With spring just around the corner, our team at Long & Foster Real Estate has been getting lots of questions about the market and where it’s headed. Inventory, especially, has been a hot topic, with many wondering whether we’re entering a buyer’s market or staying in a seller’s market.

Here are several key points to consider.

Inventory is going up, but we’re not in a buyer’s market yet. In the Mid-Atlantic, inventory increased by almost 15% in January, based on the latest Bright MLS data. Still, demand is higher than supply, with less than two months of homes available.

Houses are taking more time to sell now. Homes were jumping off the market at record speed in recent years, but we’re seeing properties staying listed for longer as 2026 kicks off. For buyers, this is a positive change, giving added time to make better-informed decisions.

Mortgage rates are affecting the market. Many homeowners who locked in very low rates are holding off on selling, so fewer new listings are coming up. On the bright side, current mortgage rates have settled around 6%, according to Freddie Mac.

Home prices are still going up, but not as fast as before. January brought a 2.6% increase to median sales prices across the Mid-Atlantic, a much slower rise than a few years ago. Sellers might need to adjust their price expectations, while buyers can feel confident knowing that equity remains strong.

The market is becoming more balanced. This spring, both buyers and sellers can find advantages, especially when working with experienced agents like our team at Long & Foster Real Estate.

While these are some of the trends we’re seeing across the region, every market is unique and your neighborhood might be different. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, reach out to your Long & Foster agent for local insights and a plan to help you achieve your real estate goals in 2026. Find an agent today here.