The number of homes for sale is beginning to show signs of improvement – even as we approach the time of year when things begin to slow down. That’s good news for buyers who have been faced with a lower-than-normal number of listings over the past few years. Put simply, as the number of available homes rebounds, home buyers will see less competition, fewer bidding wars, and slower price growth. So what do the numbers look like? Well, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, active listings have been rising for five-straight weeks, including a 4 percent year-over-year improvement in the most recent data. Similarly, new listings have also been growing. The number of sellers putting their homes up for sale was up nearly 7 percent and has been above year-before levels now for seven straight weeks. Still, though inventory has been showing signs of life, it remains lower than normal. It also is expected to slow down as winter takes hold. But the gains are an encouraging sign and could be an indication that further improvement can be expected as spring approaches. (source)
