John
The sad truth is that the real inventory in SD County plummeted months ago. It is only now that the inventory figures will more accurately depict what is going on.
It is a miserable experience to be a buyer today. Finding a decent home on the market is never easy and it is tougher than ever. Finding one priced well is even tougher. Once you find it you quickly learn you have a roomful of company and an open bidding process on the home that lasts from 2 to 4 months. This is the market we will be in for a few years to come. Yes prices will be lower for the next few years. However, the unfortunate corrollary is that it doesnt mean you will get something you really like at those prices.
As for the title of this thread, it was intentionally sensationalist. Those around here long enough eunderstand my sense of humor. It was a jab at the media who will leach onto the declining active inventory numbers as meaning something other than improved data collection. Sorry it went over your head Bob.