As national headlines buzz about rising inventory and shifting market conditions, it’s important to take a step back and ask: Does that really reflect what’s happening in Kansas City? Let’s compare what’s going on nationally versus locally—and what that means if you’re thinking of buying or selling in our market.

 National Market Trends: Inventory’s Up, But Still Not Normal

According to the National Association of REALTORS® and Keeping Current Matters, U.S. housing inventory is climbing—up 20% year-over-year in May 2025. But context matters. We’re still well below the more balanced levels seen in 2017–2019. Homes are also taking longer to sell nationally (averaging 51 days on market), and while prices have risen slightly, buyer power is slowly improving.

The bottom line: inventory is moving in the right direction, but it’s not fully “back to normal”—and the pace of change varies widely across the country.

 Kansas City Resale Snapshot: May 2025

Here’s what’s happening closer to home, based on the May’s local home resale data from the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®:

•  Inventory: Up 15.3% year-over-year—more choices for buyers

• Closed Sales: Up just 0.4%—steady but not surging

• Median Price: $315,000 (+5.4% YoY)—healthy appreciation

• Average Price: $402,735 (+16.1%)—stronger activity in upper price ranges

• Days on Market: 30 days (+20%)—homes taking a bit longer to sell

• Pending Sales: Up 6.4%—demand remains strong

In short, the KC resale market is balancing, but still tilts in favor of sellers. We have more inventory, rising prices, and a touch more breathing room for buyers.

 What This Means for You

For Sellers:

• You still hold the advantage—but pricing and presentation matter more. Homes are taking longer to sell (30 days on average), and buyers have more options.

• Strong pricing trends suggest buyers are still willing to pay for value, especially in the move-in-ready and higher-end segments.

• Now is a strategic time to list—before even more homes hit the market later this summer.

 Work with a local agent who knows how to price and market your home to stand out—even in a shifting environment.

For Buyers:

• You finally have more to choose from—inventory is higher than it’s been in over a year.

• KC prices are still more affordable than the national average ($315K vs. $414K median), but they’re rising—so waiting could cost you.

• Homes aren’t moving instantly anymore, so you can shop with less pressure—but the best ones still go quickly.

 If you’ve been waiting for things to calm down, now is your chance. Just don’t wait too long.

 Local Insights Matter More Than Ever

National real estate trends offer useful context, but they don’t tell you what’s happening in Liberty, Smithville, or Kearney. In Kansas City, we’re in a market that’s evolving differently than other metros. That’s why it’s essential to talk to someone who knows this area inside and out.