Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home That’s Been Sitting For Sale in the LBI Real Estate Market
- Nathan Colmer
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home That’s Been Sitting For Sale in the LBI Real Estate Market: Long Beach Island Real Estate Buyer Tips
When browsing Long Beach Island homes for sale, it’s easy to scroll past properties that have been on the market longer than others. Many buyers assume a listing with higher days on market must have something “wrong” with it. However, on LBI, that assumption can cause buyers to miss some of the island’s best opportunities. The LBI real estate market is unique, and longer days on market often reflect market timing, pricing strategy, or buyer psychology—not property quality. Here’s why taking a closer look at homes that haven’t sold right away can work to your advantage.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
LBI Is Not a One‑Size‑Fits‑All Market
Unlike a mainland market, Long Beach Island is made up of many small, distinct towns, each with its own buyer pool, zoning rules, and seasonal demand cycles. A home sitting on the market in Harvey Cedars or Brant Beach may perform very differently than a similar home in Ship Bottom or Surf City.
On LBI, longer days on market can simply mean:
The home launched outside peak buying season
It missed early exposure while buyers waited for summer inventory
It’s priced at a luxury level with a smaller buyer audience
None of these factors necessarily indicate poor value.
Price Adjustments Can Create Opportunity
One of the most common reasons a home sits on the market is initial overpricing. Sellers often test higher price points to gauge demand—especially in a premium coastal market like Long Beach Island.
When those homes remain unsold, price adjustments frequently follow. For buyers, this can create a window to:
Purchase a property now priced more realistically
Negotiate below list price
Secure better terms, concessions, or closing flexibility
Some of the strongest LBI purchases occur after a listing has had time to “settle” into the market.
Seasonality Plays a Bigger Role on Long Beach Island
Timing matters more on LBI than in many other markets. A home listed in late summer or fall may experience slower activity as attention shifts away from second‑home purchases.
That doesn’t mean the home lacks value—it may simply be waiting for:
The next wave of spring buyers
Improved weather for showings
A shift in buyer urgency
Savvy buyers often target longer‑listed properties in the off‑season, when competition is lighter and negotiations are more favorable.
Unique or Higher‑End Homes Naturally Take Longer to Sell
Many LBI homes are custom builds, legacy properties, or high‑end coastal residences. These homes often:
Appeal to a more specific buyer profile
Require longer decision timelines
Involve cash or complex financing
As a result, it’s completely normal for premium or architecturally unique homes to spend more time on the market. Longer marketing periods do not equal lower quality—often they reflect exclusivity.
Existing Homes May Offer Renovation Upside
Some homes sit longer because they’re not fully updated—but that can be a major advantage.
On Long Beach Island, older homes:
Often sit on valuable land
May allow for phased renovations
Can offer customization without new‑construction pricing
For buyers willing to renovate, these properties can provide long‑term value that newer, move‑in‑ready homes simply can’t match at the same price point.
Less Competition Means Stronger Buyer Leverage
Homes that have been on the market longer typically attract:
Fewer competing buyers
Less emotional bidding
More thoughtful negotiations
This gives buyers leverage when it comes to pricing, inspection requests, closing timelines, or seller credits. In contrast, newly listed homes often bring multiple offers and limited negotiating room.
The Real Question Isn’t “Why Hasn’t It Sold?”
Instead of asking why a home hasn’t sold yet, the better questions are:
Has the price adjusted to reflect current market conditions?
Does the home fit my long‑term goals on LBI?
Can I negotiate terms that improve overall value?
On Long Beach Island, many excellent properties simply need the right buyer at the right time. Understanding what creates value in the LBI real estate market can give you insight into understand the errors that a seller and a seller's agent may have made. Those mistakes could translate into a deal in the Long Beach Island real estate market.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home That’s Been Sitting For Sale in the LBI Real Estate Market
A home that’s been sitting on the market isn’t necessarily a red flag—especially on Long Beach Island. In many cases, it represents opportunity, flexibility, and value that newer listings cannot offer. By evaluating each property on its merits, understanding LBI’s seasonal rhythms, and working with a local expert who knows town‑by‑town trends, buyers can often find exceptional homes that others overlook.
If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in the LBI real estate market, I bring decades of local experience and market knowledge to every transaction. I'm Nathan Colmer, a Long Beach Island real estate agent with more than 20 years of experience helping clients successfully navigate the island's unique real estate landscape, with a particular focus on second homes and investment properties.
In addition to representing buyers and sellers, I actively invest in LBI real estate, allowing me to offer practical, firsthand insight into market trends, rental potential, and long-term value. Whether you're searching for a vacation home, evaluating an investment opportunity, or preparing to sell, I provide personalized strategies and trusted guidance to help you achieve your goals.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
