March Market Momentum
Spring Is Officially Underway!
March Market Forecast
Spring momentum is starting to build across the DC Metro region. The Spring market is officially here! While January and February may have felt like the start of the season, the reality is that inventory had not quite caught up yet.
Yes, we saw escalation clauses, bidding wars, and buyers doing some pretty creative things to win homes. But much of that was driven by one simple factor. Many sellers were still waiting on the sidelines, which kept inventory lower than usual.
Now that we are heading into March, things are beginning to shift. More homes are coming on the market, inventory is starting to open up, and buyers are energized and ready to make their move.
According to the latest Bright MLS data for the Washington DC Metro area (including Loudoun and Fairfax Counties):
• Buyer activity is up: Showings increased 5.2% year over year
• Contracts are rising: New purchase contracts jumped 10.8% compared to last year
• Inventory is growing: Active listings are up 12.4% year over year
• Homes are taking longer to sell: Median time to contract is 34 days, which is 11 days slower than last year
• New listings are slightly down: Listing activity is 9.2% lower than this time last year
• Median list price: $624,999, down 7.9% year over year but up 2.5% compared to last week
For Buyers
Buyers are beginning to see more options and slightly less competition than the ultra-tight markets of the past few years. Homes are still selling, but there is more room for negotiation and thoughtful decision making!
For Sellers
Well-prepared homes are still attracting strong interest, but pricing, presentation, and strategy matter more than ever. Homes that are positioned correctly are still moving quickly, while overpriced homes may sit longer.
If you or someone you know is hoping to simply “buy a home” because you happen to see one that looks like a good fit, without preparation or a clear plan, trust me, that is not the position you want to be in! The buyers who are most successful in this market are the ones who are ready, informed, and prepared to act with intention.
And sellers, the same is true for you. If you want to truly maximize your results, preparation matters! This is not the time to cut corners. The best outcomes come from a thoughtful strategy, strong presentation, and the right timing.
If you are thinking about buying or selling this spring, the months ahead will bring more opportunities and more options for everyone. With the right plan in place, you will be positioned to make the most of it.
🧑🍳 Pearson Smith Realty • March Raffle
Because we love treating our clients (and future ones!), our brokerage is hosting a special giveaway this month:
👉 Click here to enter the raffle!
This month’s prize:
🥖 A $300 Gift Card to L’Auberge Chez François!
⏳ Entries close on March 27, 2026, so don’t wait!
March Home Maintenance Checklist
As the weather warms up, March is a great time to tackle a few quick home maintenance tasks and get your home ready for the busy spring season.
Inspect exterior drainage
Walk around your home during a rainy day to make sure water is draining away from the foundation and not pooling near the house.
Wash exterior windows and screens
Winter leaves behind dirt and salt residue. A quick clean will brighten your home and let more natural light in.
Check outdoor lighting
Replace bulbs and make sure walkway and porch lights are working properly before outdoor entertaining season begins.
Look for signs of pests
As temperatures warm up, ants, termites, and other pests become active. Check foundation areas, wood trim, and basements for early signs.
Local Spotlight:
🏀 Where to Watch
”March Madness”
Around Sterling, VA!
Looking for a spot to catch the tournament? These local favorites are great for game-day energy!
The Bungalow Lakehouse
Lakeside views, tons of TVs, and a lively sports bar atmosphere.
Buffalo Wing Factory
A Sterling staple — wings, beer, and wall-to-wall basketball.
Miller’s Ale House
Reliable watch-party energy with lots of screens and classic game-day food.
Rai’s Pour House
With over 30 TVs, you will never miss a moment of the action. Pair the games with their artisan pizzas and shareable dishes, making it a great spot to gather with friends or family and enjoy the tournament together.
This Month’s Focus:
Spring Energy and New Beginnings
This is truly my favorite time of year!
Don’t get me wrong, I love summer, but the clocks changing this weekend and the extra daylight always feel like the moment we finally come out from under that winter cloud.
This morning the kids decided they wanted to join my exercise routine and it ended up being so much fun! We lifted weights together, and tomorrow Grant and I are heading out for a run while Boyd rides his bike alongside us.
Spring always seems to bring new opportunities too. I signed up for a tennis team, and we even got an email about doing another Ragnar race this year. It is one of those seasons where it feels like the possibilities are endless!
I see that same energy with my clients this time of year! People start getting excited about their next chapter, whether that means buying their first home, moving up, or making a change that better fits their lifestyle.
When you think about it, the idea of the Spring market really does make sense. It is a season of fresh starts, new beginnings, and new opportunities, and it always feels like there are so many positive things on the horizon!
Spring always feels like a season of fresh starts and new opportunities. It is also a great time for us to pause and reflect on the relationships that make this business so meaningful.
If we have worked together and you had a great experience, would you mind sharing a quick 5 star review? Your feedback helps other families feel confident and supports our small business in a big way.
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, there is always a lot of talk about luck this time of year. While a little luck never hurts, buying or selling a home is never something you want to leave to chance.
The best results come from having a thoughtful plan, the right strategy, and the right people guiding you along the way.
Wishing you a season filled with a little luck, new opportunities, and exciting possibilities ahead 🍀
Cheers,
MaryEllen Ragsdale & The Refined Real Estate Team