More Homes Are Finally Hitting the Market

If you've been thinking about buying a home but have felt frustrated by limited choices, there's a bright spot worth celebrating—housing inventory is on the rise.  According to the latest data from Realtor.com, the number of homes actively for sale across the country has increased by an impressive 36.6% compared to this time last year. That kind of growth means more options, more opportunities, and a little more room to negotiate—something buyers have not had in quite some time.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors, put it clearly: "Increased housing supply spells good news for consumers who want to see more properties before making purchasing decisions." And he's right. After years of low inventory and fierce competition, buyers can finally breathe a bit easier. While this doesn't mean homes are sitting on the market indefinitely or that prices are falling dramatically, it does signal a meaningful shift toward a more balanced market.

When inventory is low, buyers often feel pressured to make fast decisions, waive contingencies, or bid far over asking price just to compete. With more homes available, that dynamic starts to change. You get time to compare properties, think carefully, and even negotiate on things like closing costs or inspection repairs—advantages that were rare just a year or two ago. But let's keep things in perspective.

While the year-over-year increase is encouraging, we're still playing catch-up. Compared to pre-pandemic years (2017 to 2019), there are about 29% fewer homes for sale nationwide. That means we're not yet at what many would consider "normal" market conditions, and it helps explain why home prices are holding steady rather than falling. As Bill McBride, a respected housing analyst from Calculated Risk, explains: "Currently inventory is increasing year-over-year but is still well below pre-pandemic levels."

This is expected. After years of underbuilding, supply chain issues, and skyrocketing demand, returning to a typical housing inventory will take time. Still, the upward trend is a win for today's buyers—and in some cities and regions, that rebound is happening faster. Real estate is always local. What's happening in Phoenix may look very different than what's happening in Pittsburgh or Atlanta. Some markets are seeing faster inventory rebounds than others, which means buyers in certain areas might already be experiencing more favorable conditions.

If you want to know what things look like where you live, the best move is to connect with a local real estate agent. They'll know how your area compares to national trends and whether now is a smart time to make your move. Housing supply is growing. That means more homes to choose from, a little less stress, and a better shot at finding a place that checks all your boxes. It's not a buyer's market yet, but it's a much friendlier one than we've seen in years.

If you've been waiting for a sign to jump back into the home search, this might be it. So ask yourself—what kind of home are you looking for? What's your budget? What neighborhoods feel like home?

A local agent can help you answer those questions, guide you through your options, and get you one step closer to the front door of your next place.

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