How To Score the Best Deal in Today’s Housing Market
If you’re looking to stretch your buying power in today’s real estate market, here’s a powerful secret savvy buyers are using: focus on homes that have been sitting on the market longer than average.
When a listing lingers, sellers usually become more realistic — and more open to negotiation. That’s where smart buyers are finding opportunities others miss.
The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Reduction This Year
According to Realtor.com, 20.2% of all listings have reduced their asking price at least once. What’s more, this trend is consistent across most regions in the country.
That means no matter where you’re searching, there’s a real chance to find a better deal — you just need to know where to look. And that’s where an experienced agent becomes essential.
The Strategy: Target Homes That Have Been on the Market the Longest
Your agent can identify listings that have exceeded the average days-on-market for your area. These properties are more likely to have motivated sellers who are:
Getting frustrated with the lack of activity
More open to negotiation
Willing to accept lower offers or provide valuable concessions
Since many buyers skip over homes that aren’t selling quickly, you may even find yourself as the only active offer — giving you more leverage.
Realtor.com puts it simply:
“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up: closing cost credits, home warranties, even repair concessions.”
Bankrate echoes the same idea:
“During the quieter fall and winter months… sellers may be more willing to lower prices or offer concessions.”
The Proof: Homes Stay on the Market Longer, Prices Tend To Drop
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a clear pattern:
the longer a home sits on the market, the lower it typically sells for compared to the original list price.
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a clear pattern:
the longer a home sits on the market, the lower it typically sells for compared to the original list price.
Even small percentage reductions can create real savings. Paying just 94% of the original asking price may not sound dramatic — but on a median-priced home, that’s about $24,000 in savings.
As Zillow explains:
“If you’re hoping to strike a deal, look for homes that have been on the market for a while… You may find a motivated seller who is more willing to negotiate.”
Bottom Line
If your goal is to get the best deal possible right now, start by looking where other buyers aren’t.
With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices and many growing more flexible by the week, homes that have been sitting longer may offer the biggest opportunities.
A knowledgeable local agent can help you identify these hidden gems — and negotiate the best possible terms.
