Median sale prices and homes sold rose in parts of the Baltimore region in November, according to the Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute Report. The median sale price increased by 14% in Baltimore City, followed by 10% in Harford County.  

The number of units sold declined in parts of the county, except for a 6% increase in Baltimore City, followed by a 3% increase in Carroll County.  

An inventory downturn in the double digits was experienced in all parts of the region and days on the market ranged from 41 days in both Baltimore and Howard Counties to 55 days in Baltimore City.   

The Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute report for the Baltimore region includes Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard and Harford counties and the city of Baltimore. 

 

“The spring market begins in January, so if you’re planning to list your home next spring, it’s not too early to get your house ready,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “The No. 1 home improvement you should do is declutter. It’s the least expensive and most effective strategy to get your home ready to sell.”  

Scott recommends renting a storage unit for six months and moving your extraneous furniture and personal belongs out of your home. There’s a greater chance that a decluttered house will sell faster and possibly for a higher price than one that is cluttered. By packing away at least some of your personal belongings, it allows your home to look its best, stand out from the competition and makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there.  

“Now is a good time to contact a Long & Foster Real Estate agent to tap into their expertise and follow their suggestions for home improvements to do that will make your home as attractive as possible to buyers,” said Scott.   

Reflecting on real estate in 2019, Scott commented that despite low inventory challenges, there were several factors that were favorable for the market this year. “Interest rates under 4%, a healthy stock market, low unemployment, and ample demand have all contributed to the success of the real estate market this year,” Scott said.   

To learn more about your local market conditions, visit Long & Foster’s Market Insights. You can also learn more about Long & Foster and find an agent at LongandFoster.com.