If you're thinking about buying a home in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County right now, you might be hearing that inventory levels are rising. And that's true -- there are about 40% more homes on the market today than there were a year ago.

But what does that actually mean for you as a buyer?

Well... it depends.

While the overall number of homes for sale is on the rise, that increase isn't evenly distributed across all price ranges, property types, or locations. In other words, your experience as a buyer will vary significantly depending on what you're looking for, where you're willing to live, and how much you're able (or willing) to spend.

Let's break that down with a few examples...

If you want to buy a detached home... there are 191 to choose from... but if it needs to be in the City of Harrisonburg and under $400K... there are only 13 options.

If you want to buy a home under $300K... there are 51 to choose from... but if it must be a detached home built in the past 50 years... there are only 10 options.

If you have a $600K budget for a detached home... there are 137 to choose from... but if it must be in the Spotswood High school district... there are only 5 options.

So... how many homes will you be choosing from?

Let's take a look together at the price range, property types, and locations that align with your home search. In some segments of the market, there may be plenty of homes to choose from. In others, you might still be facing very limited options.

Either way, understanding the current market -- and how it relates to your plans for buying a home -- is a key first step in the home buying process.