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Howard County, MD Real Estate News

By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – January 13, 2026   The Ellicott City market is officially waking up after the holidays — and this past week shows a clear shift in momentum. Here’s the breakdown from the last 7 days 16 New Listings – A big jump in inventory as sellers jump into the new year with fresh listings. 10 Coming Soon – Strong pipeline activity, signaling even more homes are about to hit the market. 4 Under Contract – Buyers are active, but being selective. Homes that are priced right and well-prepared are moving first. 9 Closed – Closings are still steady, reflecting contracts written late in 2025 and early January. 3 Expired | 1 Canceled – Fewer expirations this week, suggesting better pricing alignment and improved seller strategy.   Market Insight: Inventory is building...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
❄️ Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – January 6, 2026The first full week of the new year is already showing a shift in the Ellicott City market 👀 Here’s what the past 7 days tell us:🏡 4 New Listings – Inventory is beginning to return as sellers re-enter the market after the holidays.🔜 7 Coming Soon – This is the biggest story this week. Many homeowners are preparing to launch, signaling a noticeable pickup heading into mid-January.📝 3 Under Contract – Buyers are active early in the year, especially on well-priced homes.🎉 19 Closed – These closings reflect contracts written late in 2025 and confirm that buyer demand carried straight through the holidays.⏳ 19 Expired | 0 Canceled – A high number of expirations suggests some listings missed the mark on pricing or timing — and may relist ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🎆 Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – December 30, 2025 ❄️As we wrap up the final week of the year, the Ellicott City real estate market has officially settled into a quiet holiday pause — exactly what we expect between Christmas and New Year’s. Here’s a look at the past 7 days 👇🏡 1 New Listing – Very limited new inventory, showing most sellers are waiting for the new year to list.🔜 2 Coming Soon – Early signs of momentum building for January and the start of the 2026 market.📝 1 Under Contract – Even in a slow week, well-priced homes are still finding buyers.🎉 15 Closed – These closings reflect deals negotiated earlier in the fall, proving buyers and sellers stayed committed through the end of the year.❌ 2 Canceled | 1 Expired – A reminder that pricing and preparation remain critical, ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🎄 Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – December 23, 2025 ❄️As we head into the final days before Christmas, the Ellicott City real estate market is moving at a true holiday pace — slower, but still active where it counts. Here’s what the past 7 days looked like 👇🏡 5 New Listings – Inventory remains limited, which is typical this close to the holidays.🔜 3 Coming Soon – A few sellers are quietly preparing for early 2026 launches.📝 3 Under Contract – Motivated buyers are still stepping in when the right home hits the market.🎉 28 Closed – A strong number of closings shows many deals negotiated earlier this fall are wrapping up successfully.❌ 3 Canceled | 1 Expired – A reminder that pricing and presentation matter even more in a low-activity season.📊 Market Insight:Low inventory + fewer buye...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
Historic Savage Mill has long been a favorite of mine, especially at this time of the year. Walking into Yuletide at Savage Mill feels like stepping straight into a holiday storybook. The historic mill, with its brick walls, rich wood staircases, and timeless character, flows with festive decor and twinkling lights that wrap this Howard County landmark in seasonal charm. Yuletide runs daily through December, with shops open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Strolling through the decorated halls, you'll find local artisans, unique gifts, antique treasures, and cozy corners that make holiday shopping feel less like a chore and more like a tradition. You can also book a time slot to craft your own pottery, candle, or jewelry, and support a great cause at Charity's Closet & Success in Style! And then the...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
❄️ Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – December 16, 2025 ❄️As we head deeper into the holiday season, the Ellicott City real estate market is quieter — but still moving! Here’s a snapshot of what happened over the past 7 days 👇🏡 6 New Listings – Fewer homes are coming on the market, which is typical for mid-December.🔜 3 Coming Soon – A small wave of new listings is getting ready to launch soon.📝 3 Under Contract – Serious buyers are still active and taking advantage of less competition.🎉 23 Closed – A strong number of closings this week shows deals that were set in motion earlier are successfully crossing the finish line.❌ 0 Canceled | 3 Expired – Listings that don’t stand out or are priced incorrectly are more likely to pause until the new year.📊 Market Insight:Inventory is tight, and...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
❄️ Ellicott City Weekly Market Update📅 Week of December 9, 2025The winter season is here, but the Ellicott City market is still moving! Here’s what the past 7 days look like:📊 Market Highlights: 7 New Listings — fewer homes hitting the market as we move deeper into December 4 Coming Soon — a small wave of inventory on the way 3 Under Contract — buyer activity has slowed, typical for this time of year 20 Closed — a strong week for completed sales 1 Expired / 2 Canceled — some homes may be overpriced or poorly positioned heading into winter ✨ What This Means:➡️ Buyers: This season may offer less competition and more negotiating power, especially with motivated sellers.➡️ Sellers: Homes are still selling — but pricing and presentation matter more than ever as buyer activity slows.Thinking ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
