Tracking inventory is a cornerstone of my approach to real estate, and the latest numbers tell a nuanced story. Nationally, active listings reached 1.14 million by mid-Q3 2026—a modest 4% increase year-over-year from 1.1 million. While that’s technically an uptick, it’s a far cry from the robust 21% growth we saw the year before. In fact, after dipping as low as 2% growth in late Q2, the recovery in supply has been slow and steady rather than explosive. By the close of mid-Q3 2026, 18 states and DC had finally surpassed their pre-pandemic 2019 inventory levels, even though the overall national supply still lags behind—down about 8% compared to mid-Q3 2019, with 1.14 million listings versus 1.24 million. These numbers highlight that, nationally, we haven’t fully rebuilt what was lost. The market’s dramatic post-boom correction has softened, leaving us in a period of gentle supply growth and flat pricing. As higher yields and mortgage rates continue to shape the market, it’s more important than ever to interpret these trends with the benefit of deep experience. Understanding these shifts is how I help clients make informed, confident decisions in any market landscape.
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