New Blog PIs Inventory Getting Back to Normal? t

You’ve probably noticed something if you’ve been watching the housing market (or just browsing Zillow late at night like the rest of us): there are more “For Sale” signs popping up than we’ve seen in a while.

After a few wild years of low inventory and frenzied bidding wars, things are finally starting to shift. Slowly, but noticeably.

So, is inventory getting back to normal? Well… kinda. Let’s break it down.

Yes, Inventory Is Growing

Nationally, we’re seeing a solid bump in the number of homes for sale. According to Realtor.com, every region in the U.S. has more listings than this time last year. In fact, the West saw inventory jump by nearly 41% year-over-year. That’s no small thing.

Here’s what’s driving it:

• More homeowners are listing
  Folks who’ve been sitting tight—waiting for rates to dip—are finally saying, “Okay, let’s just do this.” May had more new listings than any May in the last three years.

• Homes are taking a bit longer to sell
  Which means they’re staying on the market longer, and that adds to total inventory. In May, the average home took about 51 days to sell. That’s way more balanced than what we’ve seen lately.

All this gives buyers a little breathing room. We’re not quite in “buyer’s market” territory yet, but we’re inching closer to a more level playing field.

“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.”
— Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com

But the Picture Isn’t the Same Everywhere

Here’s the deal — while the overall trend is positive, the local story varies. A lot.

Some areas are bouncing back quicker than others. In fact, when we compare current inventory to what we’d consider “normal” (think 2017–2019 levels), some regions are basically there. Others? Still playing catch-up.

So depending on where you’re looking — maybe it’s a bustling suburb outside of Austin, or a quiet beach town in the Carolinas — the selection of homes might feel totally different.

This is where having a local expert really matters. A good agent (hi, that's me!) can help you understand:

• How inventory’s changed in your specific market

• What’s actually available in your price range

• And how long you can expect it to take to find the one

What This Means for You

• Buyers: You’ve got more options now, which makes this a smart time to get serious about your search — especially before more competition heats up.

• Sellers: Yes, there’s more inventory, but well-priced homes in great condition are still moving. The key is standing out. We can talk strategy when you’re ready.

Bottom Line

Inventory is on the rise, and that’s good news — especially after the tight squeeze of the past few years. But “normal” looks a little different depending on where you are.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s talk about what’s happening right here in our local market. That way, you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

Because whether the market’s hot or not… your next move should feel right.