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

📲 Connect with me:
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Forward this newsletter to a friend — referrals are the highest compliment you can give me.

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A Buyer’s Guide To New Construction