📊 May 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Why Rising Inventory Is a Good Sign for Buyers and Sellers in Redlands

May 21

The housing market in 2025 is starting to look a lot more like it did before the pandemic — and that’s not a bad thing.

After years of intense bidding wars, low inventory, and record-high prices, we’re finally seeing a return to balance. According to Realtor.com’s latest national housing data (week ending May 10, 2025), active listings are up over 30% year-over-year, with more than 1 million homes now on the market across the U.S. That’s the highest level we’ve seen since December 2019.

So what does that mean if you’re buying or selling in Redlands, Highland, Yucaipa, or anywhere else in the Inland Empire?

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening — and why this shift might be exactly what the market needs.

🔺 Rising Inventory Isn’t a Crash — It’s a Comeback

Let’s be clear: more inventory does not mean a housing crash. In fact, it’s a sign of recovery.

For nearly three years, we’ve been operating in a market with historically low inventory. Homeowners were hesitant to sell. Builders couldn’t keep up. Buyers had limited options and were forced to compete fiercely, often waiving contingencies or overpaying just to secure a home.

Now, with more homes coming onto the market, we're getting back to a healthier environment — where buyers have choices and sellers can still get strong offers without the chaos.

This is a return to normalcy, not a decline.

🏡 What This Means for Sellers

If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling this summer, you’re probably wondering if it’s too late to catch the wave. The short answer? No — but timing and preparation matter more than ever.

Here’s what the current market means for you:

New listings are up 11.2% nationally compared to this time last year.
Homes are spending an average of six more days on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.
The median list price remains steady, and well-presented homes in good condition are still commanding top dollar.

For Redlands-area sellers, this means you need a smart strategy to stand out in a slightly more crowded marketplace. That doesn’t mean slashing prices — it means working with a local expert who knows how to stage, price, and market your home for maximum impact.

💰 What This Means for Buyers

The past few years haven’t been easy for buyers — especially first-timers. But that’s starting to change.

Here’s what’s working in your favor:

More homes are available in every price range, from starter homes to move-in-ready family properties.
Sellers are more negotiable than they were during the peak frenzy. Price cuts and seller credits are becoming more common.
Interest rates, while still in the mid-6% range, have stabilized enough that buyers can plan more confidently.

In Redlands and the surrounding cities, we’re finally seeing a more balanced market, where buyers can shop carefully, ask questions, and make more thoughtful offers — without rushing into a bidding war.

📉 Why This Isn’t 2008 All Over Again

Whenever inventory rises, some folks worry we’re heading toward another housing crash. But today’s conditions are very different:

Most homeowners have low fixed-rate mortgages and strong equity positions.
There’s no wave of distressed sales or foreclosures coming — lending standards have remained tight.
Demand is still strong, especially in Southern California, where population growth and lifestyle appeal keep housing in high demand.

In short: we’re not in a bubble — we’re in a rebalancing.

🔍 The Bottom Line: It’s a Good Time to Make a Move (If It Makes Sense for You)

Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or looking to invest, this market offers real opportunity — if you approach it with the right plan.

At Anaya Real Estate, I help everyday people make smart, informed real estate decisions — without pressure and without gimmicks. I know the Redlands market inside and out, and I’ll help you navigate the current conditions with clarity and confidence.

Let’s chat about your next move.

📞 909-291-5864
📧 Julien@AnayaRE.com
🌐 www.AnayaRE.com

Whether you're just curious about your home’s value or ready to start house hunting, I’m here to help.