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Is Housing Inventory Finally Getting Back to Normal?

After years of low inventory and fierce competition, the market is shifting. For homebuyers, that’s good news.

Across the country, more homes are hitting the market, giving buyers something they haven’t had in a while: options. But keep this in mind. The amount of inventory growth varies by region. So while the national headlines might sound promising, what’s happening in your local market is what matters most.

Let’s break it down.

National Inventory Is on the Rise

According to data from Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale is up nationwide, and that trend holds across all major regions. In fact, inventory in the Western U.S. jumped nearly 41% compared to the same time last year.

So what’s behind this surge in listings?

  • More Sellers Are Listing
    Many homeowners had been holding off, waiting for lower rates. But now, some are realizing they can’t wait forever and they’re finally making their move. This past May had more new listings than any May in the last three years.

  • Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell
    With mortgage rates still elevated, homes aren’t flying off the market like they did in 2021. In May, the average home took 51 days to sell, a pace that’s much closer to pre-pandemic norms.

These two factors combined are giving buyers a clearer path forward.

a graph with blue squares

Is It a Buyer’s Market Yet?

Not quite. But we’re getting closer to balance.

For the past few years, sellers had the upper hand. Now, as listings increase and days on market stretch, buyers are gaining ground.

As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it:

“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.”

More listings mean less pressure. More room to negotiate. More time to decide.

Local Inventory Levels Still Vary, A Lot

Here’s where it gets nuanced. While some areas are bouncing back to normal inventory levels (similar to 2017–2019), others are still running below average.

That’s why local expertise matters. A trusted mortgage advisor or real estate agent can help you understand:

  • Whether inventory is rising in your specific area

  • Which neighborhoods are heating up or cooling off

  • What your timeline and buying power look like based on current conditions

a graph of a graph with blue and orange squares

Local Insight: What’s Happening in Southern California?

In markets like Orange County and Los Angeles, we’re seeing more listings come online. But we’re still below pre-pandemic norms. Inventory is improving, though homes in popular neighborhoods or school districts remain competitive.

If you’re a buyer in SoCal, this shift creates new opportunities, especially if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines. More choices mean you can afford to be a bit more selective and even negotiate better terms.

Bottom Line

Inventory is improving, and that’s good news for buyers. But whether things are truly “back to normal” depends on where you’re buying.

📲 If you’re thinking about making a move, let’s talk about what’s happening in your area and how to position yourself for success in this changing market. Schedule a FREE strategy call.

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