How Savvy Buyers Are Saving Thousands on Orlando Homes Right Now

2832 SMITHFIELD DR, ORLANDO FL 32837

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

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Orlando or anywhere else in today’s market, you might be wondering how to get the best deal possible—especially with prices, interest rates, and competition always shifting. The good news is that opportunities do exist. In fact, some of the best deals are hiding in plain sight.

The secret?
Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market longer than average.

While many buyers flock to new listings and assume the best houses sell within days, smart buyers (and a great realtor in Orlando) know that properties that linger on the market often present the best chance to negotiate. When a home sits unsold, sellers begin to adjust their expectations, and that’s where your advantage comes in.

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

According to Realtor.com, 1 in every 5 listings—20.2%—has reduced its price at least once. And what’s even more surprising is that this trend isn’t limited to one state or region. It’s consistent across the country.

So whether you're searching for a house for sale in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, or anywhere else, the likelihood of finding a property with a price reduction is higher than many buyers realize.

What does that mean for you?
It means negotiation power. It means opportunity. And it means you might be able to secure a home for far less than you expect.

This is where working with an experienced realtor in Orlando becomes essential. A skilled agent knows how to identify these overlooked opportunities, track price reductions, and spot patterns that reveal when a seller is ready to negotiate.

The Strategy: Target Homes That Have Been Sitting the Longest

Your real estate agent can quickly pull a list of homes that have been on the market 30, 60, 90 days—or even longer. These are often the golden-ticket properties where sellers are more open to conversation.

Why does this happen?

Because selling a home is emotional. When sellers see other homes around them selling faster, they get anxious. They worry their home may be priced too high, may need improvements, or may simply not be attracting the right buyers. That’s when they’re more willing to hear an offer—even if it's lower than their original expectations.

And here’s something many buyers don’t realize:

Homes that sit longer usually attract fewer competing offers.
Less competition = more negotiation leverage.

Realtor.com puts it perfectly:

“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.”

This is excellent news if you’re buying a home in Orlando during a time when affordability matters more than ever. With fewer buyers chasing these homes, you have the room to ask for what benefits you most—whether that’s closing cost help, a lower purchase price, repairs, or concessions.

Seasonal Timing Works in Your Favor

Bankrate highlights why the timing of your search matters too:

“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.”

If you’re browsing for a house for sale in Orlando, this seasonal advantage can be huge. Orlando is a competitive and fast-growing market—but even here, the cooler buying seasons offer windows where sellers are more flexible.

Imagine being one of the few buyers making offers during slower months. You stand out. Sellers pay attention. And your odds of getting a deal jump.

Data Doesn’t Lie: Homes Sell for Less the Longer They Sit

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports a clear pattern:

the longer a home stays on the market, the lower it typically sells for compared to its original asking price.

This is true across most markets—including Orlando.

Even a small price reduction can make a noticeable difference in affordability. And if you're already stretching your budget, shaving a few percentage points off the asking price could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Consider this:

Even paying 94% of the asking price can mean saving about $24,000 on a median-priced home.

That’s money you can use for:

✔ renovations

✔ furniture

✔ closing costs

✔ savings

✔ building equity faster

When you’re buying a home in Orlando, those savings can give you the financial breathing room you need—especially with changing mortgage rates.

How a Realtor in Orlando Helps You Score These Deals

Working with a knowledgeable local agent can be the difference between overpaying and negotiating smart.

A strong realtor in Orlando will:

1. Track Days on Market (DOM) Trends

They know exactly which neighborhoods tend to have longer DOM and which areas have sellers who are already making price adjustments.

2. Identify Price-Reduced Homes Instantly

They monitor reductions in real time, giving you a chance to step in before other buyers realize a deal is on the table.

3. Understand Seller Behavior

Experienced agents can often tell when a seller is likely to negotiate based on timing, market conditions, and listing history.

4. Negotiate Strongly on Your Behalf

From closing cost credits to inspection repairs, they’ll push for everything that benefits you.

5. Spot Homes Other Buyers Overlook

Sometimes a home sits simply because of poor photos, outdated staging, or small cosmetic fixes—opportunities for you to save.

Zillow’s Take on Hunting for Deals

Zillow reinforces this strategy:

“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.”

And that’s exactly what buyers in Orlando are doing right now.

The combination of market shifts, seasonal slowdowns, and motivated sellers is creating one of the best opportunities to negotiate that we’ve seen in years.

Bottom Line: The Best Deals Are Where Most People Aren’t Looking

If you’re serious about finding a house for sale in Orlando without overpaying, start by focusing on the listings that have been sitting the longest. These properties offer some of the strongest negotiation opportunities in today’s market.

With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices, a growing number of motivated homeowners, and many buyers stepping back due to market uncertainty, this is your window to secure real value.

A great deal doesn’t always come from the newest listing—it comes from the smartest strategy.

Ready to Find the Best Deals in Orlando?

Let’s talk about where to find them in our area.

I can guide you through price reductions, days-on-market trends, and negotiation strategies to help you get the most home for your money.

Whether you're just starting to explore buying a home in Orlando or you're ready to make an offer, I’m here to help.