Why Old Real Estate Listings Are Worth a Second Look

By Andrew Duncan

Andrew Duncan is the Founder, CEO and Co-Owner of Tampa’s Best Real Estate Agent Team, The Duncan Duo, the Host of The Duncan Duo Real Estate Show Sundays at 10am on 970AM WFLA. As the team’s Founder, CEO & Co-Owner, Andrew’s focus is on the growth of the company, marketing and promotion initiatives as well as motivating and coaching the team’s agents and leadership.

Most real estate buyers are drawn to the newest listings when they hit the market. It’s a common habit, fueled by a culture prioritizing instant gratification. We tend to want what others want, and with so much attention on likes and comments in our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into that same mindset when browsing homes.

But in real estate, following the crowd is not always the smartest move. Here’s why:

Hidden gold mines: Old listings. The properties with the most potential are often the ones that get the least attention. I’m referring to the listings that have been on the market for 100, 200, or even 300 days. While many buyers ignore them, I encourage clients to start there because these are often the properties with hidden value.

“Homes sitting on the market for longer are often more negotiable.”

There are many reasons why a home sits unsold for months. In some cases, the listing launched with poor photos, and by the time better images were uploaded, too much time had passed. In others, the home was initially overpriced. When the price drops to a more competitive level, buyers may have already moved on. There are also listings with incorrect details, such as inaccurate bedroom or bathroom counts, missing school information, or vague descriptions. Even when these are fixed, the listing may never regain attention.

This is where buyers can benefit. Homes sitting on the market for longer are often more negotiable. Sellers are usually more willing to work with buyers and may accept better terms. Whether you are looking for your next home or a strong investment, older listings are worth a closer look.

Before focusing only on the newest listings, take time to explore the ones others have passed over. Some of the best opportunities are still waiting to be discovered. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call me at 813-955-1079 or email me at info@theduncanduo.com. I look forward to hearing from you.