Active listings in the U.S. saw a 5.6% rise by late Q3 2026, marking the third consecutive month of quicker annual growth—an encouraging shift for buyers looking for a bit more room to negotiate. This uptick comes after a quieter period, when yearly gains slowed to around 2% in late Q2, a stark contrast to the roughly 17% surge seen just a year before. Even so, national inventory is still running just below pre-pandemic levels: late Q3 counted 1.16 million active listings, about 5% shy of the 2019 benchmark. With mortgage rates and long-term yields sitting at two-year highs, buyer demand has cooled, giving those in the market a touch more leverage as the slower season unfolds. For a truly sharp read on your local market, I always recommend comparing today’s active listings per 1,000 households against the 2018–2019 average—it’s one of the most effective ways to spot whether supply has actually surpassed pre-pandemic norms. My approach is about combining broader market insights with innovative strategies tailored to every property and client, ensuring you’re always a step ahead.
Leave a Reply