Is a House That Has Been on the Market for 90 Days a Red Flag?

Updated October 2026

If you're looking at a house that's been on the market for 90 days, you might wonder what's wrong with it. Is it overpriced? Did an inspection uncover a problem? Are the sellers difficult to work with?

The short answer is not necessarily. A home sitting on the market for 90 days isn't automatically a red flag, but it's worth understanding why it hasn't sold.

We get asked this one a lot, and the answer depends on the home's price, condition, location, and competition. Here's what we'd look at before deciding whether a property is a hidden opportunity or one to approach with caution.

Why Hasn't the House Sold After 90 Days?

Sometimes, the explanation is simple: the home was priced too high when it first hit the market. Buyers may have liked it but decided it wasn't worth the asking price. Even after a price reduction, those buyers may have moved on.

Other times, the home needs updating, the listing photos don't show it well, or the property has features that appeal to a smaller group of buyers. Homes with unique floor plans, or more remote locations may simply take longer to find the right buyer.

And sometimes, there's nothing seriously wrong with the house. It just hasn't attracted the right buyer at the right price.

Is the House Overpriced or Hiding a Problem?

Pricing is one of the first things we'd investigate. We'd review the original asking price, price reductions, recent comparable sales, and competing listings. A home can have several price reductions and still be overpriced, while another may finally be priced realistically after a few months.

We'd also look at the property's condition. A long listing period could reflect costly repairs or maintenance concerns, but days on the market alone won't tell you that.

Before making an offer, review available disclosures and ask questions about the property's history. On acreage, that might include checking the well, septic system, or property lines. Don't assume something is wrong just because a home hasn't sold. But don't skip your due diligence because the price looks attractive, either.

Can You Negotiate a Better Deal?

Maybe! A seller who's had a home listed for 90 days may be more open to negotiation, especially if their circumstances have changed , but some are willing to wait for the right offer. Standard practice on our team is to call the seller’s agent and ask about their client’s situation so we can have all the information when our clients are ready to put in an offer. 

We also look at comparable sales, the property's pricing history, competing homes, and any known neighborhood issues before recommending an offer. Sometimes a lower price makes sense. Other times, flexible closing dates or different contract terms may help create an agreement that works for both sides.

The goal is to understand what the home is worth today, not simply how long it's been sitting on the market.

What Should You Do Before Making an Offer?

If you've found a home that's been listed for 90 days, don't automatically cross it off your list. Ask your agent to review the listing history, compare recent sales, and investigate any known concerns. Consider what repairs or updates might cost and whether the asking price reflects the property's condition.

Most importantly, decide whether the home meets your needs and makes financial sense.

So, Is 90 Days on the Market a Red Flag?

Not by itself. It's a reason to ask better questions.

We see homes take longer to sell for all kinds of reasons, from unrealistic pricing to unique features or changing buyer demand. In North Idaho and the Spokane area, local conditions and price range matter just as much as the number of days on the market.

Whether you're buying a home that's been sitting or selling one that hasn't attracted offers, understanding the reasons behind the listing timeline can help you make a smarter decision.

Those 90 days might be a warning sign, or they might be an opportunity. The key is knowing the difference!