Metro-area inventory up slightly

The inventory of homes on the market in 18 major U.S. metropolitan areas rose slightly in July, up 1.2 percent from the previous month and up 19 percent from a year earlier, according to California-based ZipRealty. The figures suggest that the number of unsold homes, while substantial, is no longer increasing rapidly. But that could change as foreclosures put more homes on the market and stricter lending standards deter buyers. more [WSJ]