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The number of homes available for sale at a given time, often shown as active listings or "months of supply." Low inventory means few choices and more competition for buyers; rising inventory signals a loosening market.
Why It Matters
Inventory is the clearest gauge of whether the market is "frozen" or thawing. The lock-in effect crushed inventory for years; when it eased in 2026, active listings climbed back toward pre-pandemic levels — a key sign the freeze was lifting, even with affordability still strained.
Key Points
- How many homes are listed for sale (active listings / months of supply).
- Crushed by the lock-in effect; rising inventory signals a thaw.
- Low inventory = fewer choices and more buyer competition.
Related Terms
Common Questions
The number of homes available for sale at a given time, often shown as active listings or "months of supply." Low inventory means few choices and more competition for buyers; rising inventory signals a loosening market. Inventory is the clearest gauge of whether the market is "frozen" or thawing. The lock-in effect crushed inventory for years; when it eased in 2026, active listings climbed back toward pre-pandemic levels — a key sign the freeze was lifting, even with affordability still strained.
Inventory is the clearest gauge of whether the market is "frozen" or thawing. The lock-in effect crushed inventory for years; when it eased in 2026, active listings climbed back toward pre-pandemic levels — a key sign the freeze was lifting, even with affordability still strained.
How many homes are listed for sale (active listings / months of supply).
Crushed by the lock-in effect; rising inventory signals a thaw.
Low inventory = fewer choices and more buyer competition.