Don’t Be So Quick To Skip That “Stale” Listing

When buyers see a home that’s been sitting on the market for a while, the reaction is almost automatic:

• What’s wrong with it?
• Why hasn’t anyone else bought it?
• Are we missing something?

A few years ago, those were fair questions. In today’s market, though? That house might actually be an opportunity.

Longer Time on Market Is the New Normal

Not long ago, homes were selling in days — sometimes hours. Anything that lingered raised red flags.

That’s not the baseline anymore.

Today we’re seeing:

• More inventory = more options for buyers
• More selective buyers taking their time
• Longer average days on market across many price points and areas

So when a home has been listed for a while, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. Often, it’s just a reflection of a shifting market.

Why Some Good Homes Get Overlooked

In our experience at Slater Realty Group, homes can sit for reasons that have little to do with the home itself:

• It was priced a bit high at the start
• The photos or marketing didn’t showcase it well
• It launched during a slow timing window (holidays, weather, competing inventory)
• Buyers were distracted by flashier or newer listings nearby
• There’s simply more competition in that neighborhood right now

None of those are deal-breakers. In fact, they can create leverage.

What Buyers Often Miss

A home being on the market longer can actually work in your favor:

• Sellers may be more open to negotiation
• You may face less competition
• Inspection findings become tools for renegotiation, not automatic deal killers
• You might find a home with great bones that others passed over for cosmetic reasons

The key is knowing the difference between a home that’s overlooked… and one that’s overpriced for good reason.

That’s where having a local expert matters. We dig into:

• Disclosures
• Listing history
• Neighborhood trends
• Comparable sales

So you’re not guessing — you’re making a strategic decision.

The Bottom Line

A home sitting on the market isn’t always a warning sign. Sometimes, it’s the best opportunity in the neighborhood.

If you’re house hunting, don’t scroll past those listings too fast. With the right guidance, they can turn into some of the smartest purchases we see.

Source

Coldwell Banker Realty