With over 35 years as a full-time real estate broker, I’ve seen how market shifts play out over time, and today’s rebalancing phase is a classic example. Nationwide, active inventory is up about 4% from last year. While that growth is moderating for the first time in five weeks, it’s a sign that conditions are gradually becoming more favorable for buyers—without a sudden surge in available homes. The typical home is spending 61 days on the market, which is right in line with last year and reflects the usual late third-quarter slowdown after a busy start to 2026. New listings have dipped by about 1% year-over-year, returning to levels we last saw in 2025. This is likely due to ongoing affordability concerns, which are making some buyers pause and some sellers think twice about listing. The median asking price sits at $419,000, down about 1% annually, and the price per square foot has slipped to $222—the lowest we’ve seen since early 2026. As inventory grows and mortgage rates remain elevated, the balance between buyers and sellers continues to shift, but the overall pace of the market is steady rather than dramatic. Navigating these subtle changes requires an experienced perspective, and I’m always watching the details that matter.