Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don’t Sell at All
"In real estate, your first days on the market are your most valuable currency.”
— Ryan Serhant
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Maryland real estate market, you’ve probably noticed a shift. Not long ago, inventory was so low that almost anything listed — from fixer-uppers to fully renovated homes — sold immediately. But today, the picture looks different. Listings are up nearly 20% from this time last year, and in many Maryland communities, we’re back to the kind of supply we last saw in 2017–2019.
For today’s sellers, that means one thing:
Your home needs to make a strong first impression from the very first day it hits the market.
And my goal is to help you understand exactly how to make that happen.
Why Inventory Is Rising Right Now
The number of homes for sale is a mix of:
Active Listings: Homes that have been on the market for a while
New Listings: Homes just listed for sale
Recent data from Realtor.com shows that today’s inventory growth is driven mostly by active listings — the homes still sitting on the market. In other words, more houses are lingering without offers, not because there are tons of new sellers, but because many sellers aren’t positioned correctly for today’s market conditions.
And that’s exactly why your strategy matters.
Why Some Maryland Homes Sell Fast — and Others Sit
The formula for selling quickly in today’s market — whether you’re in Anne Arundel, Howard County, Prince George’s County, or right here in Montgomery County — is simple:
Make your home a “yes” for buyers the moment they see it.
Homes that sell right now tend to be:
Accurately priced based on today’s Maryland comparables
Well-prepared and repaired before listing
Presented beautifully through staging and professional photography
Easy to access for showings
Supported by strong, targeted marketing
But when a home lingers on the market, the reasons are usually clear. According to Redfin and HousingWire, the most common issues include:
Starting with an unrealistic asking price
Ignoring needed repairs
Poor or no staging
Limited showing availability
Weak marketing or unprofessional listing photos
Sellers expecting 2021 results in a 2025 market
Those mistakes didn’t matter much a few years ago. When inventory was extremely low across Maryland, buyers were rushing in — sometimes offering well above asking just to win. But with inventory higher today, buyers have choices again. And they’re picky.
Your listing’s first two weeks are crucial. That’s when your home gets the most online visibility and in-person showings. A misstep during that window — whether with price, presentation, or marketing — can cause your listing to sit, prompting buyers to wonder what’s wrong.
How Working With Heather Makes Your Home Stand Out
Selling quickly is about strategy — not luck. And that’s where having the right local agent makes all the difference.
As your Maryland real estate expert, I’ll help you:
Analyze up-to-the-minute Maryland market trends
Price your home competitively based on recent neighborhood sales
Recommend meaningful repairs and improvements
Bring in staging and top-tier professional photography
Create a marketing plan that showcases your home beautifully across platforms
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) backs this up:
“Home sellers without an agent are nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer for at least three months; 53% of sellers who used an agent say they accepted an offer within a month of listing their home.”
Good strategy sells homes. Great strategy — paired with the right agent — sells them fast.
Bottom Line
Maryland’s market may be more balanced today, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t shine. When it’s priced correctly, prepared thoughtfully, and marketed with intention, it will stand out — and it will sell.
If you’re thinking about selling your Maryland home this fall and want a proven plan to attract the right buyers, let’s connect. I’d love to guide you every step of the way.
Credit: This article was adapted using insights and data from Realtor.com, Redfin, HousingWire, and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Content has been rewritten and customized for originality and local relevance.
