Don’t Overlook That Home That’s Been Sitting on the Market in Columbia

You’re scrolling listings and notice a house that’s been on the market longer than most. Instantly, the questions pop up:

What’s wrong with it?
Why hasn’t it sold yet?
Am I missing something?

A few years ago, those were fair questions. Back then, homes in Columbia were selling in days—sometimes hours. Anything that lingered raised red flags. But today’s market looks very different, and that “days on market” number doesn’t automatically mean trouble.

More Time on Market Is the New Normal

Inventory has grown, buyers have more options, and homes are simply taking longer to sell across the country. Nationally, the median days on market is hovering around 72 days.

Here’s the key local insight: Columbia is outperforming that number by a wide margin. For December 2025, homes in the Columbia MLS averaged just 32 days on market—less than half the national median.

So when you see a Columbia home that’s been listed longer than average, it doesn’t automatically signal a problem. Sometimes it’s just a reflection of timing, competition, or initial pricing.

Why a Home Might Still Be Available

In many cases, a house that’s been sitting isn’t flawed—it’s just been overlooked. Common reasons include:

The seller priced it a bit too high at first
The photos didn’t do it justice online
Buyers gravitated toward flashier listings nearby
There were a lot of similar homes hitting the market at the same time
It launched during a slower window

None of these are deal-breakers. In fact, they can create opportunity.

Where We See Buyers Get It Wrong

It’s easy to assume a longer-listed home must have hidden issues. But if there are concerns, they typically surface during inspections, and that’s valuable information, not an automatic reason to walk away.

In many situations, these homes offer more negotiating power, flexibility on terms, or price adjustments that newer listings don’t. Some of the best deals we see for our buyers come from properties other buyers skipped too quickly!

What To Keep In Mind

A longer days-on-market number doesn’t automatically mean trouble—especially in Columbia, where homes still sell faster than the national average.

The trick is knowing which homes deserve a second look and which truly don’t. That’s where working with a local Columbia agent matters. We know the neighborhoods, the pricing trends, and the behind-the-scenes details in the MLS that help separate a missed opportunity from a real red flag.