JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — After 15 years and major upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, Sandy Kopiczak and her husband have decided to put their house up for sale.

“It was very difficult because we have a lot of love for the house and we have friends in the neighborhood. My husband and I are looking for a street that’s a little bit quieter, maybe a little more land, one floor. You know, looking toward our longevity and ease of getting around the house,” said Kopiczak, client, ERA Team VP.

What You Need To Know

A new report shows more homes for sale are on the market 

Real estate agents say it’s a start, but inventory remains low 

The NYS Association of Realtors working on legislative items as well

After a few short months of searching locally, Kopiczak purchased a new home, nearby the home they’re in now.

“This house that we saw popped up, we went and looked at it. We decided we love that house too. So, we’re going to make new dreams in a new home for us,” said Kopiczak.

Hers is one of many homes in upstate New York for sale, or pending, as the state Association of Realtors reports 15 consecutive months of annual inventory growth.

Leaders say while inventory is improving, sales remain down as prices continue to rise.

“We’re not there yet. It’s happening slowly, but it’s trickling down throughout the whole state but mostly in the inner cities, I would say,” said Daniel Staley, president-elect, NYS Association of Realtors.

There were more than 29,000 homes on the market as of May 2025, compared to more than 30,000 this past May — an increase of 3.2%

Pending sales also posted strong gains, as there were more than 10,000 homes under contract as of May 2025, compared to almost 11,000 through this past May — an increase of 5.6%

“[It] tells you that’s there’s confidence in the market,” said Staley.

Longtime realtor Heather Shea-Canaley says despite the number of signs, the uptick in inventory growth has yet to reach her client base.

“There’s not enough,” she said.

She says her inventory remains low, and often finds buyers in a cash-driven bidding war on properties less than $150,000.

“Right now, if your house is hot and you’re in a good area, I usually tell a seller their best offer is their first offer because these buyers are on their apps watching it pop up and they’re ready to go,” said Shea-Canaley.

She says the average number of days a house is on the market is roughly a little more than 60, compared to more than 100 days before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When people take care of their houses and it shows good curb appeal and it’s well taken care of, it’s going to sell fast,” said Shea-Canaley.

On the market for less than a week, Kopiczak remains hopeful she’ll be able to sell as easily as it was for her to buy.

“For the people that this fits their filters, it’ll be the perfect home. It’s lovely and they’ll have many good years here,” said Kopiczak.

The association also noted the median sales price for a home inched up almost 3.5% from last May to more than $444,000.