Is Now the Right Time to Buy in Maryland? Interest Rates vs. Inventory

If you're considering buying in Annapolis, Chester (Kent Island), Easton, Cambridge, or Chestertown, you're probably wondering: 

Should I wait for interest rates to drop — or is this actually a smart window to buy? 

Instead of focusing on headlines, let’s look at what the last 90 days of real market data in your target areas reveal. 

 

📊 What the Last 3 Months Show (Rolling 90-Day Data) 

Across Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore: 

• Active listings remain steady — inventory is available but not excessive. 

• Homes are going under contract in roughly 30–60 days on average. 

• Properties are closing at approximately 95–97% of list price. 

• Entry-level homes in Cambridge and Easton are trading in the mid-$200s to low-$300s. 

• Move-up homes across Kent Island and Chestertown are commonly closing in the $350K–$500K range. 

• Annapolis and select waterfront communities continue to command $500K–$800K+, depending on location and updates. 

What this tells us: 

✔ Demand is still present. 
✔ Buyers have negotiation leverage. 
✔ We are not in a bidding-war frenzy. 
✔ Sellers are adjusting to market reality. 

This is what we call a normalizing market — not overheated, not crashing. 

 

📍 Annapolis Market: Stabilizing but Still Strong 

In neighborhoods like: 

• Eastport 

• Cape St. Claire 

• Arundel on the Bay 

• Bay Ridge 

• Spa Creek areas 

We’re seeing homes sit longer than they did in 2021–2022 — but well-priced homes are still moving. 

Buyers now have: 

• Time for inspections 

• Negotiation room 

• Fewer appraisal gap risks 

That’s a major shift from the ultra-competitive years. 

 

🌊 Eastern Shore & Kent Island: Opportunity Window 

In: 

• Chester / Kent Island (bridge proximity + commuter appeal) 

• Easton (golf communities + new construction) 

• Cambridge (value + waterfront access) 

• Chestertown (historic charm + larger lots) 

The last 90 days show: 

• Healthy buyer activity 

• Moderate time on market 

• Concessions becoming more common 

This creates opportunity for serious buyers who are financially prepared. 

 

📉 Interest Rates vs. Leverage 

Yes — interest rates are higher than pandemic lows. 

But here’s the key shift: 

Higher rates have cooled competition. 

Which means buyers today often get: 

• Better price negotiation 

• Seller-paid closing costs 

• Inspection protections 

• More favorable terms 

When rates were lower, buyers were frequently: 

• Paying significantly over asking 

• Waiving inspections 

• Competing against 10+ offers 

Today, you're closer to true market value. 

And remember: 

You can refinance an interest rate. 
You cannot refinance the purchase price. 

 

🧠 What If You Wait? 

If rates decline meaningfully later this year: 

• More buyers re-enter the market. 

• Competition increases. 

• Inventory tightens. 

• Prices likely rise again — especially in Annapolis and Kent Island. 

The window of negotiation we’re seeing now may narrow quickly. 

 

🏡 Is Now the Right Time to Buy? 

It may be a strong opportunity if: 

✔ You plan to stay at least 3–5 years 
✔ You want negotiating power 
✔ You prefer less competition 
✔ You’re financially stable and payment-ready 

It may not be ideal if: 

✖ You’re stretching your monthly budget 
✖ You plan to sell within 1–2 years 
✖ You’re waiting for a major price correction (which recent 90-day data does not currently indicate) 

 

🔎 Bottom Line for Annapolis & Eastern Shore Buyers 

The last three months of data show: 

• Stable pricing 

• Moderate inventory 

• Negotiation flexibility 

• Consistent buyer demand 

This isn’t a fear-based market. 
It’s a strategy-based market. 

And buyers who move strategically — not emotionally — win. 

 

📞 Considering Buying in Annapolis, Kent Island, Easton, Cambridge, or Chestertown? 

Let’s evaluate: 

• Payment scenarios at current rates 

• Neighborhood-specific trends 

• Negotiation strategy based on DOM 

• Refinance planning options 

The “right time” isn’t about national headlines. 
It’s about your personal strategy and local data. 

Get your free home valuation or see homes before they hit the market by contacting David J. Moore & Associates: 

• Phone: 443-733-6477 

• Website:www.ChesapeakeShoresRealtor.com 

• Email: connect@davidjmoore.net 

Your Home Sold at 100% of Asking Price—Guaranteed, or We'll Pay You the Difference.*