Shifting, Not Slowing: The DC Housing Story This Week

by Tanya M. Blosser

The Washington DC Metro* housing market continues to normalize—but with signs of steady, intentional buyer activity. While price growth has cooled and homes are staying on the market longer, interest remains strong for well-presented homes.

According to Bright MLS, the median sold price was $579,000, a 1.8% decline compared to this time last year. Homes are now averaging 35 days on market, up 6 days year-over-year. Inventory is also expanding, with 10,562 active listings, a 36.8% increase from a year ago—giving buyers more options but adding pressure for sellers to stand out.

Showing activity rose 5.8% over the same week last year—the highest buyer activity recorded since 2021. Buyer interest is still present, just more measured. There were 1,232 pending sales, down just 3.1%, showing that serious buyers remain active when homes are priced + presented well.

Only 34.8% of homes are going under contract within 10 days, further reinforcing the shift from urgency to strategy. Meanwhile, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.13%, according to Mortgage News Daily—offering a bit of relief from the high of 7.37% in January 2025.

The takeaway? Today’s market rewards preparation, flexibility, and data-driven decision making—for both buyers and sellers.

*Washington DC Metro includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties, plus the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Washington, DC. For week ending October 26, 2025.