This morning, while on my Peloton, I had CNBC streaming in the background. The headline that caught my eye wasn’t about Wall Street or crypto—it was about something closer to home: the inventory of existing homes is up.

For years, we’ve been living in a real estate market where inventory has felt painfully tight. Buyers have been frustrated by bidding wars, and sellers have been asking, “If I sell, where would I even go?” That scarcity has shaped the entire market. But today’s report shows we’re turning a corner.

Why This Matters

For Buyers: More homes on the market means more choice. It means you can walk into a home you love without immediately wondering how many other offers are already lined up. While mortgage rates are still part of the equation, added inventory creates breathing room and more opportunities to negotiate.

For Sellers: Positive inventory growth doesn’t mean doom and gloom for you. In fact, it’s a sign of a healthier, more balanced market. Homes that are priced right and marketed well still move—and in a market like St. Augustine, where demand remains strong, this shift simply means buyers will feel more confident moving forward.

The Local Angle

Here at Endless Summer Realty, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. Listings are staying on the market a little longer, yes—but that’s actually a good thing. It allows for better exposure, thoughtful offers, and more realistic expectations for both sides of the table.

St. Augustine is unique. People aren’t just buying a house here; they’re buying into a lifestyle—the beaches, the history, the community. That kind of demand doesn’t vanish overnight. What we’re experiencing is a shift toward stability, which is good for everyone involved.

My Takeaway

As I was sweating it out on the bike and listening to the news, I felt encouraged. A healthy real estate market isn’t about wild swings—it’s about steady growth, opportunity, and sustainability. That’s exactly where we’re headed.

If you’re wondering what this means for you—whether buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your home’s value—let’s talk. My team and I would love to help you navigate this moment with confidence.

Here’s to positive growth, both on the bike and in the housing market.

—Brad Layland
Owner, Endless Summer Realty