When buyers scroll through homes for sale and notice a property that’s been sitting longer than expected, the reaction is almost instant:

What’s wrong with it?
Why hasn’t it sold yet?
Am I missing a red flag?

That instinct made sense during the ultra-competitive market of recent years. But today’s housing market in Conejo Valley looks very different—and skipping these listings could mean missing a real opportunity.

Longer Time on Market Is More Common in Today’s Market

Just a few years ago, homes in places like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, and Oak Park were selling in days—sometimes hours. Anything that lingered raised eyebrows.

That’s no longer the baseline.

Inventory has increased, buyers have more choices, and homes are simply taking longer to sell across Ventura County. The average days on market has risen this year, and while it may feel slow compared to the frenzy of the past, it’s actually much closer to a normal, balanced market.

In other words, time on market alone is no longer a reliable warning sign.

Why Some Homes Sit Longer—Without Anything Being “Wrong”

In today’s Conejo Valley housing market, a home that hasn’t sold quickly often comes down to factors like:

• More competing listings in the same neighborhood

• An initial price that was slightly too high

• Photos that didn’t showcase the home well online

• Buyers gravitating toward newer or flashier listings

• Timing issues when the home first launched

None of these automatically mean a home is a bad buy.

Sometimes there are condition issues—but those typically surface during inspections, where buyers gain leverage rather than risk.

What Buyers Often Misjudge About These Listings

Many buyers assume a longer-listed home must have hidden problems. In reality, some of the best opportunities come from homes that others overlooked too quickly.

If issues do exist, inspections and disclosures bring them to light. That information becomes a negotiating tool—not a reason to walk away by default.

The real challenge is knowing which homes are worth a second look and which ones truly should be avoided.

That’s where local expertise matters.

A knowledgeable Conejo Valley real estate team can review disclosures, pricing history, neighborhood trends, and buyer behavior to identify properties that offer real value—not just longer days on market.

Bottom Line

A home sitting on the market isn’t always a red flag.
Sometimes, it’s an opportunity other buyers missed.

If you want help identifying which homes in Conejo Valley are worth a second look—and which ones to skip—Lydia Gable Realty Group can help you navigate the market with clarity and confidence.

Reach out anytime to start the conversation.