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

Steady as She Goes, With Just Enough Breeze to Keep Things Interesting

Another week, another reminder that this market doesn’t need fireworks to perform.

Key Takeaways

Total new contract activity came in at approximately 1,329 this week, up from 1,259 last year, a gain of 5.6% year over year based on the six major jurisdictions.
Five of the six jurisdictions again contributed to the overall strength, continuing the now-familiar theme of broad, steady participation.
Northern Virginia led with a solid increase, while Prince William and Loudoun also posted meaningful gains.
Montgomery County was essentially flat while Prince George’s saw a modest decline and DC posted a slight increase.
Average days on market increased across the region, moving from 26 days last year to 32 days this year, continuing the gradual “slower but steady” trend.
Year-to-date activity remains firmly positive across most jurisdictions, reinforcing the durability of demand.

Why It Matters

This week fits neatly into the emerging 2026 storyline: consistent demand, moderate growth, and a slightly more deliberate pace.
The increase in contract activity, while not dramatic, is exactly the kind of growth that builds a healthy market over time. No spikes, no stalls, just steady forward motion.
At the same time, the rise in days on market tells us something important: the market is normalizing, not weakening. Buyers have a bit more time to make decisions, but they’re still very much engaged.
That combination, more contracts and slightly longer timelines, is the definition of balance. It’s a far cry from the hyper-speed conditions of a few years ago, but it’s also far from a slowdown.
In short, this market has found its rhythm, and it’s a sustainable one.

The Real Estate Details

CONTRACT ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Blue Ridge Contract Activity

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

Quiet Gains

It was another solid, if unspectacular week in these more rural markets

Key Takeaways

Total contract activity increased 4.1% year over year, rising from 194 to 202 contracts across the two markets.
The Virginia Countryside saw a modest dip (down 3.9%), while the West Virginia Panhandle delivered a strong rebound (up 13.2%).
As is often the case in these smaller markets, the two areas moved in opposite directions—but combined, they produced a solid net gain.
The longer-term trend remains the real headline: year-to-date activity is still up 8.7%, continuing to outperform the metro area.
Average days on market improved meaningfully, falling from 42.2 days last year to 37.9 days this year, a notable increase in market efficiency.

Why It Matters

This is a great example of why these markets reward patience—and a little perspective.
On the surface, a split week like this (one market up, one down) can feel inconclusive. But when you step back, the combination of rising contract activity and faster market times tells a very clear story: demand is not just present—it’s becoming more effective.
And that’s the subtle shift worth watching. While the metro area is seeing homes take a bit longer to sell, these outer markets are quietly moving in the opposite direction.
That divergence matters. It suggests that buyers are increasingly comfortable—and decisive—when looking beyond the core metro area.
So yes, the weekly numbers still bounce around. But the trajectory? Still heading in the right direction.

The Real Estate Details