A few years ago, when inventory hit a record low, it seemed like anything sold — and fast. But that’s no longer the case.
Here in Redlands and across the Inland Empire, there are far more homes on the market today. Listings are up nearly 20% from this time last year, and in many neighborhoods, supply has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
For sellers, that means one thing:
Your home needs to stand out from day one.
What’s Happening in the Local Market
Much of today’s growing inventory comes from active listings — homes that have been sitting on the market longer than expected. While some new listings are still hitting the market each week, it’s the unsold homes that are causing inventory to build up.
That tells us something important: not every home is selling quickly anymore.
And in competitive markets like Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, Loma Linda, and throughout the Inland Empire, buyers have more choices than they’ve had in years. So if your home doesn’t grab attention immediately, it risks blending in with the rest.
Why Some Homes Sell While Others Sit
The truth is simple — homes that are priced correctly, well-prepared, and beautifully presented are still selling fast (often with multiple offers). It’s the properties that miss one or more of those key steps that tend to linger.
According to recent data from Redfin and HousingWire, here are some of the most common reasons homes aren’t selling:
-
Overpricing from the start
-
Skipping key repairs or updates
-
Poor staging or presentation
-
Limited showing availability
-
Unwillingness to negotiate
-
Weak marketing or low-quality photos
A few years ago, sellers could get away with skipping these steps — inventory was tight and buyers were desperate.
But today’s market is different. Buyers are more selective, and homes that don’t make a strong first impression are being passed over.
The First Two Weeks Are Critical
Your home’s first days on the market are everything. That’s when your listing gets the most online visibility, open house traffic, and agent attention.
If it’s overpriced or poorly presented, that early buzz disappears fast — and once a listing starts to “age,” buyers assume something is wrong.
Getting it right up front is essential if you want your home to sell quickly and for top dollar.
The Right Agent Makes All the Difference
Selling quickly isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy.
Working with a local expert who knows the Redlands and Inland Empire markets inside and out can completely change your results.
An experienced agent (like me!) will:
-
Analyze recent neighborhood sales to determine the right price
-
Offer professional staging and preparation advice
-
Create a custom marketing plan to showcase your home beautifully online and in person
-
Leverage high-quality photography, video, and social media exposure to reach qualified buyers fast
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“Home sellers without an agent are nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer for at least three months. 53% of sellers who used an agent say they accepted an offer within a month of listing their home.”
That statistic says it all — the right guidance from the start leads to faster, smoother, and more profitable sales.
Bottom Line
There are more homes for sale in Redlands and the Inland Empire than there were a year ago, but that doesn’t have to work against you.
When your home is priced right, shows beautifully, and is marketed strategically, it will sell — and often faster than you expect.
If you’re thinking about selling this fall or winter, I’d love to help you position your home to stand out and sell quickly.
For expert advice and proven results in Redlands, Highland, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, contact your local top realtor — Cristina Caministeanu with eXp Realty.
