After what’s felt like years of limited choices in the housing market, things are finally starting to shift in a positive direction. Across the U.S., the number of homes for sale is on the rise, offering buyers more possibilities than before. But keep in mind—how much inventory has grown depends heavily on your specific location. That’s where a trusted local real estate agent becomes an invaluable guide.
Here’s a snapshot of the current landscape: Housing supply is climbing nationwide. According to Realtor.com, every region of the country is seeing more listings hit the market. Inventory is up at least 19% year-over-year in all four major regions, with the West leading the surge at nearly 41% growth.
There are two key factors behind the recent uptick in housing inventory. First, more homeowners are putting their properties on the market. Many had been holding off, hoping for lower mortgage rates—but some are now moving forward regardless. In fact, May saw more new listings than any May in the last three years.
Second, homes are staying on the market longer, giving listings more time to accumulate. In May, the average home took 51 days to sell, aligning more closely with the market’s historical norms. This added inventory is helping to create a more balanced playing field. After several years of sellers dominating the market, things are finally shifting. While it’s not quite a buyer’s market yet on a national level, conditions are improving—especially for those looking to purchase.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, notes: “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.”
Regional Growth Varies
The timeline for reaching full balance will depend heavily on location. Some regions have seen inventory return to pre-pandemic levels, while others still lag behind. When we compare today’s numbers to data from the last “normal” market years—2017 through 2019—we can see where growth has been strongest.
A visual breakdown helps: green areas represent regions where inventory is back to typical levels, while red indicates places where supply has increased, but remains below historical norms.
What This Means for You The home search just got a whole lot more exciting. Compared to a year ago, you now have far more options—and that puts you in a powerful position. With more homes hitting the market, your chances of finding a space that checks all your boxes are finally within reach.
But here’s the thing: not every market is moving at the same pace. Some areas are seeing big gains in inventory, while others are still catching up. That’s why working with a savvy local agent isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. They’ll give you insight into what’s happening on the ground in your area, help you understand your options, and guide you toward the right choices based on real-time data.
The Bottom Line Inventory is trending in the right direction, but timing and location still play a huge role. Let’s connect and talk about what’s happening in our local market, what opportunities are out there right now, and how to craft a smart game plan for your next move. The market is shifting—are you ready to make the most of it? This uptick could open new doors if you’ve been waiting for the right time to make a move.
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