So, you’ve finally decided it might be time to sell your house.
You’ve repainted, staged the living room, maybe even upgraded that outdated kitchen faucet. You’re ready to list.
But suddenly… nothing happens.
No bidding war. No urgent calls from your agent. Just silence.
Before you start blaming your price or your curb appeal, here’s what’s really going on:
Housing inventory is rising—and it’s making selling harder than it’s been in years.
🏘️ What Does “Rising Inventory” Mean?
When we say inventory is up, we mean more homes are hitting the market. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, active listings reached 959,251 in April 2025, marking a significant increase from previous months. (FRED)
😬 Why More Inventory = More Headaches for Sellers
When inventory goes up, your listing has more competition. Buyers are no longer feeling the pressure to act fast because everyday a new property appears on the market at a lower price.
They’re browsing. They’re comparing. They’re negotiating harder. And some? They’re just waiting to see if prices drop.
If your home isn’t priced right—or doesn’t stand out—it can get lost in the shuffle.
⏳ Homes Are Sitting Longer
With more inventory comes more Days on Market (DOM). That means homes are taking longer to sell. In March 2025, homes sold in an average of 36 days, but increasing inventory and economic uncertainty are dampening buyer interest. (market watch)
📉 Pricing Power Is Slipping
In a tight market, sellers set the terms.
Today? Buyers are regaining leverage. They’re asking for closing credits, price reductions and some even ask for repairs before they make an offer. And with more listings available, they can afford to walk away.
🔧 What Can Sellers Do About It?
✅ Be realistic with pricing:
Overpricing is the kiss of death in a market with rising supply. Trying to get greedy with pricing might result in losses rather than winnings
✅ Make your listing shine:
Professional photos, smart staging, and well-written listing descriptions are more important than ever.
✅ Offer flexibility:
Consider offering closing cost assistance, quick move-in dates, or other perks that make your property more attractive.
✅ Think outside the box:
If selling the traditional way feels like a grind, there are alternatives. One option? A sale-leaseback—where you sell your home to an investor, cash out your equity, and stay as a renter. You skip the showings and uncertainty while getting the fund you need fast.
Learn more:
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