When my kids were little (like 9 months and 4 years little), I took them to visit Santa at the mall. We had to wait for a very long time, as did hundreds of other families, with only merchandise to look at. What I ended up with was a picture of my little one screaming her head off and my then-four-year-old looking incredibly annoyed. This was not the kind of holiday magic I had envisioned, and I vowed never to take them to a mall to see Santa ever again. Instead, we went to Old Ellicott City when Santa sat in the old log cabin, and nowadays (although they are much older, they'll still indulge mom), we stop by Payne's Christmas Tree in Elkridge for our annual Santa/tree outing. There are better places in Howard County to make those holiday memories. Skip the crowded lines and fluorescent...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
You know how much I prefer shopping small and supporting local businesses. I've been on a mission for years to buy as many Christmas presents as I can at local boutiques... So much so that I cancelled my Amazon account. I find it much more enjoyable and festive, plus my shopping dollars directly support my community. One of my favorite places to shop local is along historic Main Street in Ellicott City, MD. It's such a great place to visit year-round, but especially during the Holiday season. Every year, the boutiques along Main Street participate in a Holiday decorating contest, and they never disappoint. Just window shopping is a treat! It's time for you to gather your loved ones and head to historic Ellicott City. It's dressed for the season! Upcoming events:December 5th: Midnight Ma...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🍂 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞📅 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓The market continues to shift as we move closer to the end of the year — here’s what this week’s numbers show:📊 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:15 New Listings — steady flow of inventory6 Under Contract — buyer activity still present, but slightly slower10 Closings — homes are still selling before year-end6 Expired & 3 Canceled — a reminder that pricing and presentation matter✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀:➡️ Buyers: With more inventory and fewer offers flying in, this could be a great time to find a home with less competition.➡️ Sellers: Homes priced right for today’s market are still selling — strategy and timing remain key.If you’re thinking of making a move before 2026 or planning ahead, I’m here to guide you with local insight.📞 Ellie McIntire, Realtor®📧...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🍁 Ellicott City Weekly Market Update📅 November 18, 2025Thinking about buying or selling in Ellicott City? Here’s what the activity in the past 7 days is telling us ⬇️📊 Market Insights:➡️ Inventory is Active and MovingHomes continue to go under contract, and a healthy number have recently closed — showing that buyers are still active even as we head into the holiday season.➡️ Fresh Inventory is ComingWith new listings and “coming soon” properties appearing, buyers will have more options — but competition remains steady, so readiness is key.➡️ Homes Are Selling When Positioned WellWith zero expired listings and only one canceled, it’s clear that homes priced correctly and marketed strategically are selling, not sitting.➡️ Buyers Should Stay PreparedPre-approval and a clear strategy put yo...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
The process of staging never gets old (to me). There's something immensely gratifying about finally, after months of renovating, updating, decluttering, editing, and staging, reviewing the professional photography with my sellers. It's one of my favorite moments when my sellers say: "Wow! I didn't know my house could look like this. I'm not sure I still want to sell!" They do :) and they receive faster and better offers! It's not just the transformation, but the ripple effect that follows. It's the moment a space shifts from lived-in to fresh, and from cluttered to flowing. Every room begins to tell a story, a story that resonates with people who walk through the door. Yes, I do stage my own listing. Ever since my favorite local home stager, Jessica Flavell, retired from the business, I...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
The Unpredictable Side of Real EstateYou can plan for pricing, prepare for inspections, and even anticipate buyer negotiations — but no seller can plan for everything.Sometimes, the unexpected hits: a major storm damages your roof days before closing, a power outage delays the title office, or a hurricane evacuation shuts down the lender’s operations entirely.Welcome to the strange world of force majeure — the “act of God” clause that exists in most Maryland real estate contracts but rarely gets discussed until something goes wrong.What “Force Majeure” Actually MeansThe term force majeure literally means “superior force.” It’s legal shorthand for events beyond anyone’s control that make it impossible (or illegal) to carry out a contract.In Maryland real estate, this typically covers: Na...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Who doesn't love a Festive Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board?🍂🍂🍂Let these artisanal charcuterie board images inspire youThe Basics: A traditional charcuterie board usually features a mix of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, but for Thanksgiving, feel free to add any seasonal twists that your heart desires. Some seasonal favorites include: cranberries, spiced nuts, seasonal fruits like apples and pears, etc. And you can add decorative elements like mini-pumpkins, gourds, mums, etc. to really make you board pop. Here’s a quick checklist of some items to gather for a fall-themed board:Cured meats Salami Prosciutto Turkey slices Cheeses Sharp cheddar Brie Gouda Soft cheeses like goat cheese with cranberries Crackers and breads Wheat crackers Baguette slices Pretzels Fruits Dried apricots...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
