How Buyers Are Scoring the Best Deals Right Now

Want to know how to score a great deal in today’s housing market? Here’s the move: focus on homes that have been sitting for a bit.

When a listing lingers, sellers usually get more realistic — and more open to negotiating. That’s where sharp buyers are finding opportunities others ignore.

The Opportunity: Price Cuts Are More Common Than You Think

Realtor.com reports that roughly 1 in 5 homes this year — about 20.2% — have lowered their asking price. And while every market behaves a little differently, this trend is showing up nationwide. Which means one thing…

Wherever you are, there’s room to land a stronger deal. You just need to know how to spot it — and that’s exactly what a good agent helps you do.

The Tactic: Focus on Listings With the Most Days on Market

Your agent can pinpoint the homes that have been sitting the longest — and those are often your best shot at a discount. When a property hasn’t moved, sellers start to feel the pressure, which makes them far more open to negotiating.

When most buyers avoid homes that aren’t selling, you’re often stepping into a situation where you may be the only offer on the table. That gives you room to negotiate harder and secure better terms. And the experts agree.

“Less buyer competition means fewer bidding wars and more room to negotiate valuable extras — things like closing cost credits, home warranties, or repair allowances — all of which can trim thousands off what you ultimately pay.”

And they’re not the only ones pointing this out. Bankrate is seeing the same trend.

“In the slower fall and winter seasons, when active buyers drop off, sellers are usually more open to lowering their price or offering concessions to attract the remaining buyers.”

And the data backs this up. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there’s a consistent pattern: the longer a property sits on the market, the more it typically sells for below the original list price.

If you’re committed to maximizing your buying power, targeting these types of listings might be your strongest play.

Even a Small Discount Makes a Big Difference

Paying 94% of the original asking price may not feel like a huge win at first, but the numbers tell a different story. On a median-priced home, that works out to roughly $24,000 in savings (see chart below).

Zillow captures the idea clearly:

“If you’re aiming to land a stronger deal, focus on properties that have been sitting for a bit — especially those that have already reduced their price to attract attention. That’s often where you’ll find motivated sellers who are ready to negotiate.”

Bottom Line

If you’re serious about landing the strongest deal you can in today’s market, begin by focusing on the homes most buyers overlook.

With 1 in 5 sellers reducing their prices and many becoming increasingly flexible as time passes, the longer-sitting listings often present the best opportunities to save more than you might expect.

Connect with a knowledgeable local agent who can point you toward these hidden pockets of value in your area and help you move strategically.