How Growing Housing Inventory Changes the Selling Strategy
Over the past few years, conditions in the housing market have shifted dramatically. Not long ago, available homes were at record lows, and almost anything listed sold quickly—often with multiple offers. Today, however, buyers have more choices. Housing inventory is up nearly 20% compared to a year ago, and in some areas, the number of homes for sale has returned to what we last saw between 2017 and 2019.
For today’s sellers, this shift means one important thing:
Your home must stand out immediately.
Understanding why inventory has grown helps explain why the right strategy is so essential.
Why Inventory Is Increasing
The total number of homes for sale is made up of two components:
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Active listings: properties that are already on the market but have not yet sold
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New listings: homes that have just been added to the market
Recent data from Realtor.com shows that most of the inventory growth is coming from active listings—homes sitting longer and not selling as quickly. In contrast, the number of new listings has not increased nearly as much.
This imbalance highlights a key reality: many homes are staying on the market because they aren’t meeting buyers’ expectations, not because the number of new sellers has surged.
If you’re preparing to sell, the goal is simple:
You don’t want your home to become one of the listings that lingers.
Why Some Homes Sell Quickly While Others Sit
In a market with more competition, the homes that sell are the ones that are easy for buyers to say yes to right away. That comes down to three main factors:
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Pricing it for today’s market
A price based on outdated conditions—such as what a neighbor got several years ago—can push buyers away immediately. -
Making necessary repairs
Small issues buyers once ignored now become reasons to pass on a home. -
Presenting the home well
Good staging, clear photos, and strong marketing all help a home stand out.
Homes that follow these principles still sell quickly today. What slows a sale is when sellers hold onto expectations from the ultra-competitive market of a few years ago.
Redfin and HousingWire identify several common causes of stalled sales:
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Starting with an unrealistic asking price
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Skipping essential maintenance or repairs
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Poor staging or presentation
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Limited showing availability
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Refusal to negotiate
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Weak or insufficient marketing
A few years ago, many of these issues mattered less. When inventory was extremely low, sellers could overlook repairs, price aggressively, and still receive significant interest. But today’s conditions require a more thoughtful strategy.
Why Your First Few Weeks on the Market Matter Most
In the current market, the launch of your listing is critical. This is when:
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Your home gets the most online views
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Buyers and agents first notice new inventory
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You have the greatest chance of creating urgency
If the price or presentation is off at the beginning, your home can lose momentum quickly. Once a listing becomes “stale,” buyers may assume something is wrong with it—even when nothing is.
On the other hand, a well-priced, well-prepared home can still attract strong interest and sell far faster than many sellers expect.
The Role of a Skilled Real Estate Agent
Selling quickly isn’t luck—it’s strategy. A knowledgeable real estate agent helps position your home so it stands out in a more competitive environment.
A strong agent will:
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Analyze the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood
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Recommend an appropriate price based on current conditions, not past markets
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Advise you on repairs, preparations, or staging
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Create a marketing plan that draws attention immediately
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Manage showings and negotiations effectively
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“Home sellers without an agent are nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer for at least three months; 53% of sellers who used an agent say they accepted an offer within a month of listing their home.”
This reflects the difference that expert guidance can make.
Bottom Line
Although there are more homes on the market today, that doesn’t have to work against you. A well-priced, well-presented, and well-marketed home still sells—and often sells quickly.
If you’re thinking about listing your home, partnering with an experienced local agent can help you take advantage of today’s market and ensure your home makes a strong first impression from day one.
