More Homes Are Hitting the Market

After years of feeling like it was nearly impossible to find a home you actually wanted to buy, the tide is finally turning. Across the country, housing inventory is on the rise — and that’s good news if you're thinking about making a move.

But while national trends give us the big picture, real estate is hyperlocal. The way this shift is playing out in your neighborhood could look very different than in other parts of the country. That’s where local expertise really matters.

Let’s break down what’s happening right now — and what it means for you.

Inventory Is Growing Nationwide

For the first time in a long time, buyers are seeing more options on the market. Realtor.com reports that all four major U.S. regions have experienced a surge in inventory, with increases of at least 19% compared to last year. The West is leading the pack with a nearly 41% year-over-year jump.

Two main factors are driving this shift:

1. More Homeowners Are Listing
   Many sellers were waiting for mortgage rates to come down before listing — but some are deciding they can’t wait any longer. In fact, May saw more new listings than any other May in the past three years.

2. Homes Are Taking Longer To Sell
   With buyers being more selective and interest rates still elevated, properties are sitting on the market longer. The typical home took 51 days to sell in May — a sign the market is returning to more balanced conditions.

A Healthier Market for Buyers

For years, the market heavily favored sellers. But now, we’re seeing a shift — slowly but surely — toward a more balanced environment. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it well:

“The number of homes for sale is rising in many markets, giving shoppers more choices than they’ve had in years . . . the market is starting to rebalance.”

Local Inventory Still Varies

While the national numbers are promising, it’s important to remember that not every area is seeing the same level of growth. Some markets are returning to pre-pandemic inventory levels, while others still have a ways to go.

A comparison between current data and the “normal” market years of 2017–2019 shows that some regions (marked in green) are bouncing back to more typical levels. Others (shown in red) are improving — but still far below where they used to be.

What does that mean for you as a buyer?

• You have more options today than you likely did this time last year.

• But depending on where you're looking, inventory might still be tight — which can affect competition, pricing, and how quickly you’ll need to act.

Why a Local Expert Matters

This is exactly where having a trusted local agent makes all the difference. We understand the nuances of inventory growth in specific neighborhoods and price points — and we can help you navigate what’s available right now.

Whether you're casually browsing or ready to make a move, leaning on a local expert means you're making informed decisions based on real-time data and market dynamics.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

Inventory is trending in the right direction, but how fast it reaches “normal” depends on where you're looking. Let’s connect and take a look at what’s happening in our market. I’ll help you understand what your options are — and how to make the most of this shift.

What’s one thing you’ve noticed lately that feels different in the market compared to a year or two ago? Let’s chat.