Inventory declines nationwide, data shows

The inventory of homes listed for sale in many U.S. cities declined 2.5 percent in July from the previous month, according to data from California-based brokerage firm ZipRealty. The inventory was 27 percent below July 2008 levels. ZipRealty’s figures cover single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses, but foreclosed homes that banks are still getting ready to sell aren’t included.