When you spot a house that’s been on the market awhile, your first thought is usually something like:

• What’s turning buyers off?

• Why is it still sitting on the market?

• Is there something I’m overlooking?

A few years ago that approach worked. Today’s market, though, could mean you miss out.

Longer Time on the Market Doesn't Always Mean Trouble Anymore

A few years ago, homes would go under contract in days — sometimes hours. If a listing stayed on the market any longer, people got nervous. That’s not the case anymore.

Inventory has increased, so buyers have more options — and homes are staying on the market longer. Those factors help explain why the typical time it takes a home to sell has risen this year.

Seventy-three days might sound long, but that's actually pretty normal for this time of year. It only feels slow because you remember the buying frenzy a few years back when homes were getting snapped up almost immediately.

That change explains a lot of what you’re noticing. It doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the house itself, though, to be fair, sometimes that is the case.

Most of the time today, when a home takes longer to sell, it’s usually because:

• There’s more inventory in that area

• The price may have been a bit too high out of the gate

• It didn’t show as well online as some others

• Buyers gravitated toward newer or flashier listings nearby

• Or the timing just wasn’t quite right when it first hit the market

Those things don't have to ruin the deal.

Common Misunderstandings Buyers Have About These Listings

Just because a house hasn’t sold doesn’t mean it has hidden problems. Often that’s not the case, and if there are issues, a home inspection will usually uncover them fast.

That’s something you can use to negotiate—not a reason to walk away. Often, that’s exactly where buyers score the best deals.

The trick is recognizing which long-listed homes deserve a closer look and which should be passed on. A local agent makes that easy — they can review disclosures and dig into details to help you spot the hidden gems other buyers miss.

Bottom Line

A house that's been on the market awhile isn't necessarily a red flag — it can be a hidden opportunity.

If you want someone to point out which homes deserve a second look — and which ones you can skip — let’s chat.