By Chris Donis
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines of the Maryland housing market, you aren’t alone. For the last two years, the common refrain has been: “I’ll wait until rates hit 5%.” But as we move through February 2026, the data is telling a different story. Mortgage rates have stabilized in the low 6s, and while they are “taking the stairs” down, home prices are still “taking the escalator” up.
I’m Chris Donis, leader of Team Alpha Charlie at Douglas Realty. Since 2017, my team and I have helped over 300 families—from military relocations to first-time buyers—navigate the nuances of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s Counties. Being in the top 1% of agents statewide means I don’t just see the listings; I see the math behind the moves.
Here is why 2026 is the year to stop waiting and start building equity.
The “Cost of Waiting” Math
The biggest mistake buyers make in a “stabilizing” market is focusing on the interest rate while ignoring the purchase price.
In Maryland, experts project a 2–4% price appreciation for 2026. On a $500,000 home, that’s an extra $20,000 in cost by next year. If you wait 12 months for a 0.5% rate drop, you might save $150 a month on your payment, but you’ve lost $20,000 in equity and now have to borrow more money to buy the same house.
Pro-Tip: You can marry the house and date the rate. You can refinance a rate later, but you can’t “re-buy” a house at 2025 prices.
2026 Market Spotlight: Where the Opportunity Is
While the “frenzy” of 2021 is gone, Maryland remains a seller-favored market with only 2.2 to 3 months of supply. However, certain pockets offer massive opportunities right now:
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Pasadena & Anne Arundel County: We are seeing a “sweet spot” here. Inventory is up nearly 19% from last year, giving you more choices than you’ve had in half a decade without the predatory bidding wars.
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Howard & Prince George’s: Demand remains iron-clad due to federal employment stability. For our military families at Fort Meade or Joint Base Andrews, leveraging your VA loan benefits now—before more buyers flood the market when rates dip further—is a strategic power move.
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Baltimore City & County: If you are looking for “value-add” or investment potential, the 9% YoY growth in certain Baltimore hubs proves that the entry-level market is where the fastest equity is being built.
Why Work with Team Alpha Charlie?
In a market that rewards strategy over speed, who you work with matters.
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Top 1% Expertise: With over $100M in closed volume, we know how to structure offers that get accepted without overpaying.
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Bilingual Service: Hablamos tu idioma. Buying a home is the biggest investment of your life; you deserve to understand every word of the contract in the language you’re most comfortable with.
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Military Roots: We specialize in the “mission-critical” moves. We understand the timelines, the BAH requirements, and the stress of relocation.
The Bottom Line
2026 isn’t a “bubble”—it’s a reset. The market is balanced, inventory is improving, and the “lock-in effect” is finally starting to thaw. If you wait for the “perfect” economic moment, you’ll likely find yourself competing with ten other buyers for the same property.
Ready to find out what your buying power looks like in today’s Maryland market?
Whether you want to explore Pasadena waterfront or a commuter-friendly spot in Howard County, I’m here to help. Text “MDEQUITY” to 443-334-8705 today for a custom 2026 Equity Forecast for your target zip code.
Chris Donis | Team Alpha Charlie | Douglas Realty
Serving Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Baltimore, Howard & Prince George’s County
