We’re seeing a notable shift in the market: by late Q3 2026, U.S. active listings climbed by about 6% year-over-year—marking the third consecutive month of accelerating inventory growth. For buyers, this uptick means a bit more leverage at the negotiating table than we’ve seen in recent years. It’s a change from the slower pace we experienced in late Q2, when annual growth in listings was closer to 2%, and certainly a far cry from last year’s rapid 17% increase. Nationally, inventory remains just under pre-pandemic levels, with 1.16 million active listings—about 5% below the 2019 mark. Higher mortgage rates and yields, now at two-year highs, have cooled demand, allowing those in the market a bit more flexibility as the slower season sets in. For those curious how this plays out at the local level, consider comparing current active listings per 1,000 households against the 2018–2019 average to see whether your area’s supply has rebounded. My deep experience in the Baltimore, Baltimore County, Harford County, Anne Arundel, and Howard real estate markets means I keep a close eye on these trends to help clients navigate their options with confidence.
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