cuts or concessions, especially in properties that have been listed for several weeks. For sellers, realistic pricing—rather than holding out for last year’s numbers—remains key to success. As someone deeply familiar with local trends in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Harford County, Anne Arundel, and Howard, I always keep these national shifts in mind to help clients navigate our dynamic market.
Category: Latest Posts
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Expert Tips for Selling Your Home This Fall and Winter
Over the last four weeks ending August 23, we've seen a slight uptick in new US listings—up 0.4%—and total homes for sale have grown by 0.5%, reaching their highest point since early Q2. While more inventory is welcome news for buyers, pending national home sales dipped by 1.1% to a six-month low, as elevated housing costs have kept some on the sidelines. The median sale price across the US is now up 1.9% year-over-year, surpassing $400K, with average mortgage rates hovering near 7%, close to a 13-month high. For those actively searching, this combination of increased inventory and softer demand has created a more buyer-friendly environment, often opening the door to price negotiations or concessions—especially for homes on the market several weeks. Sellers benefit from realistic, data-driven pricing rather than chasing numbers from previous years. My experience across Baltimore, Baltimore County, Harford, Anne Arundel, and Howard counties has shown that adapting to these shifts is key—both for finding value and for making your next move with confidence.
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Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday. -
U.S. Office Downturn: Where Investors Look
Hybrid work has reshaped US offices, pushing investors to consider conversions, specialized spaces, flexible models, and hands-on repositioning instead of passive, traditional leasing.
Office-to-residential reuse is a leading path where transit and amenities already exist, though deep floor plates, plumbing, HVAC, and design hurdles require due diligence.
The strongest demand is concentrating in premium and niche properties, including medical offices, labs, and amenity-rich workplaces, while flexible space models offer shorter-term agility.
Distressed sales may expand as lenders grow cautious, so investors need strong business plans, alternative capital sources, and clear strategies to stabilize or repurpose assets.
Winning approaches depend on hyper-local insight, sustainability upgrades, smart-building tools, and public incentives, with experts expecting a multi-yr rebalancing rather than a quick reset. -
How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?
Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values.
Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs. -
US Office Crisis Spurs New Strategies
Hybrid work has reshaped US offices, pushing investors to consider conversions, specialized spaces, flexible models, and hands-on repositioning instead of passive, traditional leasing.
Office-to-residential reuse is a leading path where transit and amenities already exist, though deep floor plates, plumbing, HVAC, and design hurdles require due diligence.
The strongest demand is concentrating in premium and niche properties, including medical offices, labs, and amenity-rich workplaces, while flexible space models offer shorter-term agility.
Distressed sales may expand as lenders grow cautious, so investors need strong business plans, alternative capital sources, and clear strategies to stabilize or repurpose assets.
Winning approaches depend on hyper-local insight, sustainability upgrades, smart-building tools, and public incentives, with experts expecting a multi-yr rebalancing rather than a quick reset. -
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.
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