Why Fall Works for Buyers in Maryland

September 25, 2025

Maryland buyers discover every autumn that the pace of the market slows, choices increase, and negotiations become more productive. When leaves start turning, homes often sit longer, sellers become more flexible, and conditions shift toward buyers. That’s why fall works for home shoppers in Maryland — the combination of more listings, less competition, and seasonal urgency creates real opportunities.

How is Maryland’s housing market shifting this season?

Recent state data shows conditions easing from the summer frenzy. In July 2025, Maryland REALTORS reported a 9.6 percent decline in homes sold compared to the year before. Median days on market rose to 13 from 8, while active inventory reached 14,501 homes. Months of inventory held steady at 2.6, but with sales slowing, buyers found more breathing room.

Samantha Damato, President of GCAAR, explained: “Homes that are on the market are sitting there longer, which gives buyers a chance to evaluate and negotiate more thoughtfully.” That shift is visible in Montgomery County, where the average home took 31 days to sell in July, a 35 percent increase over the five-year July average.

What these numbers mean for buyers

Homes are not moving as fast, reducing pressure.
Sellers are seeing fewer offers and adjusting expectations.
Inventory gives buyers more choice across counties, from Anne Arundel to Frederick.

Are sellers more open to negotiation once summer ends?

Yes. Sellers who miss the summer window often want to close before the holidays or winter weather sets in. That urgency can translate into lower prices or concessions. In July, new contracts in the GCAAR region fell 13.5 percent month over month, and pending sales dropped nearly 10 percent. Those declines often encourage sellers to compromise.

Buyers frequently gain:

Price reductions when homes linger into fall.
Repair credits for heating, roof, or gutter issues revealed by seasonal inspections.
Closing cost assistance for deals completed before year-end.

Does October really deliver better prices and more options?

National and state data point to yes. Realtor.com’s 2025 Best Time to Buy report highlights the week of October 12 through 18 as the most favorable for buyers, with list prices 3.4 percent below the seasonal peak. Buyers could save more than 15,000 on a median-priced home, while inventory tends to be 30 percent higher than average and competition around 30 percent lower.

Maryland’s trends often align with this seasonal pattern. Pair the October timing with longer days on market statewide, and the window for negotiation becomes clear. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for Realtor.com, notes, “That week in October is when buyers typically see more homes for sale, less competition from other shoppers, and meaningful price advantages.”

Which buyers gain the most during the fall in Maryland?

First-time buyers

With fewer crowds at open houses, first-time buyers can insist on inspections and financing contingencies. Sellers are less likely to dismiss offers that protect the buyer.

Move-up buyers

Those who sell and buy simultaneously may benefit most. They can secure concessions on their new home while still attracting strong interest in their existing property.

Buyers with flexible schedules

Those without strict move-in deadlines can use timing to their advantage. A seller who needs to close quickly before winter may be more open to concessions.

How should buyers pace their search from September through November?

September

This is when homes unsold from the summer linger. Sellers may reduce prices or agree to repair credits once it’s clear that the summer rush has passed.

Mid-October

Historically, the best week for buyers. Prices dip, inventory peaks, and competition wanes. This is often the sweet spot for value.

November

Sellers who remain are often motivated. Deals can include closing cost assistance or extras such as appliances. However, inventory may thin as holidays approach.

What pitfalls should buyers avoid?

Even when conditions lean toward buyers, caution matters.

Fall weather can expose or conceal issues like roof leaks and insulation gaps. Hire a thorough inspector.
Some high-demand areas, such as parts of Montgomery County or Howard County, remain competitive year-round.
Mortgage rates are still a factor. If rates rise unexpectedly, affordability may shrink. Rate-lock strategies can protect buyers from last-minute surprises.

Local snapshots that illustrate fall’s opportunity

Statewide July data

Units sold: 6,086 (down from 6,736 in July 2024).
Median price: 445,000 (up 2.8 percent).
Median days on market: 13 (up from 8).
Active inventory: 14,501 homes.

Montgomery County region

Average days on market: 31.
Median price: 665,000.
New contracts: down 13.5 percent from June.

These snapshots illustrate how summer heat gives way to slower fall activity — precisely the environment that favors buyers.

How to write a winning offer in autumn

Buyers succeed in fall by pairing reasonable price offers with strong terms.

Present a clean pre-approval letter.
Reference recent market data in your offer to justify price adjustments.
Focus on credits or repairs that matter, not blanket price cuts.
Match seller urgency with a closing timeline that works for both sides.

As Maryland REALTORS® President Cheryl Abrams Davis said recently, “More price reductions this fall are giving buyers chances to enter the market with terms that better fit their budgets.”