06/11/2026
With current interest rates and recent home appreciation, finding a good house can be tough. If you’re looking for a deal or a good way to see appreciation, look for these things:
1) Days on Market - Look for homes that have been sitting well beyond average days on market. If you find homes that have been sitting for 100-150+ days, you may have a good opportunity to negotiate.
2) Condition/Aesthetic Appeal - If you can look past aesthetic or cosmetic issues (ie, old wallpaper, overgrown landscaping, worn out carpet etc) you may be able to find a gem that others have passed up and add value to it with a relatively small additional investment.
3) Off Market Properties - These can be tricky but if you find a home you love, it may be worth reaching out to the seller or having your agent reach out to see if they’d consider selling. You may avoid competition and be able to get it for a good price that works for all parties.
4) Location - While many people want to live in the areas that are popular today, if you can find a home in an area that is not yet as popular but has growth potential due to expected nearby expansion or businesses coming to the area or future improvement plans, you may be able to find a good deal and see good appreciation in the future.
5) New Construction - While possibly not as intuitive, new construction homes can be great deals as they often offer lower interest rates if you use their preferred lender. In addition, you may be able to get warranties, appliances, closing costs coverage, or other incentives especially if the home is already built, and the builder is needing to move inventory.
