More new listings

The number of new listings in Redlands, Highland and Yucaipa was up sharply in July as more sellers decided to put their homes on the market.

That's good news for many home buyers who have found the pickings slim for most of this year.

The number of homes for sale still pales in comparison to 2011 when there were many more listings than there were buyers.

Here the market conditions still give great advantage to the seller.  Because of scarcity in many desirable neighborhoods many homes are selling quickly, for full price and without concessions.

However, nearby in Orange County the strong seller's market has already given way to a more balanced scenario.  A dramatic increase in homes listed for sale gives buyers more choices.  When that happens you can expect some price reductions, longer days to sell and buyers asking for help with closing costs.