How To Find the Best Deal Possible on a Home Right Now

Want to know how to land the best deal in today’s housing market? Here’s the real secret.
Start zeroing in on homes that have been sitting on the market for a bit.

When a listing lingers, sellers usually become more realistic and more open to negotiating. That’s exactly where savvy buyers are finding opportunities other buyers completely overlook.

The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Seen a Price Drop This Year
Realtor.com reports that about 1 in every 5 listings (20.2%) has had at least one price reduction. Even with all the regional differences in today’s market, that number is holding steady across the country. That tells you something important.

No matter where you’re located, there’s a real chance to secure a better deal. You just need to know where to look, and that’s where having the right agent makes all the difference.

The Strategy: Target the Homes That Have Been Sitting the Longest
Your agent can point you toward the listings that have been on the market the longest. These are often the homes where you’re most likely to negotiate a discount. When a seller has been waiting for an offer, they’re typically more motivated and more willing to work with you.

And since many buyers avoid these listings, you may even be the only offer they receive. That gives you more room to negotiate. As Realtor.com puts it:

“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 too:

“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.”

And the data supports it. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a clear trend. The longer a home stays on the market, the lower it typically sells for compared to the original list price.

If you’re serious about getting the most for your money, these overlooked listings may be your strongest advantage.

Even a Small Discount Makes a Big Impact
Paying 94% of the original asking price might not sound like a huge win, but it adds up quickly. On a median priced home, that’s about $24,000 saved.

Zillow sums it up perfectly:

“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 the best possible deal in today’s market, start looking where most buyers aren’t.

With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices and many becoming more flexible by the week, homes that have been sitting a little longer could be your biggest opportunity to save.

Let’s talk about where to find them here in New Hampshire.