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Housing Inventory: What Buyers & Sellers Should Know

Housing Inventory: What Buyers & Sellers Should Know

As of April 2025, the U.S. housing market is beginning to shift, with more homes coming on the market and conditions evolving from region to region. Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, understanding these trends can help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

Inventory Is On the Rise

In January 2025, housing inventory jumped 30.9% compared to last year, with new listings up by 53.7% from December 2024 to January. Experts expect this growth to continue throughout the year, with a projected 15–17% increase in homes for sale by year-end.

While inventory still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic levels, the gap is closing. More homes on the market mean more choices for buyers and less pressure to rush decisions. For sellers, it means adjusting strategies to stay competitive in a shifting market.

Regional Highlights

The increase in housing supply isn’t happening equally across the country. Markets in the Sun Belt—including Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, and Memphis—have seen a flood of new listings, which is translating to longer time on market and more price reductions. In Miami, for instance, homes are now on the market for a median of 60 days, and about 1 in 4 homes have reduced their asking price.

Meanwhile, markets in the Northeast and Midwest remain tighter, though some areas are beginning to open up slightly.

What’s Shaping the Market?

  • Mortgage Rates: Rates remain elevated at around 6.62%, which has cooled buyer enthusiasm and slowed down overall activity.

  • Economic Conditions: Ongoing uncertainty and tariff changes have made both buyers and sellers more cautious.

  • Listing Practices: New regulations are shifting how some homes are listed, with a growing number featured only on exclusive brokerage platforms, potentially limiting visibility for certain listings.

What This Means for You

If you're buying, you’ll find more options, less competition, and the possibility to negotiate more favorable terms. If you're selling, you’ll want a smart pricing strategy and the right marketing plan to stand out in a growing inventory pool.

This current market provides a window of opportunity but timing and expert guidance are key.

Let’s Navigate This Market Together

At Scout Realty, we’re more than agents, we’re your advocates. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current one, we’re here to guide you through every step, with personalized support and a deep understanding of today’s housing landscape.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s talk about your goals and how we can help you move forward with confidence in any market. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!