Weekly Meter

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.

D.M.V. Contract Activity

August is Over. We'd Like to Thank it for Leaving.

After several bruising weeks, the Metro DC housing market finally gave us a little something to work with.

Overall contract activity was still down from last year, but only slightly—a dramatic improvement from the double-digit declines we've been seeing. Better yet, two jurisdictions actually posted increases, including a solid gain in Prince George's County.

So while we're not exactly breaking out the champagne, September is already looking friendlier than August.

Key Takeaways

Total new contract activity across the six jurisdictions slipped from 867 contracts last year to 859 this year—a difference of only 8 contracts, or 0.9%.
Four jurisdictions were down, but most of the declines were modest. Montgomery County increased 4.5%, while Prince George's County rose 6.5%. Northern Virginia (-1.8%), Loudoun (-1.2%), and Washington, DC (-5.2%) were relatively close to last year's pace. Prince William County was the weakest performer at -12.3%.The weighted average days on market moved in the opposite direction, increasing from 46.3 days last year to 50.5 days this year, a rise of 4.2 days, or 9.1%.
And here's a statistic that pretty much sums up 2026: year-to-date contract activity is essentially identical to last year. Through September 5, the six jurisdictions recorded 38,000 contracts in 2025 and 37,996 this year.
That's right: after nearly 38,000 transactions, we're behind last year by four contracts.

Why It Matters

The Real Estate Details

Northern Virginia: 284 → 279 (-1.8%)
Loudoun County: 85 → 84 (-1.2%)
Prince William County: 106 → 93 (-12.3%)
Montgomery County: 157 → 164 (+4.5%)
Prince George's County: 139 → 148 (+6.5%)
Washington, DC: 96 → 91 (-5.2%)
Total contracts: 867 → 859 (-0.9%)
Weighted average days on market: 46.3 → 50.5 days (+9.1%)
Combined year-to-date contracts: 38,000 → 37,996 (-4 contracts, or -0.01% — essentially flat)

CONTRACT ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Blue Ridge Contract Activity

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

September Apparently Didn't Get the Memo

We were more than ready to say goodbye to August. Unfortunately, the Virginia Countryside and West Virginia Panhandle seem to have brought a little of August with them into September.

Contract activity declined substantially in both markets last week, with the combined total down more than 25% from a year ago. Still, there are reasons not to get too gloomy: both markets remain ahead year-to-date, and some of the strongest cumulative growth continues to occur at higher price points.

Key Takeaways

Combined new contract activity fell from 189 contracts last year to 142 this year, a decline of 47 contracts, or 24.9%.
Both jurisdictions participated in the slowdown:
Virginia Countryside: 86 → 68 contracts (-20.9%)
West Virginia Panhandle: 103 → 74 contracts (-28.2%)
The combined weighted average days on market increased from 43.9 days to 46.1 days, an increase of just 2.2 days, or 4.9%. Given the nearly 25% decline in contract activity, that's a relatively modest change.
And the longer-term story remains positive. Combined year-to-date contract activity increased from 6,333 contracts in 2025 to 6,471 this year, a gain of 138 contracts, or 2.2%.

Why It Matters