Maryland REALTORS® Online

rss

Latest Articles and Association Updates


Screenshot 2025-09-16 103705.png

August 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland Housing Market Cools as 
Sales Decline and Listings Dry Up 

Pending contracts rise, but fewer new listings and longer days on market point to tightening conditions 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — September 15, 2025 — Maryland’s housing market continued to cool in September, with home sales falling 9.1% year-over-year. A total of 5,830 homes changed hands compared to 6,411 in September 2024, according to the latest housing data from Maryland REALTORS®

Despite fewer transactions, prices kept climbing. The average sales price rose 4.5% to $519,410, while the median price increased 2.4% to $435,000. Pending contracts ticked upward by 4.6%, but active inventory dipped slightly (–0.5%), new listings fell sharply (–18.3%), and homes are taking longer to sell: the median days on market jumped to 16, up from just 10 a year ago. 

“Maryland’s market is sending mixed signals,” said Cheryl Abrams Davis, 2025 President, Maryland REALTORS®. “Buyers are still competing for fewer listings, which is pushing prices higher, but homes are also sitting longer before closing. This mismatch shows why bold action is needed: our state leaders are moving in the right direction, but local governments must step up with zoning reforms and permit approvals to get more homes built.” 

Earlier in August, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced that in Fiscal Year 2025, the state financed $1.64 billion in new development projects and another $1 billion in acquisition mortgages for first-time home buyers. 

Then, on September 3, Governor Wes Moore signed an Executive Order to address Maryland’s ongoing housing crisis, underscoring the foundational role housing plays in every community. The order tackles several issues, including: 

  • Reducing and streamlining permitting and review processes 
  • Identifying state-owned properties for potential housing near transit hubs 
  • Working with local jurisdictions to set housing production targets at the county and municipal level 

“If you want to create wealth, start with housing,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “If you want to create jobs, start with housing. If you want to attract new businesses, start with housing.” 

###

Additional Resources

Screenshot 2025-08-27 085630.png

July 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland Home Sales Slow as Housing Shortage Deepens 

REALTORS® urge local governments to zone for middle housing as state faces a 300,000-unit affordability gap 

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — August 13, 2025 — Maryland’s housing market cooled in July, with home sales falling 9.6% compared to the same month last year. A total of 6,086 homes sold, down from 6,736 in July 2024, according to Maryland REALTORS®’ Housing Statistics. 

Despite the slower pace, prices continued to rise. The average sales price increased 4.1% to $532,404, while the median sales price climbed 2.8% to $445,000. 

Pending sales — homes under contract but not yet closed — fell 2.1%, marking their first decline since February 2025. Meanwhile, active inventory edged up 0.5% and the state recorded 2.6 months of inventory in July (six months is considered a balanced market). Homes spent a median of 13 days on the market, up from 8 days a year ago. 

“When homes take longer to sell, it signals a more deliberate buyer environment, and that’s what we’re seeing today,” said Cheryl Abrams Davis, 2025 President, Maryland REALTORS®. “Affordability remains a top issue, and it will remain so until local governments begin to zone for middle housing and other affordable options for more Marylanders.” 

A recent report from the University of Maryland’s National Center for Smart Growth estimates the state faces a shortage of nearly 300,000 affordable housing units, disproportionately affecting residents with limited and fixed incomes, older adults, and historically marginalized groups.  

“Our cities and counties can do something about this,” Abrams Davis added. “If local government doesn’t have the will, economic vitality will suffer as buyers look for more affordable homes outside this great state. We must do better.” 

# # # 

Additional Resources

Screenshot 2025-07-16 121916.png

June 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland Home Sales Slide 1.3% in June  
as Market Shows Signs of Shifting Toward Buyers  
Days on Market Rises to 11; Price Reductions Gain National Momentum 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — July 16, 2025 — Maryland’s housing market experienced a modest slowdown in June, with 6,479 homes sold statewide, marking a 1.3% decline compared to June 2024 (6,563 homes), according to data released by Maryland REALTORS®. Despite the dip in activity, home prices continued to climb. The average sales price in June reached $543,801, up 3.9% year-over-year, while the median price rose 3.3% to $450,000. 

In Maryland, homes are taking longer to sell. The median Days on Market climbed to 11 days, a three-day increase over the same time last year. 

National Market Cooling: Builders Pull Back, Buyers Wait 

Maryland’s market reflects national trends. According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builder confidence plunged to 32 points in June—its lowest level in over two years. Measures of current and future sales, along with buyer foot traffic, are all on the decline. Meanwhile, homes are sitting longer on the market across the country, and price reductions are on the rise. 

“Maryland, along with other markets across the country, is seeing an increase in the number of price reductions. If this continues, it could indicate a shift toward a buyer’s market,” said Cheryl Abrams Davis, 2025 President of Maryland REALTORS®. “This is where a REALTOR® makes a real difference—helping buyers and sellers read the market, time their decisions, and navigate trends to get the best outcome.” 

