Buying a home in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, especially with mixed headlines about prices and competition. But there is a quiet strategy that smart buyers are using right now to find real opportunities. It has nothing to do with pressure and everything to do with timing, patience, and understanding how the market behaves when a home sits for a while.
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Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while.
Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic and more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding opportunities.
The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This Year
According to Realtor.com, about 1 in every 5 listings has dropped their asking price at least once. And while so many things in today’s housing market vary by region, that number is consistent throughout the country. That tells you one thing.
No matter where you live, there’s a chance to score a better deal. You just need to know where to look. And that’s where your agent comes in.
The Tactic: Target Homes That Have Been Sitting the Longest
One tactic that can help you identify which homes have become more negotiable is to look for homes that have been on the market the longest. Those are the ones where you’re more likely to get a discount.
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.
And they’re not the only ones calling out the opportunity you have right now. Bankrate also says:
“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 proof is in the data. The National Association of Realtors shows a clear pattern: the longer a home stays on the market, the lower it tends to sell for compared to the original asking price.
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The Longer a Home Sits, the Less It Sells For
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Even a Small Discount Can Go a Long Way
And while paying 94 percent of the original asking price may not sound like much of a deal, the savings add up. That’s roughly twenty four thousand dollars in savings on the median priced home.
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What You Could Save the Longer a House Sits
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Local Insight for Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, we see a similar rhythm to what the national data shows. Homes that have been sitting on the market for a while often become more flexible, especially toward the end of the year when buyer activity shifts.
This does not always mean dramatic price drops. But it does mean more room to negotiate, more clarity on seller motivation, and quiet opportunities for buyers who are patient and strategic.
Even in higher price points, time on market still has an impact. A home that lingers invites thoughtful conversations around price or terms. And in neighborhoods across the Westside and Valley, these small moments of flexibility can create meaningful savings.
If you are exploring the idea of buying in Los Angeles, I’m always here to help you navigate the details in a calm and thoughtful way.
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If you want to find the best deal possible on a home right now, start by looking where others aren’t.
With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices and many growing more flexible by the week, the homes that have been sitting a little longer could be your best opportunity to save.
If you’re thinking about buying in Los Angeles and want clarity on your next steps, reach out anytime. I’m always here to help you move forward in a calm and confident way.
