Published by Michael J. Schiff, Team Leader, The Schiff Home Team of eXp Realty
A new year brings a fresh start – and for many in Maryland, 2026 is the year to take control of their real estate goals. Whether you’re dreaming of homeownership, considering a move, or exploring investment opportunities, this early moment in the year is the perfect time to reset your strategy, check in with the market, and set your next move in motion.
Here are five smart steps you can take right now to make sure you’re in the strongest possible position for the months ahead.
1. Reassess Your Goals (and Your Timeline)
Are you planning to buy your first home this year? Sell and move up? Rent for a little longer while watching the market? Now is the time to get crystal clear about your goals – and your timeline.
The real estate market is dynamic, and timing matters. Do you need to align your move with a school calendar, job change, or lease end? Would buying in Q1 make more sense than waiting until summer?
Putting your target timeframe on paper can help reverse-engineer your plan – so you’re not scrambling later.
2. Get Pre‑Approved (or Re‑Approved)
With mortgage rates coming down from 2025 highs and stabilizing in the mid‑6% range, many buyers are finding their buying power increased compared to just a few months ago. If you were pre‑approved in late 2025, your numbers may have changed – for the better.
If you’re starting from scratch, this is the best first step. A strong pre‑approval shows sellers you’re serious, helps set realistic expectations, and gives you the ability to act quickly when the right home comes along.
Bonus: You’ll better understand what price range you’re comfortable with – not just what you can afford.
3. Explore Neighborhoods with Growth Potential
If you’re local to Baltimore or greater Maryland, you know that neighborhoods evolve quickly. Some areas are becoming hotspots thanks to new retail, public investment, or transit development. Others are holding steady, offering great value for buyers focused on long-term growth.
Work with a local expert (that’s us!) who can show you not just where the prices are – but where the opportunity is. Want walkability? A quick commute to downtown or DC? Good schools and green space? Now’s the time to define your priorities.
Not sure where to begin? We can help you map out your ideal location – and what you’ll get for your budget.
4. Know Your Home Equity (If You’re Selling or Thinking About It)
If you’re a current homeowner, don’t guess – know. The equity in your home may have grown substantially over the last few years, even as the market has moderated. Baltimore area home values were up 8–9% YoY heading into Q4 of 2025, and many sellers are still in a strong position heading into 2026.
A quick home valuation can show you what your property is likely worth today – and help you explore what a move might look like (including upsizing, downsizing, or reinvesting).
You can’t plan your next step if you don’t know what you’re working with – so let’s run the numbers.
5. Stay Ahead of the 2026 Market Trends
Rates, inventory, buyer demand, and government policy all play a role in shaping the housing landscape. In 2026, most experts anticipate a more stable market, with modest price growth and slightly increased inventory across the Mid-Atlantic.
For buyers, this means more options and fewer bidding wars. For sellers, pricing right and positioning the home correctly will be key.
This isn’t a year for fear – it’s a year for strategy.
Start Early, Stay Informed
The start of the year is when smart buyers and sellers position themselves to win. While others wait for spring, you can be laying the groundwork now – with better financing, more inventory access, and more time to make decisions without pressure.
Let’s sit down and talk about your 2026 goals. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just thinking through your options, having the right game plan can turn a “maybe someday” into your next big move.