August data shows the DMV real estate market is slowing down and inching closer to balance. Sellers still have some leverage, but buyers are gaining ground — and that shift carries big implications for real estate investors on both sides of a deal.
At Washington Capital Partners (WCP), we’ve seen this before. These moments of transition often create the biggest opportunities for investors who know how to play both sides.
Months of Supply: Inventory has climbed to nearly two months of supply. It’s not a buyer’s market yet, but this is the highest level since 2020.
Stale Listings: Roughly one in five homes has been on the market for over 90 days without a sale.
Price Cuts: More sellers are missing their mark, with a growing share of homes selling below list price compared to 2024.
Withdrawn Listings: Thousands of properties have been removed from the market after failing to attract offers.
Together, these signals point to a market softening that savvy real estate investors can use to their advantage.
We’re moving out of the pure seller’s market of the past few years and into a more balanced playing field. That means:
Remember: your first offer is often your best offer. Waiting for something “better” can backfire and lead to price cuts or extended carrying costs that eat into profits.
Inventory is climbing, buyers have more choices, and sellers who don’t adjust will get stuck.
For investors, that creates opportunity—especially if you’re prepared with reliable, fast funding and a lender who keeps their word.
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is trying to take on too many deals at once. Growth is exciting, but in real estate investing, moving too fast can lead to costly mistakes.
Start small. Focus on low-risk cosmetic updates, build confidence, and grow from there. The key is to start—and to make sure every deal is structured with the right financing behind it.
A pro forma is a financial projection that shows how an investment property is expected to perform. Think of it as a forward-looking budget: instead of recording what has already happened, it models what’s likely to happen based on your assumptions.
For fix and flip projects and DSCR rental investments alike, a solid pro forma helps you identify risk, project returns, and secure the best lending terms.
