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

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 homes other buyers overlook.

The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This Year

According to Realtor.com, about 1 in every 5 listings (20.2%) have 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

Your agent can help you identify which homes have been on the market the longest. Those are the ones where you’re more likely to get a discount. That’s because the seller may be getting frustrated their house hasn’t sold yet, so they're more willing to play ball.

And since a lot of buyers steer clear of homes that aren’t selling, you may be the only offer they get. So, you can lean in and push for a better deal. As Realtor.com explains:

“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 (NAR) 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.

So, if you’re serious about getting as much as you can for your money, focusing on these listings could be your best strategy yet.

Even Small Discounts Can Lead to Big Savings

And while paying 94% of the original asking price may not sound like much of a deal, the savings add up. That’s roughly $48,000 in savings on the median priced home (see chart below):

Zillow sums it up best:

“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: Look Where Other Buyers Aren’t

If you want to find the best deal possible on a home in North San Diego County, the smartest strategy is to look where other buyers aren’t. In today’s market — especially in Vista, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Oceanside, and surrounding North County communities — some of the strongest opportunities come from homes with longer days on market, recent price reductions, and motivated sellers.

With 1 in 5 sellers lowering their prices, and many becoming more flexible each week, properties that have been sitting a little longer could be your best chance to save. These overlooked homes for sale often offer more negotiating room, helping you stretch your budget whether you’re searching for a starter home, a move-up property, or even exploring luxury homes across the region.

If you’re ready to explore the best opportunities in North San Diego County real estate, here are helpful tools to guide your search:
Home Search – Browse the newest listings, including Vista, Fallbrook, Oceanside, and Bonsall homes for sale, plus North County luxury homes.
Market Snapshot – Get real-time updates on pricing trends, days on market, price reductions, and neighborhood insights.
Mortgage Calculator – Estimate your monthly payment, compare loan scenarios, and see what fits your budget.
Contact Patty Villanueva – Connect with a local Realtor who can help you target the best deals and find the right home in today’s market.

Finding hidden opportunities becomes much easier when you know where to look — and I’d love to help you uncover the best deals in North San Diego County real estate.