As a home buyer, you want more homes on the market. Not only will it increase the likelihood that you’ll find one that fits your needs and lifestyle, it’ll also help keep prices in check. Simply put, if the inventory of homes for sale is rising where you’re looking to buy, you’re going to have an easier time. The good news, according to new numbers from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, is active inventory is rising. In fact, it was up almost everywhere in April. Active inventory spiked in all four regions of the country compared to year-before levels. The South saw the biggest gains, with inventory up 43 percent year-over-year. Elsewhere, the West experienced a 27.4 percent increase and the Midwest was up 17.6 percent, while the Northeast climbed 4 percent. Rising inventory is a good sign for home buyers and, if the trend continues, will lead to a better balanced – and less volatile – housing market. (source)