Everyone Keeps Asking : “When’s the BEST time to buy?” Here’s The Truth…

Is Now the Best Time to Buy a Home? Here’s What the Latest Numbers Reveal

The holiday season has officially arrived here on the Delmarva Peninsula. Winterfest of Lights is glowing, the Berlin Christmas Parade is underway, and Thanksgiving visitors have headed home. But while the region shifts into holiday mode, the real estate market is showing some surprising activity — and many buyers are asking the same question:

👉 “Is now the best time to buy a home?”

In this week’s Delmarva Real Estate Market Report, we break down exactly what’s happening across Worcester, Wicomico, and Sussex Counties — and why this season may offer a unique buying opportunity.

Why the Holiday Season Creates a Buyer Advantage

Every year, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas bring a predictable slowdown. Fewer people list their homes, and fewer buyers are actively shopping due to travel and holiday commitments.

But here’s the twist:
This quieter market often creates the BEST window for serious buyers.

Less competition

  • motivated sellers

  • improving interest rates
    = A sweet spot many buyers overlook.

Let’s look at the numbers.

Worcester County Real Estate Market – December 2025

Last 7 days:

  • 24 new listings

  • 34 properties under contract

This is lower activity overall (which is expected during the holidays), but the key takeaway is this:

➡️ More homes went under contract than came to market.

Demand is still outpacing new inventory.

Countywide totals:

  • 744 active listings

  • 155 under contract in the last 30 days

  • 4.8 months of supply

A balanced market typically sits around 5–6 months of inventory. Worcester County is hovering right below that, indicating a stable but active market that still favors sellers — but without the intense competition of the spring season.

Wicomico County Real Estate Market

Weekly activity:

  • 24 new listings

  • 19 properties under contract

Countywide totals:

  • 333 active listings

  • 88 pending sales in the last 30 days

  • 3.8 months of supply

Wicomico remains the most competitive market of the three, but the holiday slowdown has opened up more breathing room for buyers.

Sussex County Real Estate Market

Weekly activity:

  • 115 new listings

  • 97 properties under contract

Countywide totals:

  • 2,031 active listings

  • 412 pending sales last 30 days

  • 4.9 months of supply

Sussex County continues to maintain strong sales volume, but like Worcester, the inventory trend and seasonality create opportunities for buyers who are ready to move quickly.

Interest Rates Are Trending Down — A Major Factor for Buyers

One of the biggest advantages buyers are seeing right now is improving mortgage rates.

As of today:

  • 30-Year Fixed Rate: 6.23%

  • FHA 30-Year Fixed: 5.85%

  • *7/6 Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): 5.77%

With the Federal Reserve expected to announce another rate reduction next week — potentially 0.25% — we could see even more improvement heading into early 2026.

This is especially significant because lower rates directly affect monthly affordability. Even a small dip can help buyers secure a better payment or qualify for a higher price point.

So… Is Now the Best Time to Buy a Home?

For many buyers — yes.


Here’s why:

✔️ Less competition

Most buyers wait until spring, meaning you’re not competing with 20+ offers.

✔️ Motivated sellers

Those who list in Q4 often need to sell.

✔️ Improving interest rates

A potential rate cut next week may boost buyer activity — acting now could help you lock in savings.

✔️ More negotiating room

Sellers are more willing to accept contingencies or price adjustments this time of year.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a primary home, vacation property, or investment property in Delmarva, this could be your ideal window.

Need Area-Specific Data or Want to Explore Current Deals?

If you’d like a deeper dive into a particular neighborhood, building, or town in Worcester County, Wicomico County, or Sussex County, my team and I are here to help.

Whether you're curious about opportunities, ready to tour properties, or just want to know if now is the right time for you — we’re happy to guide you.

👉 Reach out anytime — and be sure to watch the full weekly market report on YouTube for more insights.

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