Is Real Estate Inventory Finally Balancing Out? Here's What That Means for Buyers and Investors
If you've been eyeing the market recently—whether you're looking for a luxury home, a strong investment property, or a lot with development potential—you've probably noticed a shift. After years of painfully low housing supply, inventory is finally starting to improve. And that’s a game-changer for both buyers and investors.
But before you assume it’s smooth sailing, let’s break down what’s really happening—especially here in our local market.
Inventory Is Up, But the Story Is Local
Nationwide, housing inventory is increasing. According to recent Realtor.com data, listings are up at least 19% year-over-year across every U.S. region. In the West, that jump is nearly 41%. We’re seeing a similar trend locally—particularly in neighborhoods just outside city centers and in growing suburban pockets, where new construction is catching up to demand.
This rise in inventory is happening for two key reasons:
More homeowners are listing. Many sellers who were holding out for lower mortgage rates are realizing it’s time to make a move.
Homes are taking a bit longer to sell. That means listings are sticking around longer, boosting available options for buyers.
What This Means for You as a Buyer or Investor
More inventory translates to more leverage and more choice. While we’re not in a full-blown buyer’s market yet, the balance is shifting—and savvy investors and buyers should take note.
If you're an investor, this is a good moment to explore deals that weren’t available last year. Whether it’s a high-end flip, a rental property in an up-and-coming neighborhood, or a development project, more inventory often opens the door to better negotiations.
If you're buying a luxury home to live in, this is one of the first times in a while where you're not being forced to compromise or compete aggressively with multiple buyers.
Not All Areas Are Seeing the Same Growth
While some parts of the country (and even our region) are returning to pre-pandemic inventory levels, others are lagging behind. Urban cores are still tight, but are seeing noticeable increases in available properties, especially in the $800K+ price range.
This is why local expertise matters. I keep a close eye on neighborhood-level trends so you can understand what’s happening—not just nationally, but right where you’re looking to buy or invest.
The Bottom Line
Inventory is improving, and that opens the door to new opportunities—whether you're building long-term wealth through rental properties or finding the right high-end home. But market shifts aren’t uniform. Some areas are bouncing back quickly, while others still face supply constraints.
If you’re wondering how these trends apply to your goals, let’s connect. I’ll help you understand the current landscape, identify the best opportunities, and position you for smart, strategic moves in today’s evolving market.
Let’s talk about your next investment or dream property. What’s something you’ve noticed lately about the market that feels different than a year ago?
