Tag: #HowardCountyRealEstate

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Maryland Housing Market Update – August 2026

The Maryland housing market continued to show resilience in August 2026. Home prices increased statewide, houses continued to sell at a relatively quick pace, and the available housing supply remained limited compared with the same time last year.

Statewide, average home prices increased 2.5% compared with August 2025, showing that Maryland home values continue to hold strong despite shifting market conditions. Houses averaged 17 days on the market statewide, giving buyers a little more time than in some of the faster-moving local markets while still reflecting steady buyer demand.

Inventory decreased from 3.5 months in August 2025 to 3.0 months in August 2026. Although inventory varies considerably by location, a three-month supply remains below what is generally considered a balanced market. Sellers may continue to benefit from limited competition, while buyers should be prepared when the right house becomes available.

As always, real estate is local. Conditions can vary significantly from one county to another, which is why I have included a county-by-county breakdown for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, and Prince George’s Counties. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on your house’s value, understanding your local market can help you make more informed decisions.

Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County experienced fewer sales in August 2026, while home prices remained higher than they were during the same month last year. A total of 615 houses sold, representing a 12.1% decrease compared with August 2025.

The average sales price increased 1.2% to $627,671, while the median sales price rose 1.3% to $507,000. Houses sold quickly, averaging just 11 days on the market, compared with 13 days in August 2025.

Inventory decreased from 2.5 months in August 2025 to 2.2 months this August. With limited inventory and houses continuing to sell quickly, Anne Arundel County remains a competitive market. Sellers should still prepare and price their houses carefully, while buyers need to be ready when the right opportunity appears.

Baltimore County

Baltimore County recorded fewer sales in August, but home prices showed strong year-over-year growth. A total of 687 houses sold, a 10.5% decrease compared with August 2025.

The average sales price increased 8.6% to $468,276, while the median sales price rose 6.8% to $390,000. Houses averaged 14 days on the market, compared with 13 days during the same month last year.

Inventory decreased from 2.7 months in August 2025 to 2.3 months in August 2026. Although fewer properties sold, rising prices and limited inventory demonstrate that buyer demand remains present. Correct pricing and strong presentation continue to be important for sellers, while buyers should be financially prepared before beginning their search.

Frederick County

Frederick County experienced a decrease in sales activity during August, while home prices continued to appreciate. A total of 299 houses sold, representing a 7.4% decrease compared with August 2025.

The average sales price increased 2.9% to $570,944, and the median sales price rose 5.0% to $525,000. Houses averaged 17 days on the market, compared with 14 days in August 2025.

Inventory decreased from 3.1 months last August to 2.5 months this August. Buyers may have a little more time to consider their options than they did last year, but the limited supply and continued price growth show that Frederick County remains competitive. Both buyers and sellers can benefit from understanding the conditions within their specific price range and community.

Howard County

Howard County stood out in August with an increase in the number of houses sold, even as average and median sales prices declined slightly. A total of 330 houses sold, representing a 7.8% increase compared with August 2025.

The average sales price decreased 3.1% to $697,363, while the median sales price declined 0.8% to $640,000. These changes do not necessarily mean that every Howard County house lost value. Monthly averages can be influenced by the types and price ranges of the properties sold during that period.

Houses continued to sell quickly, averaging just nine days on the market, compared with 10 days in August 2025. Inventory also tightened considerably, decreasing from 2.7 months last August to only 1.6 months this August.

With more sales, very limited inventory, and houses selling quickly, Howard County remains one of the most competitive markets in the region. Sellers still need to price strategically, while buyers should be prepared to act promptly when a suitable house becomes available.

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County experienced slower sales activity and modest year-over-year price declines in August 2026. A total of 601 houses sold, representing a 9.4% decrease compared with August 2025.

The average sales price decreased 0.2% to $462,828, while the median sales price declined 1.1% to $445,000. Houses averaged 24 days on the market, compared with 20 days in August 2025.

Inventory decreased slightly from 3.6 months last August to 3.3 months this August. Prince George’s County is moving at a more measured pace than some neighboring counties, but inventory remains below what is generally considered a balanced market. Sellers should pay close attention to pricing, condition, and presentation, while buyers may have a little more time to compare their options and make informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

Maryland’s housing market continues to show strength, but August’s figures demonstrate why it is important to look beyond statewide headlines.

Average prices increased statewide, yet each county had a different story. Baltimore County experienced the strongest year-over-year price growth among these five counties, while Howard County recorded an increase in sales despite modest price declines. Anne Arundel and Frederick Counties continued to show price appreciation even as fewer houses sold, and Prince George’s County moved at a somewhat slower pace.

Inventory remained limited in all five counties, ranging from only 1.6 months in Howard County to 3.3 months in Prince George’s County. These differences can affect pricing, competition, negotiating power, and how quickly buyers and sellers need to act.

If you would like a complimentary market update for your neighborhood, city, or another Maryland county, I would be happy to provide one. Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about your house’s value, feel free to reach out anytime.

