Weekly Contract Activity | DC, MD, VA, WV

D.M.V. Contract Activity

The Real Estate Market Wasn’t as Hot as the Weather – But That’s OK

Holiday weeks have a habit of making housing data look a little quieter than reality. With the Fourth of July falling squarely within this reporting period and with sweltering weather, it's no surprise that contract activity eased. The encouraging news is that, at the halfway point of the year, the broader trend remains decidedly positive.

Key Takeaways

Total new contract activity across the six major jurisdictions declined from 1,166 contracts last year to 1,109 this year, a decrease of 57 contracts, or 4.9%.
Three jurisdictions posted gains while three declined. Montgomery County (+6.4%), Prince George's County (+2.9%), and Prince William County (+5.0%) offset softer weeks in Northern Virginia, Loudoun, and Washington, DC.
The weighted average days on market increased from 37.5 days last year to 41.4 days this year, a rise of 10.2%. Much of that increase was driven by Washington, DC, where average market time climbed to 75.5 days.
At the halfway point of the year, however, the region continues to outperform last year. Combined year-to-date contract activity has risen from 28,947 contracts to 29,626, an increase of 679 contracts, or 2.3%.

Why It Matters

This week's report is a good reminder that holiday weeks are rarely the best barometer of market strength.
The Fourth of July often interrupts the normal rhythm of showings, negotiations, and contract ratifications, so a modest decline in weekly activity isn't especially surprising. More important is what has happened over the first six months of the year.
Despite periodic weather disruptions, shifting holiday calendars, and continued economic uncertainty, the market has still generated 2.3% more contracts than at this point last year. That's not explosive growth, but it's exactly the kind of steady, sustainable improvement we've been describing for much of 2026.

A few trends stand out:

Prince William County continues to be one of the region's strongest performers, now running 10.0% ahead of last year on a year-to-date basis.
Northern Virginia remains healthy, with year-to-date contracts up 4.1%, despite this week's modest decline.
Montgomery County quietly crossed back into positive territory for the year, now up 2.8%, a meaningful turnaround from where it stood earlier this spring.
Washington, DC remains the regional outlier. Weekly activity fell more than 22%, and year-to-date contracts remain 3.5% below last year. The increase in days on market there is also worth watching, although one week's data doesn't establish a trend.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is simply this: we're halfway through the year, and the market has proven remarkably resilient. The pace may be a bit more measured than during the pandemic years, but demand has remained consistent, buyers are still writing contracts, and most of the region is ahead of last year's pace.

The Real Estate Details

Northern Virginia: 363 → 353 (-2.8%)
Loudoun County: 135 → 104 (-23.0%)
Prince William County: 132 → 139 (+5.3%)
Montgomery County: 188 → 200 (+6.4%)
Prince George's County: 170 → 175 (+2.9%)
Washington, DC: 178 → 138 (-22.5%)
Total contracts: 1,166 → 1,109 (-4.9%)
Weighted average days on market: 37.5 → 41.4 days (+10.2%)
Combined year-to-date contracts: 28,947 → 29,626 (+2.3%)

CONTRACT ACTIVITY SUMMARY →

Blue Ridge Contract Activity

Fireworks Were on the Calendar… and in the Panhandle

Holiday weeks often produce uneven real estate numbers, and this one was no exception. But while the Virginia Countryside paused briefly, the West Virginia Panhandle more than picked up the slack, producing one of its strongest weeks of the year. More importantly, now that we've reached the halfway point of 2026, the broader story remains one of steady outperformance.

Key Takeaways

Combined contract activity increased from 170 contracts last year to 197 this year, a gain of 27 contracts, or 15.9%.
The Virginia Countryside posted a modest increase, rising from 89 to 93 contracts (+4.5%).
The West Virginia Panhandle turned in an exceptional week, jumping from 81 to 104 contracts (+28.4%), with gains across nearly every price segment.
The combined weighted average days on market increased from 31.8 days last year to 34.9 days this year, an increase of 9.9%.
At the halfway point of the year, combined contract activity has climbed from 4,659 contracts in 2025 to 4,987 in 2026, an increase of 328 contracts, or 7.0%.

Why It Matters

If the Metro DC market spent the holiday week catching its breath in the sweltering heat, these markets spent it writing contracts.
The most striking feature of this report is the strength of the West Virginia Panhandle. A nearly 30% increase in weekly contract activity is impressive in any market, but especially so during a holiday reporting period that typically suppresses activity.
The Virginia Countryside was comparatively quieter, but still managed to post a gain. That balance is encouraging because it means the combined region continues to build on what has already been a very strong first half of the year.
Looking at the first six months as a whole, the trend remains remarkably consistent. Combined year-to-date contract activity is up 7.0%, continuing to outperform the immediate Metro DC market by a comfortable margin. We've been watching this story develop for months, and it now looks less like a temporary shift and more like an established pattern.
Another interesting observation is where the strength occurred. The Panhandle posted gains in both affordable and higher-priced homes, suggesting demand remains broad-based rather than concentrated in a single segment. Meanwhile, the Countryside continues to see healthy year-to-date gains despite the inevitable week-to-week swings that characterize smaller markets.
The increase in combined days on market is worth noting, although much of it was driven by the Virginia Countryside. The Panhandle actually saw homes continue to move quickly, averaging just over 30 days on market.

The Real Estate Details

Virginia Countryside: 89 → 93 (+4.5%)
West Virginia Panhandle: 81 → 104 (+28.4%)
Combined contracts: 170 → 197 (+15.9%)
Weighted average days on market: 31.8 → 34.9 days (+9.9%)
Combined year-to-date contracts: 4,659 → 4,987 (+7.0%)

CONTRACT ACTIVITY SUMMARY →

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