Blog > How Long Is Too Long? What It Means If Your Markham Home Has Been on the Market for 100+ Days
How Long Is Too Long? What It Means If Your Markham Home Has Been on the Market for 100+ Days
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How Long Is Too Long? What It Means If Your Markham Home Has Been on the Market for 100+ Days
As a top real estate agent in Markham, I help sellers navigate these challenging moments. In 2026, homes listed for over 100 days are finally attracting attention as buyer confidence returns. But if your property is sitting, it’s not just bad luck—it’s a signal. Here is what that signal means and how to fix it.
The "Stale Listing" Stigma in 2026
In the frenzied market of the early 2020s, a home sitting for 30 days was considered "stale." In 2026, the clock has slowed. However, crossing the 100-day threshold still carries weight. Buyers see "Days on Market" (DOM) and immediately ask: "What’s wrong with it?"
The Reality: A high DOM usually points to one of three issues: Price, Presentation, or Exposure. In Markham’s current balanced market, buyers are cautious. They won’t overpay for a property that has been ignored by everyone else.
The Opportunity: The good news? Buyer fatigue is setting in. With inventory rising, buyers are returning to older listings that they previously skipped. If priced correctly now, these "stale" homes are selling—often to patient buyers who value substance over hype.
Reason 1: The Price Was Wrong from Day One
This is the most common culprit. In 2026, "testing the market" with an inflated price is a dangerous strategy. Unlike in a seller’s market, buyers in Markham today have options. If your home was listed 10% above comparable sales in Unionville or Wismer, buyers simply moved on.
The Fix: Stop chasing the market down. If you’ve had zero offers in 100 days, the market has spoken. You must reprice to current active competition, not what sold 6 months ago. A sharp, decisive price correction can reignite interest and even trigger a bidding war if the new price represents true value.
Reason 2: Presentation Fatigue
Even the best homes look tired after 3 months online. If your listing photos were taken in winter and it’s now spring, the lighting and landscaping don’t match. If you’ve had 20 showings but no offers, the issue isn’t exposure—it’s impression.
⚠️ The "Refresh" Checklist
- New Photos: Retake main images in better weather. Bright, airy photos click 40% more often.
- Staging Update: Swap out heavy winter decor for light, spring accents. Fresh flowers and open windows make a huge difference.
- Minor Repairs: Fix that leaky faucet or cracked tile. Buyers scrutinize stale listings harder than fresh ones.
Reason 3: Marketing Burnout
Most agents list a home, hold two open houses, and then wait. In 2026, passive listing is dead. If your home has been on MLS for 100 days, it has likely fallen off the first page of search results. New buyers entering the market may never see it.
The Fix: Relist. Sometimes, pulling the listing for 30 days and then relisting with a new MLS number, new description, and new photos can reset the algorithm and bring your home back to the "New Listings" feed. This strategy, known as "refreshing," must be done ethically and transparently, but it works.
Currently 28 days for detached, 45 days for condos. 100+ is an outlier.
Homes reduced by 5-8% after 60 days sell 2x faster than those holding firm.
Buyers assume something is wrong. You must proactively address this in negotiations.
Sellers of stale listings have less leverage. Be prepared for stricter conditions.
The "Zombie Listing" Trap
A "Zombie Listing" is a home that stays on the market for months with no price changes and no marketing updates. These homes become invisible. Buyers assume the seller is unrealistic or difficult. In Markham’s 2026 market, where transparency is valued, being perceived as "difficult" can kill a deal before it starts.
If you are stuck in zombie mode, you need a hard conversation with your agent. Are they actively promoting your home? Are they getting feedback? If not, it may be time to switch strategies—or agents.
How to Sell a 100-Day Old Listing in Markham
- Audit the Feedback: Review every showing comment. Is there a pattern? (e.g., "kitchen too small," "smells like pets," "price too high"). Address the top complaint.
- Reprice Aggressively: Don’t drop by $10,000. Drop to a psychological bracket (e.g., from $1,010,000 to $989,000). This opens up a new pool of buyers searching under $1M.
- Reset the Clock: Consider withdrawing and relisting if the DOM is hurting your visibility. Ensure all previous disclosure documents are ready for immediate review.
- Incentivize: Offer to pay for a home warranty, include appliances, or cover legal fees. Small concessions can break the deadlock.
Market
Adjustment
Sale
Why Work With a CPA-REALTOR® for Stale Listings?
Selling a stale listing requires financial precision. As a CPA and REALTOR®, I analyze the carrying costs of your unsold home (mortgage, tax, utilities) against the potential gain from a price reduction. Often, taking a $20,000 hit now is cheaper than holding the property for another 3 months. I help you make the mathematically correct decision, not just the emotional one.
Stuck in a Stale Listing?
Let’s audit your strategy. Whether you need a fresh marketing plan, a pricing correction, or a new agent perspective, Michael John Lau provides the clarity to get your home sold.
🏆 Michael John Lau — Awards & Recognition
Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Market data and days on market statistics are subject to change based on TRREB reporting. This guide does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified real estate professional regarding your specific listing strategy. Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract with another brokerage.
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