Maryland REALTORS® encourages consumers to visit the "REALTOR® Value" section on MarylandHomeownership.com to learn more about how REALTORS® advocate for their clients. 

# # # 

Website_Splash Pages (2).png

West Virginia Repeals Physical Office Requirements

Recently, the West Virginia State Legislature passed Senate Bill 747, to create an exception for nonresident brokers to maintain physical office space within West Virginia. The exception states that “nonresident brokers who maintain a definite place of business in his or her jurisdiction of residence may not be required to maintain an office” in West Virginia. Maryland residents with a Maryland office location will no longer be required to maintain a physical office location in West Virginia in order to hold a West Virginia broker's license.

Because of this change, West Virginia residents who hold a Maryland broker’s license will no longer be subject to similar provisions in Maryland’s Real Estate Brokers Act. Therefore, if you are a nonresident real estate broker and reside in West Virginia, you will no longer be required to maintain a physical office location in Maryland to be in compliance with MD Code, Business Occupations & Professions, §17–517.

For more information, please see the highlighted portion of the following newsletter from the West Virginia Real Estate Commission or reach out to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission directly.

Screenshot of email from West Virginia Real Estate Commission. Highlighted text reads: All brokers are now NOT required to have and maintain a definite place of business within the state. Please see §30-40-17

Additional image from the West Virginia Real Estate Commission. No highlighted text.

Screenshot 2025-06-30 114521.png

Tenants' Bill of Rights Lease Requirements

The Tenants’ Bill of Rights summarizes key renter rights and protections established by federal and state laws.  

Beginning July 1, 2025, landlords must attach a copy of the current Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights to every lease. A landlord may not edit or modify the Tenants’ Bill of Rights from the Maryland DHCD-published version in any way.

Annually, DHCD will update and release a new Tenants’ Bill of Rights by September 1, with an effective date of October 1. 

Learn more and find copies of the publication in 18 languages at: Tenants’ Bill of Rights

Screenshot 2025-06-16 092538.png

May 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland Home Sales Fall 10.6% in May, While Prices Continue to Rise 

New listings drop nearly 18%; Maryland REALTORS® say zoning reform and “middle housing” are key to improving inventory and affordability 

 

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — June 12, 2025 — Home sales in Maryland continued to cool in May, with just 6,229 homes sold statewide, marking a 10.6% decrease from May 2024, according to the latest data from Maryland REALTORS®

At the same time, home prices continued their upward climb. The average sales price rose to $523,269, up 2.4%, while the median price increased to $440,000, a 2.3% gain over last year. 

While pending sales (homes under contract) climbed to 7,152 units, an increase of 5.4%, the number of new listings dropped significantly—down 17.8% to 7,443 properties—and active inventory dipped slightly by 2.9%. While the 30-year fixed mortgage rate in May grew from 6.76% to 6.89%, it tapered in early June to 6.85%. 

“Any relief in interest rates is always welcome, but the ‘lock-in effect’ continues to keep existing homeowners from selling,” said Cheryl Abrams Davis, 2025 President of Maryland REALTORS®. “With so many Marylanders sitting on historically low mortgage rates, they’re hesitant to give that up—keeping inventory low and prices high.” 

Maryland’s housing market also contends with structural constraints, notably outdated zoning laws. “Our cities and counties need to move beyond policies that restrict housing to single-family homes on large lots,” Abrams Davis added. “We need to support ‘middle housing’—duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters, and other neighborhood-scale homes—to increase affordability and options for working families, young professionals, and older adults looking to downsize.” 

“We have the tools,” she said. “Now we need the political will to use them.” 

# # #

CodeofEthics_10.5_blog_ (1).png

NAR BOD Ratifies Changes to SOP 10-5 & Pro Standards Policy 29

Updates to Code of Ethics enhance clarity and enforceability

Download the 2025 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice Poster.

CHICAGO (June 5, 2025) – The National Association of REALTORS® (“NAR”) Board of Directors ratified changes to Standard of Practice 10-5 (“SOP 10-5”) and Professional Standards Policy Statement 29, which are part of Article 10 of the Code of Ethics, today at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. The changes, which have been in discussion since 2023, will enhance the clarity and enforceability of the Code of Ethics.

“NAR continually assesses and, when appropriate, amends the Code of Ethics to ensure the specific articles are clear in their language and intent, and can be enforced fairly and consistently,” said Kevin Sears, President of NAR. “Consistent with our deep commitment to upholding principles of fair housing and equal treatment for all consumers, these amendments provide clarity to our members, reduce risk for state and local associations enforcing the Code of Ethics, and bring Article 10 in line with similar requirements applied by other large trade associations.”

Article 10 prohibits REALTORS® from denying equal professional services and employment opportunities based on protected characteristics. NAR adopted SOP 10-5 in 2020 to further clarify the application of Article 10 by prohibiting REALTORS® from using harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs. The updated language now aligns the definition of “harassment” with the NAR Member Code of Conduct and focuses its application on instances in which REALTORS® are operating in their professional capacity, consistent with similar ethical requirements applied by other large trade associations across the country.

