We're already at the end of the first quarter, and that means it's time to do the numbers. I compared Q1 2026 against Q1 2025 across four Northern Virginia counties, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, and each one told a different story. But one pattern showed up in all four: days on market went up across the board, which tells us buyers are being more selective and more intentional about what they're willing to commit to. Let me break it down county by county.

Arlington. Arlington's median sale price went up year-over-year, climbing from $717,000 in Q1 2025 to $737,000 in Q1 2026. But the number of actual home sales went down, and days on market went up. Buyers in Arlington are being very particular about what they purchase, and when they find something that meets their expectations, they're willing to pay a higher price for it. They're just taking their time to get there.

Fairfax County. Fairfax is a bit of a mixed bag this quarter. The median sale price actually went down compared to last year, from $740,000 to $725,000. At the same time, the number of sales went up, from about 2,120 homes in Q1 2025 to 2,193 in Q1 2026. So homes are selling, and buyers are active, but like Arlington, days on market also went up. Buyers in Fairfax know what they want, and when they find it, they go after it and buy it.

Loudoun County. Loudoun is in a similar position to Fairfax. The median sale price went down, from $764,000 in Q1 2025 to $741,000 in Q1 2026. Days on market went up, and the number of homes sold went down. The market is still active, but buyers are being deliberate about where they put their money.

Prince William County. Prince William was the star of the show this quarter. The median sale price rose from $541,000 to $575,000 year over year, and the number of sales increased significantly, from 850 in Q1 2025 to 1,015 in Q1 2026. That's a big jump in both price and activity. Even with that growth, days on market still went up, which signals the same thing we're seeing everywhere else: buyers are taking their time and making thoughtful decisions. But the volume and price gains show strong demand heading into the spring.

What this means for sellers. Across all four counties, the same pattern is showing up: buyers are out there, but they're taking longer and being pickier about what they say yes to. For sellers, that means price and condition are carrying more weight than they did a year ago. A home that's priced right, shows well, and is in good condition is still going to attract serious attention. 

But buyers aren't forcing it on homes that feel overpriced or aren't move-in ready, and the longer days on market across every county reflect that. If you're thinking about listing, getting the pricing and presentation dialed in before you hit the market is where the real advantage is right now.

What this means for buyers. The rising days-on-market across all four counties is actually good news for buyers. It means you have a little more time to think, compare, and make a decision that actually fits your situation, rather than feeling rushed. The market is still competitive, especially in Prince William, where volume is surging, and in Arlington, where buyers are paying higher prices for the right homes, but the pace has shifted enough that preparation and strategy go a long way. 

Whether you're looking at the higher price points in Arlington and Loudoun or the stronger value and activity in Prince William, knowing your numbers and understanding what each county's Q1 data means for your specific search puts you in a much better position to move when the right home comes up.

If you want to know how these numbers apply to your specific neighborhood, price point, or situation, call me at (703) 216-4272, email me at terrirobinson@remax.net, or visit liveinva.com. I'd love to walk through the data with you and help you build a strategy that puts you in the strongest position this spring.