States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall

As someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through the ups and downs of the Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion markets for over 35 years, I keep a close eye on housing inventory trends—not just locally, but nationwide. Recent numbers show national housing inventory rose 2.1% year-over-year from July 2025 to July 2026, a slower pace compared to the 24.7% jump the prior year. We’re still 9.1% below 2019’s inventory levels, with the Midwest and Northeast continuing to see especially tight conditions. In total, active inventory increased by 23,465 homes. For those navigating their real estate journey in our Michigan communities, understanding where we stand with inventory can make a world of difference in planning your next move. I’m always here to help you stay informed every step of the way.