There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up as the number of homes for sale is increasing.

This is good news for homebuyers as there are more homes up for grabs this year. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show in April 2024 there were more homes for sale than there were over the last few years (2021-2023):

 

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As Realtor.com explains:

There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.”

But does this growing inventory make house hunting easier? Yes and no.

Using the latest weekly data from Calculated Risk, the graph below shows, that even with the growth lately, there are still way fewer homes for sale than there were in the last normal year in the housing market:

 

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What Does This Mean for You?

If you’ve been looking to buy but put your plans on hold because you weren’t able to find what you were searching for, you might see more options now than you did over the past few years – but don’t expect a huge selection.

To check out your growing options, it’s a good idea to work with a local real estate agent with a reputation you can trust. Since real estate is all about location, a real estate agent can help you get the scoop on the homes available in the area you’re interested in. Bankrate explains:

“In today’s homebuying market, it’s more important than ever to find a real estate agent who really knows your local area — down to your specific neighborhood — and can help you successfully navigate its unique quirks.”

Deciding whether to buy a house now or wait depends a lot on where you want to call home. Regardless of national headlines, real estate is a local game and can vary greatly from one market to another, even within the same state.

Bottom Line

Trying to buy a house right now might feel overwhelming, but waiting too long can present challenges as well. Meanwhile, on a positive note The number of homes for sale is increasing At Bay Shores Real Estate, we are a partnership of professionals, with over 18 years of experience in the local market, each dedicated to helping people find the life they love. We bring all of the key real estate-related services discerning clients need, together under one roof.

Let’s team up so you have someone who can keep you in the loop on everything that might impact your move, like how many homes are available for sale right now in our area.