Weekly Meter

We compare contract activity for the same seven-day period of the previous year in Loudoun County, Prince William County, Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Prince George's County. These statistics are updated on a weekly basis. Sign up for our newsletter on the latest market data.

D.M.V. Contract Activity

The Market Finds Its Groove (No Fireworks, Just Results)

Not every week needs to be a blockbuster to tell a good story. This one is more of a steady drumbeat—and in this market, that’s a very good thing.

Key Takeaways

Total new contract activity reached 1,449, up 3.7% compared to the same week last year—a modest but meaningful gain that continues a consistent trend.
This marks the 12th consecutive week with more than 1,000 newly ratified contracts, underscoring just how durable buyer demand has become despite significant economic uncertainty.
Five of the six jurisdictions saw increases in activity, with Montgomery County as the lone exception this week.
Northern Virginia led the way with a 12.2% increase, while Prince William (+5.3%), Prince George’s (+5.7%), and Washington, DC (+1.9%) all contributed to the overall gain.
Days on market rose from 26 days last year to 31 days this year—a slight increase, but one that’s been consistent throughout 2026.
Year-to-date contract activity is now up 5.1%, reinforcing the theme of steady, incremental growth.

Why It Matters

After a few weeks of calendar-driven volatility, the market has settled into something that looks a lot like…normal.
And “normal,” in this case, means consistent contract volume, broad participation across jurisdictions, and just enough of a slowdown in pace to give buyers a fighting chance—without disrupting overall momentum.
The slight increase in days on market is part of that story. Homes are still selling, but the urgency has softened just enough to create a more balanced dynamic. It’s not a shift in demand—it’s a shift in tempo.
Perhaps most importantly, this kind of week reinforces that the market doesn’t need big spikes to perform well. A 3–5% gain, repeated over time, is how you build a fairly healthy year—and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.

The Real Estate Details

Northern Virginia: up 12.2% for the week; up 9.1% year-to-date
Loudoun County: up 2.3% for the week; down 1.0% year-to-date
Prince William County: up 5.3% for the week; up 12.7% year-to-date
Montgomery County: down 11.5% for the week; up 4.4% year-to-date
Prince George’s County: up 5.7% for the week; up 1.5% year-to-date
Washington, DC: up 1.9% for the week; down 1.0% year-to-date
Overall change: +3.7% year over year
Average days on market: 31 days (up from 26 last year)

CONTRACT ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Blue Ridge Contract Activity

Shenandoah, Warren, Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick Counties, Winchester City, and West Virginia.

A Tale of Two Markets (or, Why One Week Never Tells the Whole Story)

If you only looked at this week’s headline number, you might think the Countryside and Panhandle markets took a step back. Look a little closer, though, and the story gets a lot more interesting—and a lot more encouraging.

Key Takeaways

Total contract activity declined 9.2% year over year—but that headline masks very different stories within the region.
The Virginia Countryside dropped 32.3% for the week, while the West Virginia Panhandle surged 23.3%, highlighting the natural volatility of smaller markets.
These week-to-week swings are typical in lower-volume areas, where a handful of transactions can significantly move the percentages.
The bigger picture remains strong: combined year-to-date activity is up 8.7%, outpacing the metro area’s growth.
Average days on market improved meaningfully, falling from 39 days last year to 31 days this year—an important sign of increasing efficiency.

Why It Matters

This is a great example of why real estate is a “trend” business, not a “headline” business.
In smaller jurisdictions like these, weekly numbers can swing dramatically based on just a few transactions. One week you’re up 20%, the next you’re down 30%—and neither one necessarily reflects the underlying health of the market.
The real story is in the year-to-date numbers and the pace of sales. Both markets are ahead of last year, and more importantly, homes are selling faster than they were a year ago.
That combination—rising activity over time and falling days on market—is one of the clearest signals of a strengthening market. It suggests that demand isn’t just present; it’s becoming more efficient and more decisive.
In other words, while the metro area is finding balance, these outer markets are quietly gaining momentum.

The Real Estate Details