While 2010 was generally a year to forget for those interested inselling a home, a recent report shows that many people are looking for a different trend this year.

According to Altos Research, while prices are still declining, there have been signs of improvement, as more sellers are putting their homes on the real estate market in the hopes of attracting a buyer.

According to the report, the national housing inventory has increased by 3.75 percent, as more sellers gear up for the spring, with increases of more than 8 percent seen in some cities.

While prices have continued to slide - as was the case in each of the 27 cities tracked - the firm says weekly home price data is showing positive signs, meaning that the market may soon be moving in an upward direction.

Due to low mortgage rates, the current homebuying climate is very favorable in many areas. A report from the National Association of Home Builders said that the last quarter of 2010 represented the most affordable housing environment in at least 20 years.