Understanding the 2026 Housing Market: National vs. Local

As 2026 begins, the housing market shows different trends across the country. National news talks about big discounts for homebuyers, but our local areas in the Mid-Atlantic have their own unique stories. Knowing these differences is key, whether you want to sell your home or buy a new one.

National Trends: Is it a Buyer’s Market?

New information from Redfin shows that 2025 was a good year for homebuyers. Almost two-thirds (62.2%) of buyers paid less than the asking price. This is the highest number since 2019 [1]. Across the country, buyers who got a home for less than the asking price saved about 7.9%, or around $31,592 on a mid-priced home [1]. This is the biggest discount since 2012, meaning buyers have more power in many areas.

Also, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) says that home prices went up in 73% of major cities during the last three months of 2025 [2]. This shows continued growth, but it's a bit slower than the 77% seen before [2]. Interestingly, some areas like Florida and Texas are seeing prices drop because more sellers are competing. But other places are still seeing prices go up a lot [2].

Looking ahead, NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun, expects good things for 2026. He thinks home sales will increase by 14% [3]. This idea comes from expecting mortgage rates to be around 6%. This lower rate should help many more people qualify for a home loan. Yun points out that in the past, when home sales were low and started to get better, they often jumped by a lot, not just a little. So, a 14% increase seems very possible [3].

Local Look: Our Mid-Atlantic Market

How do these national trends compare to our local market? Even though national news talks about big discounts, many of our local areas are seeing home prices stay steady or even go up a lot compared to last year.

What Our Local Data Shows:

• DC Prices Soar: While national markets see discounts, Washington DC prices jumped a huge 18.6%. This means the city center is still very popular, and there aren't enough homes for all the buyers.
• Suburbs Stay Strong: Montgomery County and Northern Virginia are very stable. Even with national discounts, prices here changed by less than 2%. This shows that homes in good school districts and close to work are still holding their value.
• Good Deals in Some Areas: Howard County and Prince George's County saw small drops in prices. If you've been waiting for a better deal, these areas might be where you can find one and have more power to negotiate.

What This Means for You

National averages are helpful, but they don't always show what's happening in your exact neighborhood. In our area, the market is very local. Sellers in DC still have an advantage, while buyers in Howard County might finally find the chance they've been waiting for.

Whether you're looking to buy or sell in the city or the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia, having a smart plan based on real numbers is more important than ever.

Thinking about moving this year? Don't just listen to national news. Reach out today for a personal look at your neighborhood's market. Whether you're buying or selling, we'll help you succeed in the changing 2026 market.

Sources:
1. Redfin: Homebuyers Are Scoring the Biggest Discounts in 13 Years
2. National Association of REALTORS®: Metropolitan Median Area Prices and Affordability
3. National Association of REALTORS®: Ask the Economist: Are you confident in the optimistic 2026 forecast of a 14% increase in home sales?