(AURN News) — The American housing market just hit a historic milestone — but not one that helps average people. A new Redfin report shows that $698 billion worth of homes are now on the market — the highest amount ever recorded. And that massive supply isn’t being matched by demand.
While the headlines might suggest growth, the deeper data points to a housing system that’s increasingly out of reach for working- and middle-class Americans.
According to Redfin, total housing inventory jumped 20.3% compared to last year. That growth comes as demand weakens, prices stay high, and more homes linger on the market for months. Nearly half of listings in April — 44% — had been up for more than 60 days without going under contract.
In a press release, Redfin said many potential buyers are backing off due to record-high monthly costs and economic uncertainty.
The report also shows that $331 billion worth of homes — nearly half the total inventory — are considered “stale,” having sat unsold for more than 60 days. The typical home took 40 days to go under contract in April, and there are more sellers than buyers, a reversal of pandemic-era conditions.
This cooling of demand may signal a broader shift in the housing market — but it also reflects an economy that prioritizes wealth over accessibility. As mortgage rates and costs remain sky-high, the American dream of homeownership is drifting further out of reach — unless you’re already rich.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