Lynn Nichols, REALTOR®
KW Flagship
Ready, Set, Sold®
Where Sellers Win & Buyers Begin

Cell: 443-694-0028
Office: 410-729-7700

MarylandHomesByLynn.com

Source: Maryland REALTORS® / Bright MLS

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Lake Elkhorn: Where Nature Can Be Part of Your Everyday Life

Can you imagine having views like this practically in your backyard?

Tucked into the Village of Owen Brown in Columbia, Maryland, Lake Elkhorn is one of those places that makes you want to slow down, get outside and enjoy what’s around you.

Maybe you’re an early riser who loves starting the day with a walk before everything gets busy. Maybe you’d rather hop on your bike and get a little exercise. Or perhaps you’ve just finished a long day at work and what sounds best is changing into something comfortable and taking an evening stroll around the lake to unwind.

And then there are those days when you don’t need to be going anywhere at all.

Find a peaceful spot. Sit by the water. Watch the wildlife. Take a few pictures. Bring the family. Or simply take in the scenery.

That’s part of the beauty of Lake Elkhorn — there isn’t just one way to enjoy it.

Nearly Two Miles Around the Lake

Lake Elkhorn covers approximately 37 acres and was built by the Columbia Association in 1974. The lake averages about eight feet deep and reaches approximately 15 feet at its deepest point.

And here’s something I didn’t realize until I started learning more about it: Lake Elkhorn is Columbia’s largest lake.

Surrounding the lake is a 1.9-mile paved main loop, making it a wonderful place for walking, jogging and biking. There are shady places to stop along the way, and the Lake Elkhorn area also includes a playground.

So think about that for everyday life.

A complete trip around the lake gives you almost a two-mile walk without ever having to get on a treadmill.

Want to add something more to your workout? Columbia Association also has outdoor exercise stations along Lake Elkhorn, giving you the opportunity to mix some strength and movement into your walk.

Morning Walk or Evening Wind-Down?

I think this is one of the things that makes living near a place like Lake Elkhorn so appealing.

It can fit into your life instead of requiring you to plan your life around it.

Head out in the morning when everything feels fresh and quiet.

Take an afternoon bike ride.

Bring the kids out to play.

Get together with a friend and walk while you catch up.

Or after one of those workdays, take an evening walk and let the lake, trees and fresh air help you leave the day behind.

And if exercise isn’t on the agenda? That’s perfectly fine, too.

Sometimes sitting near the water and enjoying the view is enough.

Keep Your Eyes Open for the Wildlife

While I was taking photographs around Lake Elkhorn, one particular resident was nice enough to pose for me.

And apparently, he has plenty of neighbors!

More than 100 species of birds have been observed around Lake Elkhorn by participants in the Great Backyard Bird Count. The area is also home to a variety of dragonflies and damselflies.

That makes walking around the lake a little different every time. You never quite know what you’re going to see.

Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, photography or you’re simply someone who appreciates nature, there’s plenty to keep your eyes open for as you make your way around the lake.

Want a Longer Adventure? Keep Going.

The 1.9-mile loop doesn’t have to be the end of your walk or bike ride.

Lake Elkhorn connects with Columbia’s broader pathway system, and from the Broken Land Parkway side of the lake, you can pick up the Patuxent Branch Trail, which continues toward Savage.

That’s another thing I love about Columbia. The paths, lakes, neighborhoods and open spaces are connected in a way that makes getting outside part of the community.

In fact, Columbia Association maintains nearly 3,600 acres of open space and about 95 miles of pathways throughout Columbia.

And Yes — People Actually Live Around Here

This might be my favorite part of the story.

Look across Lake Elkhorn and you’ll see something else among all those trees and beautiful views: Homes

Lake Elkhorn is located in Columbia’s Village of Owen Brown, with residential neighborhoods surrounding the area.

So imagine having something like this close to home.

You don’t necessarily have to pack the car and drive somewhere for a pretty Saturday afternoon. Your evening walk doesn’t have to mean walking around the same block over and over. And getting outdoors with the family can be as simple as heading toward the lake.

For somebody considering a move to Columbia or Howard County, that’s worth thinking about.

Because choosing where you live isn’t only about the number of bedrooms, the size of the kitchen or whether there’s a garage.

It’s also about what your life looks like when you walk out the front door.

Take a Look Around Lake Elkhorn

And now I’m going to stop talking and let Lake Elkhorn speak for itself

Could You Picture Yourself Living Near Lake Elkhorn?

Whether it’s an early morning walk, an evening stroll after work, a bike ride, some outdoor exercise, time with the family or simply finding a quiet place to sit near the water, Lake Elkhorn is a beautiful example of the lifestyle you’ll find in Columbia.

Sometimes finding the right home isn’t only about finding a house you love.

It’s about finding a community where you can picture yourself living your life.

If Columbia, Howard County or another Central Maryland community is somewhere you’re considering calling home, I’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities.

Lynn Nichols, REALTOR®
Win With Lynn — Where Sellers Win and Buyers Begin

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