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If you’ve been wondering how to find the best deal possible on a home in today’s housing market, here’s the truth most buyers never hear:
The real savings aren’t on the brand-new listings…
They’re on the homes that have been sitting on the market.
That’s where the most flexible sellers are.
That’s where the biggest price cuts happen.
And that’s where savvy buyers are finding homes other people scroll right past.
In a market where every dollar matters, this strategy could be the difference between feeling stretched thin or finally breathing again.
Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Reduced Its Price This Year
Here’s a number worth paying attention to:
20.2% of homes for sale have already dropped their asking price (Realtor.com).
Even better?
This trend is consistent nationwide, not just in select cities. That means:
No matter where you live, there’s a real chance to score a better deal on a home.
The challenge is knowing where to look — and that’s where your agent becomes your secret weapon.
The Strategy: Target Homes That Have Been Sitting the Longest
Homes that sit on the market longer than expected often tell a story.
Sometimes the seller listed too high.
Sometimes the marketing wasn’t strong.
Sometimes buyers just moved on to the next shiny listing.
But here’s the part most buyers miss:
The longer a home sits, the more motivated the seller becomes.
And that’s where opportunities open up for you.
Your real estate agent can pull up listings with:
High days-on-market
Price cuts
Seller concessions
Fewer competing buyers
These are the homes where you have real negotiating power.
Why This Matters
Realtor.com explains:
“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up… repair concessions, warranties, and closing credits.”
And Bankrate backs it up:
“During the quieter fall and winter months… sellers may be more willing to lower prices or offer concessions.”
Translation? You can save thousands just by targeting the right listings.
The Data Is Clear: The Longer a Home Sits, the Bigger the Savings
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
Homes that stay on the market longer tend to sell for less than their original asking price.
Even small percentages make a big difference.
Example:
If you buy a home at 94% of the original asking price, that discount may not feel dramatic, but:
On a median-priced home, that’s roughly $24,000 in savings.
Imagine what $24,000 could do:
Reduce debt
Grow your savings
Allow you to buy furniture
Lower your monthly payment
Give you breathing room
This is why experienced buyers don’t chase the “fresh” listings…
They look for the motivated ones.
As Zillow puts it:
“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.”
Why This Matters for Buyers Trying To Stretch Their Budget
If you’re trying to maximize every dollar — especially as a young family working toward stability — this strategy gives you:
More control
More negotiating power
More room in your budget
Less competition
When everyone else is running to the newest listings, you’re moving strategically and intentionally.
Bottom Line
If you want to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market, don’t follow the crowd. Look where others aren’t looking.
With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices and more homeowners becoming flexible by the week, the listings that have been sitting a little longer may be your smartest path to saving money — and getting more home for your dollar.
Your next step?
Talk to a local agent about the homes in your area that have been on the market the longest. Those are the listings that could put you closer to the home — and financial breathing room — you’ve been working toward.
