Homebuyers Find Advantage in These 3 Metros Amid Slowing Housing Market

Three of the nation’s largest housing markets are experiencing a notable increase in the number of homes available for sale. This trend is providing buyers with more options, even as the overall U.S. housing market shows signs of cooling.

In January, 46 of the country’s largest metro areas reported more homes on the market compared to the previous year. Seattle led the way with an impressive inventory increase of 32.4%.

Following Seattle, Charlotte, North Carolina, saw a rise of 28.6%, while Washington, D.C., ranked third with a 26.8% increase, according to Realtor.com’s January 2026 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report.

In both Seattle and Charlotte, the growth in inventory is largely attributed to homes remaining on the market for longer periods rather than a surge of new listings. Realtor.com senior economist Jake Krimmel shared insights with FOX Business, noting this trend.

HOMEBUILDERS REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING “TRUMP HOMES” PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY

People gather at Kerry Park to see the Space Needle at dusk in Seattle, Washington on June 21, 2025. (Juan Mabromata/AFP via Getty Images)

Homes in Seattle are taking approximately 15 days longer to sell compared to last year, while homes in Charlotte are remaining on the market for about 12 days longer. Krimmel noted that Washington, D.C., presents a different scenario, where stronger new listing growth appears to be linked to uncertainties regarding the local job market.

In Seattle, the increasing supply is also influenced by layoffs in the tech sector. Michael Orbino, a managing broker at Compass, explained that several companies, including T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Amazon, are adjusting their workforces. “This is not a large part of the inventory but often puts buyers in pause mode, which has the effect of slowing down absorption, increasing inventory,” he stated.

JUST 17% OF VOTERS THINK NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME AS AFFORDABILITY CONCERNS WEIGH: POLL

An aerial view of Charlotte, North Carolina. (iStock)

Other metro areas also experienced significant increases in homes for sale. Louisville, Kentucky, saw a rise of 25.6%, while Las Vegas and Indianapolis each reported a 25.4% increase. Baltimore’s inventory climbed by 24.1%, San Jose increased by 23.3%, and Cincinnati rose by 21%, according to Realtor.com.

Regionally, the West experienced the largest year-over-year inventory gain in January, up 12.2%. The Midwest followed closely at 10.3%, with the South at 10.1%. The Northeast lagged behind, with only a 6.6% increase in inventory, as reported.

COALITION WARNS TRUMP MORTGAGE CREDIT SHIFTS COULD SPARK ANOTHER 2008-STYLE CRASH

The U.S. Capitol is seen after a winter storm swept through the region in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 26, 2026. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Nationally, housing inventory has risen by 10% compared to last year, but the pace of recovery is slowing. Year-over-year inventory growth has decreased for nine consecutive months, with new listings increasing by just 0.7% compared to last year, according to Krimmel.

As of January, inventory levels remain over 17% below those recorded between 2017 and 2019, as reported by Realtor.com.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

“Even though January is typically a slow season for housing, it’s crucial to assess the current state of the market,” Krimmel emphasized. “The data and trends we observe now will significantly influence how the market behaves as we approach the spring season.”

Three of the nation’s largest housing markets are experiencing a notable increase in the number of homes available for sale. This trend is providing buyers with more options, even as the overall U.S. housing market shows signs of cooling.

In January, 46 of the country’s largest metro areas reported more homes on the market compared to the previous year. Seattle led the way with an impressive inventory increase of 32.4%.

Following Seattle, Charlotte, North Carolina, saw a rise of 28.6%, while Washington, D.C., ranked third with a 26.8% increase, according to Realtor.com’s January 2026 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report.

In both Seattle and Charlotte, the growth in inventory is largely attributed to homes remaining on the market for longer periods rather than a surge of new listings. Realtor.com senior economist Jake Krimmel shared insights with FOX Business, noting this trend.

HOMEBUILDERS REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING “TRUMP HOMES” PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY

People gather at Kerry Park to see the Space Needle at dusk in Seattle, Washington on June 21, 2025. (Juan Mabromata/AFP via Getty Images)

Homes in Seattle are taking approximately 15 days longer to sell compared to last year, while homes in Charlotte are remaining on the market for about 12 days longer. Krimmel noted that Washington, D.C., presents a different scenario, where stronger new listing growth appears to be linked to uncertainties regarding the local job market.

In Seattle, the increasing supply is also influenced by layoffs in the tech sector. Michael Orbino, a managing broker at Compass, explained that several companies, including T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Amazon, are adjusting their workforces. “This is not a large part of the inventory but often puts buyers in pause mode, which has the effect of slowing down absorption, increasing inventory,” he stated.

JUST 17% OF VOTERS THINK NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME AS AFFORDABILITY CONCERNS WEIGH: POLL

An aerial view of Charlotte, North Carolina. (iStock)

Other metro areas also experienced significant increases in homes for sale. Louisville, Kentucky, saw a rise of 25.6%, while Las Vegas and Indianapolis each reported a 25.4% increase. Baltimore’s inventory climbed by 24.1%, San Jose increased by 23.3%, and Cincinnati rose by 21%, according to Realtor.com.

Regionally, the West experienced the largest year-over-year inventory gain in January, up 12.2%. The Midwest followed closely at 10.3%, with the South at 10.1%. The Northeast lagged behind, with only a 6.6% increase in inventory, as reported.

COALITION WARNS TRUMP MORTGAGE CREDIT SHIFTS COULD SPARK ANOTHER 2008-STYLE CRASH

The U.S. Capitol is seen after a winter storm swept through the region in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 26, 2026. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Nationally, housing inventory has risen by 10% compared to last year, but the pace of recovery is slowing. Year-over-year inventory growth has decreased for nine consecutive months, with new listings increasing by just 0.7% compared to last year, according to Krimmel.

As of January, inventory levels remain over 17% below those recorded between 2017 and 2019, as reported by Realtor.com.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

“Even though January is typically a slow season for housing, it’s crucial to assess the current state of the market,” Krimmel emphasized. “The data and trends we observe now will significantly influence how the market behaves as we approach the spring season.”