Keys & Contracts — September 2025
📊 Market Snapshot — August in the DMV
Listings & Pending Contracts: Across the DMV, both new listings and pending contracts were up in late August—though D.C. proper saw a dip (pending contracts down 5.7%, new listings down 16.2%).
Inventory: Active listings hit pre-pandemic highs, up 40%, with ~10,283 homes available.
Buyer Advantage: Pending sales slipped slightly (~0.3%) and days on market rose (36 vs. 26), giving buyers more room to negotiate.
Prices Holding: Despite shifting activity, D.C.’s median sale price was ~$608K in June, up about 3% year-over-year.
Takeaway: The DMV market is loosening up, not a crash, just more breathing room for smart buyers. Sellers who price wisely are still moving, and buyers are gaining leverage without the panic auctions of a year ago.
🏡 Buyer Education Corner
What a 1% Rate Drop Really Means
Let’s put numbers to it:
Loan Amount: $500,000
At 7.0%: ~ $3,327 / month
At 6.0%: ~ $2,998 / month
👉 That’s about $329 less per month, or nearly $4,000/year saved.
Lower rates can also increase your pre-approval amount by tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your profile.
Bottom line: Even a single percentage point matters. Lower payments and higher approval power make this a great time to revisit financing.
🔑 Featured Listings
Check out my current listings:
📍331 Parkland Place in Washington, DC – 4-unit property in Congress Heights offered at $590,000. Each unit is 1BR|1BA in a high-demand rental area near Metro and major redevelopment projects.
View Property Website »📍13942 King George Way in Upper Marlboro, MD – 2 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1-Car Garage charming 2-level condo in the heart of Upper Marlboro. Offered at 290k.
View Property Website »
📝 Quote of the Month
“Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.” – Will Rogers
💡 Tip of the Month — Boost Your Credit Score
Keep card balances under 30% of your limit (lower is better).
Pay before the statement closing date so lower balances get reported.
Avoid new credit inquiries unless absolutely necessary.
Even small changes can boost your score quickly and improve loan terms.
📲 How Can I Help You?
Selling? Let’s talk strategy to maximize your home’s value.
Buying or Investing? Contact me and I’ll send you a tailored list of opportunities.
✨ Stay in Touch
Nicole Payton
REALTOR®, Licensed DC, MD & VA
📍 1017 O St NW, Washington, DC 20001
📞 Direct: (240) 354-7460 | Office: (202) 518-8781
📧 nicole@nicolepayton.com
🌐 www.nicolepayton.com
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