Weekly Meter

DC / MD / VA / WV

We compare contract activity for the same seven-day period of the previous year in Loudoun County, Prince William County, Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Prince George's County. These statistics are updated on a weekly basis. Sign up for our newsletter on the latest market data.

A Spring Preview After a Deep Freeze

After two weeks of bitter cold, the Metro DC housing market responded with a meaningful rebound. Total new contract activity rose 10.1%, with 971 newly ratified contracts compared to 882 during the same week last year.

Key Takeaways

That is a healthy bounce and a clear signal that demand did not disappear during the freeze — it was simply waiting for better conditions.
The market showed a strong recovery, posting a double-digit increase in weekly contracts year over year.
Five of the six jurisdictions we track recorded gains in contract activity. Loudoun County was the only exception, posting a modest decline.
Prince William and Montgomery Counties delivered particularly strong performances, and Washington, DC also showed encouraging improvement.
The primary moderating factor remains timing. Average days on market for homes going under contract increased from 36 days last year to 45 days this past week.
Buyers are clearly active, but they are taking their time — negotiating thoughtfully rather than reacting urgently.
This rebound reinforces what we suspected: the earlier slowdown was weather-related, not demand-related.

Why It Matters

A 10.1% increase in weekly contracts suggests that underlying demand remains durable as we move closer to spring. The market is demonstrating resilience and the ability to absorb short-term disruptions without losing forward momentum.
Last year, the market for homes priced over $750,000 was far stronger than more modestly-priced homes. So far this year, these two market segments are showing equal strength.
At the same time, the rise in days on market confirms a broader structural shift. Buyers are not rushing. Increased inventory and stable mortgage rates are allowing them to compare options and negotiate with greater confidence.
This combination — rising activity with longer timelines — reflects a healthier, more sustainable environment than the urgency-driven market of recent years.

CONTRACT ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Blue Ridge Contract Activity

Shenandoah, Warren, Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick Counties, Winchester City, and West Virginia.

Momentum Builds Beyond the Beltway

As the region thawed from two weeks of deep winter weather, the Virginia Countryside and West Virginia Panhandle markets responded with impressive strength. Total new contract activity rose 16% compared to the same week last year, reinforcing the steady momentum we have been seeing all year.

Even more encouraging, year-to-date contract activity is now up 13.5%, confirming that this is not simply a one-week spike but part of a broader upward trend.

Key Takeaways

Contract activity posted a strong double-digit increase week over week year-over-year.
Both the Virginia Countryside and the West Virginia Panhandle contributed meaningfully to the gain.
Year-to-date momentum remains solidly positive at +13.5%.
Average days on market increased only slightly, from 51 days last year to 53 days this week - a much more modest shift than we are seeing in the metro area.
Buyers remain active and purposeful, even as they take time to evaluate options carefully.
The resilience here continues to stand out. These markets are demonstrating steady demand without the volatility seen in more urban areas.

Why It Matters

A 16% weekly increase in contracts signals confidence. The fact that year-to-date activity remains up double digits reinforces that demand is durable and broad-based.
The modest two-day increase in days on market suggests balance rather than slowdown. Buyers are engaged, but not rushed. That combination — rising activity with stable timing — reflects a healthy and sustainable environment heading into spring.
These markets are not overheating, nor are they losing momentum. They are progressing steadily.

The Real Estate Details