Why Homebuyers Are Gaining Leverage in the DC Metro Market

By Troy Patterson

Troy holds designations as a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, and Military Relocation Professional. He has certifications as a financing specialist in Virginia and a pre-licensing instructor in the District of Columbia.

For years, the DC metro area has been known as a tough market for buyers. But 2025 is telling a different story. While it’s not a full buyer’s market, the balance is shifting enough to give smart buyers a chance to negotiate and win.

Why buyers have more power. Across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, homes are taking longer to sell. Active listings are up 23% compared to last year, with 2.5 months of supply across the metro and 1.8 months in Northern Virginia. Properties that linger past the first 30 days are where buyers are seeing real opportunities.

Real examples of buyer wins. One of my recent first-time buyers in DC purchased a home listed at $522,000. After weeks on the market, we negotiated nearly 2% off the price, plus assistance with closing costs from the seller. Stories like this are becoming more common as sellers offer incentives to move their homes.

Key market numbers. In June 2025, homes in the DC metro area sold at 99.9% of their final list price, while DC properties averaged about 2% below their list price. The median days on market is now 36 across the metro, 42 in DC, and 20 in Northern Virginia. If a property hasn’t sold in the first three weekends, the odds of concessions increase significantly.

Seller concessions. Nationwide, 44% of home sales this year have included seller concessions such as closing credits, repair allowances, or rate buy-downs. In the DC area, this trend is strongest among condos and listings that have been on the market for over 30 days, as they give buyers a chance to save on upfront and monthly costs.

Strategy for buyers and sellers. Buyers should focus on homes that have been on the market for longer periods and don’t hesitate to ask for credits or a temporary rate buy-down. Sellers, on the other hand, need to price their properties based on the latest 30-day comps, stage them effectively, and consider offering incentives upfront to stay competitive.

Whether you’re buying or selling in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, having a plan tailored to this market can make all the difference. To get expert guidance on pricing, negotiation, or finding opportunities others miss, reach out today. Call 202-417-8735, email speragroup@ttrsir.com, or visit thesperagroup.us to connect with our team. We’ll help you navigate the DC metro market with confidence and a strategy tailored to your goals.