The updates to the Code of Ethics can be viewed here.

About the National Association of REALTORS®

As America's largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes – from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation – visit facts.realtor.

Source: "NAR Board of Directors Ratifies Changes to Standard of Practice 10-5 and Professional Standards Policy Statement 29"

Screenshot 2025-05-14 105601.png

April 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland Home Sales Dip in April While Inventory Inches Up 
Median and average prices continue to rise amid housing supply challenges
 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — May 14, 2025 — Home sales across Maryland declined by 7.0% in April 2025, with 5,692 units sold compared to 6,120 in April 2024, according to the latest Maryland REALTORS® Housing Statistics. Despite the slowdown in sales volume, home prices continued to climb. The average sales price increased by 4.1% to $520,712, and the median price rose 4.8% to $435,000. 

Pending sales — homes under contract — edged up 1.2% to 6,864 units, while active inventory held steady at 12,626 units, the same level as a year ago. Months of inventory—a key indicator of supply—has grown from 1.7 months in February to 2.2 months in April. A balanced market generally has 6 months of inventory available.  

“We’re nowhere near a balanced market, and while we could be making strides to fix this with additional housing, local governments seem content to do nothing for their constituents,” said Cheryl Abrams Davis, 2025 President of Maryland REALTORS®. “We have an opportunity to do what’s right and add more housing in our communities, but local governments and their lobbyists continue to impede progress.” 

Abrams Davis also pointed to findings from the Association’s 2025 housing survey: “Seventy-seven percent of registered Maryland voters said their local governments are not adequately addressing community housing needs. More leaders need to listen to the broader public—not just the loudest NIMBY voices—if we’re going to make real progress on housing.” 

 

# # # 

 

Additional Resources:  

Screenshot 2025-04-14 0837581.png

March 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland’s March 2025 Housing Statistics Reveals Drop In Units Sold, 
as Pending Units Climb  

ANNAPOLIS, MD—April 14, 2025 — Maryland housing sales fell 10% in March 2025 to 4,823 units, versus March 2024’s total of 5,358 units, according to the Maryland REALTORS®’ March 2025 Housing Statistics. The average sales price rose 3.2% to $488,315, while the median sales price grew 3.7% to $420,000.  

Unlike January and February 2025, units pending—houses under contract—grew 6.1% to 6,621 units, while active inventory dropped 4.5% and the number of new listings entering the market fell 7.9%.  

“Lack of inventory remains the primary barrier to homeownership,” said 2025 Maryland REALTORS® President Cheryl Abrams Davis. “Prices continue to rise as fewer homes are sold.” 

Abrams Davis did see a bright spot with the recent passage of HB 1466/SB 891 by the Maryland Legislature, allowing adoption of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across all of Maryland. “We look forward to its enactment into law and for local governments to take action on expanding ADUs in their communities. We could add upwards of 20,000 units for Marylanders, if local governments do their part for their constituents. Housing is the number one concern of Maryland voters, and local officials at the state and local levels need to take bold and meaningful action to address this crisis.”  

 

# # # 

 

Additional Resources:  

Screenshot 2025-03-14 132817.png

February 2025 Housing Stats

Maryland’s February 2025 Housing Data Points to a Shifting Market,
Amidst Drops in Units Sold, Pending Units, Active Inventory, and New Listings 

ANNAPOLIS, MD—March 12, 2025 — Maryland housing sales fell 9.6% in February 2025 to 4,015 units, versus February 2024’s total of 4,442, according to the Maryland REALTORS®’ February 2025 Housing Statistics. The average sales price rose 3.8% to $473,569, while the median sales price grew 2.3% to $409,000.  

Units pending—houses under contract—dropped 9.6% to 4,939 units, while active inventory fell 10.8% to 9,331 units.  The number of new listings decreased by 24.7% to 5,226 units, as well. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage currently rests at 6.63%, the lowest it’s been since mid-December 2024. 

With the drop in new listings, active inventory, and pending units, combined with a softening of the growth in average and median sales prices, signs point to a shifting market, although more data is needed.  Reporting from Bright MLS for the week ending March 9, 2025, showed that new purchase contracts in the Mid Atlantic area (Maryland, Northern Virginia, DC, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania) were down 3.1% from the previous year, while increasing 8.8% from the first week in March.  

“We are keeping a close eye exclusively on Maryland, including places with significant federal employment, and we are assessing the data represented in our February report,” said Cheryl Abrams Davis, 2025 President, Maryland REALTORS®. “Much of the housing challenges in this area remain anchored to inventory issues, which is why we’re encouraging the State Legislature to adopt uniform ADU legislation across the state and continue to support the Moore Administration’s housing supply agenda.” 

 

# # # 

 

Additional Resources: