Seems like the best way to answer that one is to think in terms of a balanced market, where buyers and sellers are on equal footing. Ideally at the current rate of sales activity it would take 3-5 months for every available property to be sold. Buyers have more influence when the inventory is 5 months and higher, for sellers a number at 3 months or less tips the negotiating scales in their favor.

The past couple of years we’ve seen inventory levels in some Oakland neighborhoods like Rockridge between 1-2 months.

Looking at the last couple of months: in 94618 (Rockridge) 94611 (Montclair) 94610 (Crocker Highlands and Glenview)

Rockridge current listings 2-3 BR, 1-2 Ba = 10 sales & Pendings in July = 3 Aug=7

If sales continue at the same rate as in Aug, Inventory is at 1.3

July’s pace shows 3 months