09/23/2024
Maryland Housing Market Update: August 2024
The Maryland housing market has seen some significant changes in August 2024, according to the latest figures from the Maryland REALTORS®’ August 2024 Housing Statistics. Sales have slowed compared to last year, while prices have continued to climb, reflecting the ongoing trends in the real estate market.
In August 2024, home sales in Maryland fell by 5.9%, with 6,169 units sold compared to 6,559 units in 2023. Despite the drop in sales, the average sales price increased by 4.4%, reaching $499,050, while the median sales price rose by 2.4%, hitting $415,800 year-over-year.
Although fewer homes were sold, the number of pending sales (houses under contract) continued to rise, with a 6.3% increase to 6,318 compared to August of last year. The market also saw an increase in months of inventory, now at two months, and an uptick in days on the market, which grew from 8 days in 2023 to 10 days in August 2024.
According to Chris Hill, President of Maryland REALTORS®, interest rates are coming down, which is good news for prospective buyers. “As of September 19, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.09%, which is great. With the Federal Reserve recently cutting interest rates by half a percentage point, we expect to see more buyers entering the market. The increase in days on market also suggests that sellers may be more open to negotiating on price.”
Hill also highlighted the changes in residential real estate following the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Settlement in the Burnett v. NAR case. In response, REALTORS® in Maryland are focusing on transparency in transactions. “Maryland law has required written buyer agreements since 2016, so we’re well ahead in making the process clearer. By being transparent, we ensure that consumers have a better understanding of the value REALTORS® bring to the table.”
Hill encouraged those thinking about buying or selling a home to visit the recently updated MarylandHomeownership.com. The site now features new blogs, toolkits, and other resources designed to make the process of homeownership smoother and more rewarding for everyone.
For more information and assistance, please contact Prokash Gomes, Realtor and Notary Public.