Prevailing wisdom says now is not the time to buy a home. High interest rates, low inventory and fierce competition have made even the idea of house hunting feel like a fool’s errand. And if you do manage to find that perfect home in the right location, chances are a dozen other buyers have as well—turning your dream into a bidding war.

But five months of data have to mean something.

The numbers—and the charts that come with them—are starting to tell a different story. Inventory is rising. Not in a dramatic surge, but steadily, as more homes come to market week after week. For the first time in a while, the pace of new listings is beginning to outstrip the pace of sales. That slight shift might just be the opportunity serious buyers have been waiting for.

Nechama Polak is the broker of record and owner of V&N Group LLC, located at 1401 Palisade Avenue in Teaneck. Send your thoughts and comments to nechamapolak@gmail.com or call 201 826 8809.