Why Some Homes Stay on the Market for Months (and How to Spot Red Flags)

Buying a home is a big deal.

It’s not just about finding a place to live- it’s about investing in your future, building equity, and turning a house into a home that’struly yours.

If you’ve been looking at real estate listings, you’veprobably noticed that some houses sell faster than a Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket while others sit on the market for months (or even years).

As someone who knows the ins and outs of the homebuying process and helped our users here on WithJoy.AI do the same, I’ve learned that there’sa reason why some homes stay on the market longer.

Most times the reason depends on the market. Practically speaking, large houses have fewer potential buyers, and vice versa. Smaller houses tend to sell more and faster because there’s more demand.

But I’m getting myself ahead here.

Now, Idon’t really want to call these issues “red flags” because that makes them sound scary or deal breaking.In reality, they’re often just mismatches between a homebuyer's preferences and a seller's expectations. What might be a dealbreaker for one person could be an amazing opportunity for another.

Let’s break it down why some homes stay on the market longer, and how you can navigate these situations to find the right home for you.

The Truth About Houses That Sit on the Market (And What You Should Look For)

1. Overpriced

One of the most common reasons homes sit on the market is simple: they’re overpriced.

Sellers often have an emotional attachment to their homes, which can lead them to set a price that’s way above market value. This is understandable - after all, your home is a part of you.

Here’s a real-life story from a homebuyer who went through this very situation:

🚩 Red flag to spot: If a house has been on the market for a long time and the price seems out of line with similar properties, it’slikely overpriced. It’s also worth asking the seller’s agent why the home hasn’t sold.

2. Unusual Floor Plan

Another reason homes stay on the market is that they have unusual layout or floor plan.Maybe there’s not enough space in the kitchen, bedrooms are too small, or there are only 1bathrooms in a 4-bedroom house. These kinds of things can be a deal breaker.

🚩 Red Flag to Spot: Pay extra attention to the layout when you view a house. Does it make sense for your lifestyle? If not, think about whether you’re willing to invest in renovations to make it work or if you should keep looking.

3. A Major Fixer-Upper

Some homes stay on the market because they need a lot of work.

Think outdated kitchens, worn-out walls, or plumbing systems that were built decades ago. While some buyers see these homes as opportunities to create their dream home, others are overwhelmed by the time, effort, and money required to bring the property up to speed.

Here’s an inspiring story from a homebuyer who found a diamond in the rough:

🚩 Red Flag to Spot: If a home needs significant work, get a detailed inspection, and calculate the cost of repairs and renovations to see if it aligns with your budget. If the sellerisn’t willing to negotiate on price, ask yourself ifyou’re ready to take on the project. For some buyers, a fixer-upper isa golden opportunity to create their dream home - or even resell the house for a much higher pricelater on.

4. Poor Listing

In today’s digital age, first impressions matter more than ever.

If a home is poorly listed - dark, blurry photos or a vague description - it’sdefinitely going to be a struggle to attract buyers. If the home is cluttered with the seller’s personal belongings, it can be hard for buyers to envision themselves living there.

🚩 Red Flag to Spot: If the listing photos or description don’t do the home justice, it’s worth taking a closer look. Sometimes, a poorly marketed home is a treasure waiting to be discovered by the right buyer (this could be you!) to see its potential.

5. Divorce or Family Disputes

Sometimes, a house stays on the market because of personal circumstances, like a divorce or family dispute.

Yes, this happens. Surprisingly, more often than you’d expect.

When a couple splits, selling a shared home can become complicated. They might disagree on the listing price, repairs, or even whether to sell at all. This can lead to delays, price adjustments, or a lack of motivation to move the process forward.

Here’s a homebuyer who had an experience with this exact situation:

🚩 Red Flag to Spot: If a home has been on the market for a long time, ask your agent at WithJoy.AI if there are any personal circumstances affecting the sale. While this might not impact the home itself, it could mean the sellers are more willing to negotiate. Just be prepared for potential delays if the situation is still unresolved.

Make Smart Choices in a Competitive Market

Buying a home is still one of the best investments you can make.

The median price of existing homes has consistently risen, making homeownership a powerful way to build wealth, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

By knowing what to look for, you can make your homebuying process a lot smoother. If you come across a house that’s been on the market for months, don’t quicklywrite it off like the rest. Dig deeper. With a little research, you could turn a home listing into your dream home.

So keep your eyes open and ask questions. The perfect home is out there - you just have to find it. 🏠✨