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

As we move toward fall, I’m keeping a close eye on housing inventory trends that shape our local and national markets. National housing inventory ticked up just 2.1% from July 2025 to July 2026—a big slowdown from the 24.7% jump we saw the year before. Even with this increase, inventory is still 9.1% below where it was in 2019. The Midwest and Northeast, in particular, remain especially tight on available homes, with active inventory up by 23,465 properties. For those considering a move—especially around our beautiful lakes—understanding these shifts helps set realistic expectations. As someone who lives and works in this community, I know how important it is to have clear, honest guidance when navigating such a competitive market.