Redfin: Home Inventory Up For First Time In Almost 3 Years

The number of homes for sale nationwide in June rose 2%, the first annual increase since July 2019, according to a new report from Redfin. 

Supply has built up as the combination of 5.5%-plus mortgage rates, high home prices, and a faltering economy oust more buyers, creating a more balanced market. Home sales fell nearly 16% from a year ago, the largest decline since May 2020.

The supply shift also started affecting sale prices. While prices are still growing by double digits, the 11% year-over-year increase is the smallest in nearly two years.

"The country's economic woes have already cooled the housing market, and they're likely to continue dampening demand," said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather. "The Fed has signaled it may increase interest rates further to combat stubbornly high inflation, which could harm consumer confidence, and lower stock prices mean fewer prospective homebuyers can afford a down payment."

She continued, "I advise sellers to commit: If you decide to sell, do it quickly before demand falls further. And price carefully — this is not the time to test the waters. You’ll do more harm than good if you overprice and have to do a price reduction or take the home off the market."

Buyers are seeing the market continue to seesaw: higher monthly housing payments than earlier this year due to comparatively high mortgage rates, but less competition for homes, which often allows them to make less risky offers that include protections like inspection and appraisal contingencies.