Fewer home owners are listing their homes for sale as compared to a year ago, according to new statistical information provided by the Multi-Regional Information System, whcich shows declines in all three Southern Maryland Counties.

Charles County's inventory fell the most with nearly 27% fewer homes for sale last month than the same time last year, followed by Calvert County with more than 20% fewer home and St Mary's with 12.5% few homes. The number of units actually sold during September was down slightly in all three counties from the year before.

More alarmingly, the number of new contracts is down significantly from last year.  St Mary's was hardest hit with 33% fewer contracts, Calvert with 29% fewer contracts, and Charles County at 16% fewer contracts.  The average sold price also continues to fall with Charles County's average down by 9.25%.

Speculation is that the inventory is off due to some of the extreme weather we have experienced lately, however, the data provided by MRIS suggests the inventory slide began in late 2010 with only a modest increase during the second quarter of 2011.