09/24/2026
Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
It’s not your imagination—today’s real estate market feels like a standstill for a reason. With mortgage rates higher, many buyers are finding monthly payments tough to justify and are deciding to wait before making a move. Pending sales are slowing down, which means fewer house hunters are following through with offers. On the flip side, homeowners who already have lower-rate mortgages aren’t in any rush to list their properties, so there’s less inventory to choose from. As someone who’s seen just about every turn in the Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland markets over the past 23 years, I understand how frustrating this stalemate can be for both buyers and sellers. My approach—always listening first and guiding rather than pushing—means I’m here to help clients navigate these unique challenges so they can move forward when the time is right for them.