A Friendly, Insightful Look at What Local Homeowners Need to Know Now
Selling in the Kentlands or Lakelands isn’t like selling anywhere else in Montgomery County. Our neighborhoods move on their own rhythm, shaped by tight inventory, incredibly high demand for walkable communities, and the unique lifestyle buyers are actively seeking right now. At this time of the year, many homeowners start wondering: Is now a good time to sell? Should I wait? Are prices still rising?
Here’s a warm, data-driven breakdown of what mid-year trends reveal — and what they mean for you as a seller.
1. Inventory Remains Tight — and That Keeps Prices Strong
Kentlands/Lakelands has never been a high-inventory market, and this year’s numbers show this trend continuing. Though the market has shifted slightly, homes that are updated, priced well, have attributes like larger yards or carriage houses. and are in sought-after locations within the neighborhood, are selling quickly, and many never even hit public market channels before receiving strong private offers.
What this means for you:
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that check the right boxes like updated kitchens, outdoor spaces, proximity to Main Street, and good parking situations.
Expert Insight:
“We continue to see incredibly strong buyer demand in the Kentlands and Lakelands,” says Meredith Fogle of The List Realty. “Even with higher interest rates, well-prepared homes attract immediate attention, often from multiple buyers.”
2. Prices Are Holding — Especially for Move-In-Ready Homes
Even as some national markets see small price dips, Kentlands/Lakelands homes are proving remarkably resilient. Buyers want walkable, established neighborhoods with charm and community amenities, which is exactly what our neighborhood offers.
What this means for you:
If your home is updated, shows cleanly, and is priced well, the data suggests you can expect a quick sale, not a slowdown.
3. Days on Market Are Down for Homes With Smart Preparation
The trend is clear: the homes that sell the fastest are the ones that hit the market with professional preparation and strategic pricing.
That means:
- Pre-market touch-ups
- Smart staging
- High-quality photography
- Listing timing that aligns with buyer activity patterns
- Pricing based on hyper-local comps, not national headlines
Why it matters:
Homes coming to market “show-ready” often sell in days, not weeks — and usually with better terms.
4. Buyers Are Prioritizing Lifestyle — Not Just Square Footage
Current showing feedback reveals a strong shift: buyers care deeply about how they’ll live in the home and community.
Popular buyer priorities include:
- Walkable access to Main Street and the lakes
- Guest parking
- Flexible work-from-home spaces
- Outdoor living (patios, decks, and porches)
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms
- Proximity to pools, shops, and community paths
What this means for you:
Features that enhance everyday lifestyle can significantly boost perceived value. Even modest updates in these areas can create outsized returns.
5. The Spring Market Is Already Heating Up
Historically, the Kentlands/Lakelands spring market is one of the strongest of the year — and data suggests that trend will continue. Many buyers who paused earlier in the year plan to re-enter after the holiday season - and we are seeing a healthy uptick in activity even as we approach the end of the year.
If you're considering selling in the next 1–4 months, this is the perfect time to prepare.
Meredith highlights the timing advantage:
“Sellers who start preparing now are the ones who achieve the best results in the spring market,” says Meredith Fogle. “A few weeks of preparation can translate to tens of thousands more in proceeds.”
What Sellers Should Do NextIf you’re thinking about selling within the coming here, here’s the smartest mid-year checklist:
Get a hyper-local pricing and market updateNeighborhood-specific comps matter far more than county-level or national trends.
Plan any pre-market updates nowSmall improvements like paint, landscaping, lighting, and decluttering have major ROI in our market.
Schedule professional prep earlyPhotographers, stagers, painters, and contractors book quickly in spring-prep season.
Leverage strategic marketingHomes in Kentlands/Lakelands shine brightest when marketed with storytelling, lifestyle-focused visuals, and neighborhood-specific expertise.