The Gut-Punch Moment for Every SellerYou’ve accepted an offer. The buyer’s financing looks solid. The inspection’s behind you. Then the call comes: “The appraisal came in low.”Your heart sinks. How can your beautiful, well-maintained home be valued at less than what the buyer just agreed to pay?It’s a problem that’s become more common in Maryland’s shifting market — especially in places like Catonsville, Ellicott City, and Columbia where demand remains high, but comparable sales lag behind current pricing. The good news? A low appraisal doesn’t always mean a lost sale.Why Appraisals Come In LowAppraisers don’t determine what a home should sell for — they determine what a lender is willing to lend on.They base their value on data, not emotion, looking at recent nearby sales (“comps”) to ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🍁 Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – November 4, 2025 🍂As we step into November, the Ellicott City real estate market shows signs of seasonal slowing — but opportunities are still out there for both buyers and sellers! Here’s what’s been happening over the past week 👇🏠 10 New Listings – Fresh homes are still hitting the market for buyers looking to move before the holidays.🔜 6 Coming Soon – A few more listings are getting ready to make their debut!📝 5 Under Contract – Buyers remain active, though at a slightly slower pace as the fall season deepens.🎉 16 Closed – Congratulations to those who’ve recently bought or sold their homes!⌛ 8 Expired | 2 Canceled – A reminder that pricing and presentation are key in today’s competitive environment.📊 Market Insight:The market is cooling slightly...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
The Emotional Rollercoaster No One Warns You AboutThe sign’s in the yard. The offer’s accepted. You’ve mentally moved out — and then, suddenly, your buyer starts to waver. They’re “thinking about it,” their agent is “checking something,” and before you know it, they’ve backed out entirely.It’s one of the most frustrating moments for a seller. You did everything right — and still lost the sale.Buyer remorse isn’t rare, especially in fluctuating markets. The good news? It’s often predictable — and preventable — if you know the early signs and act decisively.Why Buyers Walk AwayThere are countless reasons a buyer might pull out of a contract, but most fall into a few key categories:1. Fear of OverpayingIf the buyer feels they “won” a bidding war, they may later panic that they overpaid — e...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🍂 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 – 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 🍁The Ellicott City real estate market continues to stay active as we close out October! Here’s what’s been happening over the past 7 days 👇🏡 11 New Listings – A slight dip from last week, but still plenty of great homes hitting the market.🔜 8 Coming Soon – More listings are on their way, keeping things exciting for active buyers.📝 6 Under Contract – Buyers are still out shopping and making moves despite the cooler weather.🎉 21 Closed – A solid week of successful closings and happy new homeowners!❌ 5 Canceled | 2 Expired – Some listings wrapped up without a sale, showing that correct pricing and presentation remain key.📊 Market Insight:The market is showing healthy balance — new listings and buyer activity are holding steady. As we ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
After 21 years in Real Estate (I reached that milestone on October 20th!), I still believe in showing up with curiosity. This month, I leveled up (again) and earned my GRI® (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. It's a comprehensive program that covers contracts, compliance, marketing, technology, legislative updates, agency, and ethics. It's designed for agents who want to go deeper and hone their craft. It's been on my list for a while, but it requires a time commitment that I had to plan and make room for. My business is built on a foundation of knowledge, experience, and a deep respect for the people and homes I represent, as well as for my profession. Along the way, I've earned the ABR® (Accredited Buyer's Rep) and CIPS® (Certified Int'l Property Specialist) designations, and ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🍂 Ellicott City Weekly Market Update – October 21, 2025 🍁The local real estate market in Ellicott City continues to stay active this fall! Here’s what happened over the past 7 days:🏡 17 New Listings – Sellers are taking advantage of the crisp fall market and getting their homes out there before the holidays.🔜 9 Coming Soon – More inventory on the horizon, giving buyers fresh opportunities in the next week or two.📝 5 Homes Went Under Contract – Buyer activity remains steady, showing continued demand even as temperatures drop.🎉 26 Closings – A busy week for new homeowners and sellers wrapping things up before year-end.❌ 0 Canceled | 1 Expired – A positive sign that most listings are staying on track.💬 Market Insight:We’re seeing a nice bump in new listings compared to last week — a sign o...
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