Seller's Delight: The Current State of Housing Inventory

Lisa Mailhot  |  July 6, 2023

Buyers

Seller's Delight: The Current State of Housing Inventory

 

The current housing market poses a significant challenge due to the limited availability of homes for sale in comparison to the high demand from prospective buyers. To underscore the scarcity of housing inventory, let's examine the latest data on active listings, which represent homes available for sale during a specific month, and compare it to levels considered more typical.

Based on a recent report by Realtor.com,

“On average, active inventory in June was 50.6% below pre-pandemic 2017–2019 levels.

This disparity can be better visualized in the graph below, which employs historical data to demonstrate the considerable lag in inventory compared to a more customary market:

Please note that the graph excludes the years 2020-2022 as they were extraordinary for the housing market. Their omission ensures a fair comparison that avoids distorting the data.

By comparing the orange bars representing 2023 with the housing market's last normal years (2017-2019), it becomes evident that the number of active listings remains significantly below the average.

What Does This Mean for You? 

If you're contemplating selling your house, the scarcity of inventory presents a favorable opportunity. With fewer options available to buyers now compared to more typical years, this scarcity continues to impact key indicators in the housing market. For instance, the latest Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals some positive statistics that sellers will appreciate:

  • The percentage of homes sold in less than a month slightly increased to 74%.
  • The median days on the market decreased to 18 days, indicating that appropriately priced homes are still selling quickly.
  • The average number of offers on recently sold homes rose to 3.3 offers.

Bottom Line

When supply is limited, your house gains greater visibility. Consequently, sellers are experiencing faster sales and an increase in offers. If you have considered selling, now is an opportune time to take action. Let's connect and initiate the process.

 

RECENT BLOG POSTS

US Median Home Prices Hit Record High

The median sales price of a U.S. home has surged to a record high of $396,500, but with more homes on the market, buyers are in a stronger position to negotiate. Learn… Read more

Mortgage Applications Rise Slightly After Recent Decline

Mortgage applications have increased by 1.1% following a decline the previous week, signaling some shifts in the housing market. In this blog, we explore the latest mo… Read more

Longtime Homeowner? This Hidden Tax Could Cost You Thousands

Many longtime homeowners in Orange County are sitting on a hidden tax burden due to outdated capital gains rules that haven’t changed since 1997. Learn how this overlo… Read more

Home Prices Slow as Buyers Gain Power

May 2025 saw home prices at seasonal highs, but growth has nearly stalled as market dynamics shift. With more listings than buyers, slower sales, and increased negotia… Read more

What Home Sellers Must Know About Capital Gains Tax

Selling your home may come with a tax obligation if you earn a profit. Learn how capital gains taxes work, what exemptions may apply, and how to plan strategically to … Read more

Builders Struggling with Rates and Tariffs in May

The construction of single-family homes remained slow in May as builders face the dual challenges of high interest rates and tariff-related cost increases. Learn how t… Read more

Boost Your Home’s Value with These Paint Colors

Discover how strategic paint choices can increase the value of your property listings. A new Zillow study reveals the best colors to use for boosting home value. Find … Read more

Shrinking Down Payments Signal a Cooling Housing Market

Homebuyer down payments are shrinking for the first time in nearly two years, revealing key shifts in the U.S. housing market. FHA and VA loans are gaining popularity,… Read more

A Golden Break: States Offering Property Tax Relief for Seniors

With property taxes on the rise, senior homeowners are feeling the pinch—especially in high-value areas like Orange County. This blog explores how 16 states (plus D.C.… Read more

We are excited to assist you in finding your perfect home

Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most