If you’ve been house hunting over the past couple of years, you probably felt like finding the right home was nearly impossible. Inventory was low, competition was high, and the whole process could be exhausting. But now, we’re finally starting to see a shift.
Across the country, and here in Massachusetts, more homes are coming on the market. And that’s giving buyers more breathing room and sellers more confidence. Still, inventory levels aren’t bouncing back evenly everywhere, which makes understanding the local picture more important than ever.
Inventory Is Growing Nationally (Finally)
According to data from Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale is up in every part of the country compared to this time last year. In the Western U.S., it’s up by a whopping 41%, and even in slower-moving regions, we’re seeing at least a 19% jump.
A couple of things are driving this trend:
- More sellers are ready to make a move. Many homeowners had been waiting on lower mortgage rates, but some are deciding they’ve waited long enough.
- Homes are sitting on the market a little longer. That’s not a bad thing, it just means buyers aren’t rushing quite as fast, and listings are sticking around longer, which increases the overall number of available homes.
This shift is bringing a bit more balance to the market. It’s not fully a buyer’s market yet, but things are definitely moving in that direction.
But Massachusetts Tells Its Own Story
Of course, national stats only tell part of the story. What’s happening in Worcester County or Middlesex County isn’t necessarily what’s happening in places like California or Texas.
Here in Massachusetts, we’re seeing inventory improve, but some areas are bouncing back faster than others. In some towns, we’re getting closer to pre-2020 levels of available homes. In others, the market is still tight, but better than it was a year ago.
That’s why having a local agent on your side really matters. We can help you understand what’s happening in your specific town or neighborhood, not just what the national headlines say.
What This Means If You’re Buying or Selling
If you’re thinking of buying, the good news is you probably have more options than you did even just six months ago. It’s a much less frantic experience than it was during the peak of the inventory crunch.
If you’re selling, this doesn’t mean your home won’t sell, far from it. It just means pricing and preparation matter more than ever. With more competition on the market, buyers are taking a closer look at value.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market for now, it’s a great time to check in and see how things are looking in your area. We’d be happy to share what we’re seeing locally and help you plan your next steps.
Question for you: What’s one thing you’ve noticed about the market that feels different from a year or two ago?
