A home that has been on the market longer doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
In today’s shifting real estate market, it can actually mean opportunity.
The key is knowing when “time on market” is a red flag and when it’s just part of a healthier, more balanced market.
When you see a house that’s been sitting on the market for a while, the reaction is almost automatic. You start thinking:
- What’s wrong with it?
- Why hasn’t anyone bought it yet?
- Am I missing something?
That mindset made sense a few years ago. But in today’s market, you may actually miss out.
More Time on Market Isn’t Automatically a Concern Anymore
A few years ago, homes sold in just a matter of days. Sometimes, hours. Anything that lingered longer than that raised concerns. But that’s no longer the baseline.
Inventory has grown. Buyers have more choices. And homes are taking longer to sell across the board. Those are some of the reasons why the typical time it takes a home to sell has climbed this year:
And it’s not that 73 days is slow. That’s actually pretty normal for this time of year. It just feels slow because you heard so much about houses being snapped up in the buying frenzy a few years ago.
That shift alone explains a lot of what you’re seeing.
It’s not necessarily that there’s anything wrong with the house itself. Although let’s be honest, sometimes that is the case.
Most of the time today, a house that’s taking longer to sell simply means:
- There are a lot of homes for sale in that area
- The seller priced a little too high at first
- The home didn’t photograph as well online
- Buyers passed it over for flashier listings nearby
- The timing just wasn’t right when it first hit the market
None of those are necessarily deal-breakers.
What Buyers Often Get Wrong About These Listings
Because even though you may assume a house that hasn’t sold must have hidden issues, the reality is, that’s not always the case. If the house has issues, they’ll show up quickly in your inspection.
That’s information you can use to negotiate. Not a reason to walk away automatically. And in many cases, that’s where buyers find the best deals.
The key is knowing which homes that have been sitting for a while are worth a second look – and which ones aren’t. That’s why working with a local agent makes a real difference. They’ll be able to look at disclosures and more to help you uncover hidden gems that other buyers may overlook.
Don’t Let Time on Market Stop You From Getting a Great Deal
A house that’s been on the market longer isn’t always a warning sign. In many cases, it’s an opportunity for savvy buyers who know how to spot value and negotiate effectively.
If you want help identifying which homes are hidden opportunities and which ones to avoid, a trusted real estate expert can make all the difference.
Let’s connect and review what’s available so you don’t miss a great home just because it didn’t sell instantly.
