How to Get the Most Value When Buying a Home Right Now

Want to know how to snag the best deal in today’s housing market?
Here’s the real secret: zero in on homes that have been sitting on the market a bit longer.

When a listing lingers, sellers usually become more flexible and much more open to negotiating. That’s exactly where smart buyers are uncovering opportunities others overlook.

The Opportunity: Price Cuts Are More Common Than You Think

Realtor.com reports that about 1 in 5 listings (20.2%) have reduced their price at least once this year. And interestingly, this trend holds true across the country.

Translation:
No matter your location, there’s a solid chance to score a better deal.
You just need to know where to focus and that’s where your agent comes in.

The Strategy: Target Homes With Longer Days on Market

Your agent can quickly identify which homes have been listed the longest. Those properties often offer the best negotiating power because the sellers may be feeling discouraged and far more motivated to work with you.

Plus, many buyers pass over these homes simply because they’ve “been around too long,” which means you might be the only offer on the table. That puts you in a strong position to negotiate for a better price and valuable extras.

As Realtor.com explains:

“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up: closing cost credits, home warranties, even repair concessions . . . these concessions can end up knocking thousands of dollars off the price of a home.”

Bankrate backs this up, especially as we move through the fall and winter months:

“During the quieter fall and winter months, when fewer prospective buyers are shopping, home sellers may be more willing to lower their prices, or offer concessions, to attract those prospective buyers who are still looking.”

Historically, homes that stay on the market longer tend to sell for less than their original list price, giving buyers even more room to benefit.

Why Even a Small Price Drop Matters

Saving just a few percentage points might not sound major, but it adds up quickly. Even something like paying 94% of the original price can equal tens of thousands of dollars in savings on the typical home.

Zillow puts it simply:

“If you’re a buyer who is hoping to strike a deal, look for homes that have been on the market for a while and that may already have lowered prices to entice buyers. You may find a motivated seller who is more willing to negotiate.”

Bottom Line

If you want to land the best deal possible in today’s market, start by exploring the listings other buyers pass over.

With so many sellers reducing prices and motivation increasing as weeks go by those “sitting” homes might be your biggest opportunity to save.

Talk to a local agent who can point you to the best prospects in your area.

Real estate decisions feel big because they are big. You deserve someone who knows the local market, understands the rhythm of each community, and actually listens. If you’re thinking about your next move, buying, selling, or just planning ahead, I’m always here as a resource. Reach out anytime and let’s talk through what makes the most sense for you.