If you’ve been following real estate headlines, you might be hearing that national home prices are "flat" or "moderating." While this national context is helpful, it’s not the full story—especially not here in the dynamic Washington DC Metro area. A national average can make things look "flat," but it’s actually averaging a wide range of different local outcomes.

In most parts of our region, prices aren't flat at all.

What the DC Metro Data Really Shows

While we've certainly seen prices moderate from the intense bidding wars of 2020-2022, the price trends across D.C., Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland are deeply segmented.

The most important takeaway for you is: “flat" doesn’t mean prices are holding steady everywhere. The median sale price in the District of Columbia, for example, has been near $663K in recent reports, while other segments and micro-markets show a softening.

The Great Divide: Inventory is the Key

The primary factor driving this local divergence is inventory, just as the experts suggest.

• Detached Homes: Inventory remains stubbornly low, keeping appreciation strong in many areas.

• Condos and Attached Homes: Inventory has increased significantly, giving buyers more options and more negotiating leverage.

This high level of fragmentation confirms that your success depends on an agent with Exceptional Local Knowledge across the DC, MD, and VA communities, rather than one relying on broad national or even regional data.

So, What's Actually Important for You to Know?

If You’re Buying...

Your bottom line depends on how quickly and effectively you move.

In a competitive single-family market where prices are still inching up, waiting around could mean paying more down the line. In markets where prices are easing, you may be able to ask for repairs or closing cost help.

The common denominator is the need for an expert team, like Wardman Residential at Compass, who operates with a client-centric approach, committed to solving potential issues before they arise and making the process seamless. They focus on guiding you to achieve your personal and financial goals with speed and certainty.

If You’re Selling...

Your strategy must be tailored to your property type, and setting the right price from the start is paramount.

If you’re in a slower market segment, setting the right price and being willing to negotiate becomes much more important. To ensure your home stands out and achieves maximum value, your agent should offer strategic guidance on proper positioning of your home based on current market conditions.

The big action item for homeowners? Sellers need an agent whose guidance is built on Trust and Integrity and who uses real-time local data to provide the best advice on accurately pricing and positioning of your home.

The Real Story Is Local

National averages provide context, but sometimes you’re going to need a local point of view because what’s happening in your zip code could look very different.

That’s why the smartest move, whether you’re buying or selling, is to lean on a team like Wardman Residential at Compass. We have the data and the sophisticated strategies to navigate the segmented DC Metro market and ensure you are in the driver’s seat.

Bottom Line

Headlines calling home prices flat may be grabbing attention, but they’re not giving you the full, complex picture of the DC Metro real estate market.

Connect with your Wardman Residential team member to get the real story about what prices are doing in our market. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, we'll create a custom plan that clarifies what's possible and gives you the confidence to make your move this fall.