Based on the data shared at the most recent I-81 Real Estate Investor Meetup, the January 2026 stats for the corridor reveal a market in transition. In Berkeley County, WV, the most striking takeaway is the significant cooldown in velocity; Average Days on Market jumped by 40%, climbing from 30 days last year to 42 days this January. This slower pace is mirrored by a decline in Sold Dollar Volume, which dropped 11.47% to roughly $44.9M. Furthermore, the “feeding frenzy” has subsided, with only 23% of homes going under contract within 10 days compared to 36% in 2025. For Berkeley County, the market is heading toward a much-needed normalization where patience and precise property selection are becoming the primary drivers of success.
Just across the line in Washington County, MD, the narrative is defined by a notable surge in supply. Active Listings have increased by 19.57% year-over-year, providing buyers with 330 available properties compared to 276 last January. This increase in inventory has likely contributed to a softening in prices, as the Median Sold Price dipped 4.03% to $307,000. Additionally, the county saw an 8.91% decrease in the number of Units Sold. The direction in Washington County is clear: as inventory climbs and prices slightly correct, the market is shifting more leverage into the hands of investors who are prepared to capitalize on a growing pool of opportunities.
| When looking at the I-81 corridor as a whole, the data suggests a broader stabilization after years of record-breaking speed. Both counties are seeing a decrease in total sold volume and a marked slowdown in how quickly homes are snatched up—Washington County reported only 14% of listings under contract within 10 days. While the “easy” gains of a low-inventory environment may be fading, they are being replaced by a market that rewards strategic value-add investors. With more time to negotiate in Berkeley and more inventory to choose from in Washington, the current direction favors those who can identify high-margin deals that others might miss during this period of adjustment. |
| This shift in market dynamics is exactly why now is the time to partner with Jump Capital on your next investment. As days on market increase and inventory grows, the ability to act with the speed and certainty of a cash buyer is your greatest competitive advantage. We understand the nuances of the Berkeley and Washington County markets, and our hard money lending solutions are designed to help you seize these new opportunities—whether you’re picking up a stale listing in WV or navigating the increased inventory in MD. While the market takes a breath, Jump Capital provides the leverage you need to stay ahead of the curve and turn these shifting stats into your next profitable exit. |