Did you know that in June, Redfin reported the highest cancellation rate on pending home sales since 2017, that’s nearly 15%? Yes, almost 1 in 7 home deals fell through, putting thousands of properties unexpectedly back on the market. So, this seems like bad news, right? For real estate investors, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.
With motivated sellers and less competition, BOM (Back on Market) listings can lead to more favorable negotiation outcomes. Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to grow your portfolio, BOM properties can offer serious value if you know how to spot them, act strategically, and quickly.
At Marketplace Homes, we’ve helped investors across the country capitalize on these moments not just now, but for years. We specialize in helping people like you make smart moves during key market shifts. Ready to how you can maximize on a BOM? Keep reading.
What Does “Back on Market” Actually Mean?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s define what a BOM listing is and why it happens.
In simple terms, a BOM listing is a property that returns to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) after a sale falls through. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
- A buyer’s financing didn’t get approved
- Minor inspection issues caused the buyer to back out
- The buyer simply changed their mind
Here’s the key takeaway to a BOM: when a deal falls through, it extends the seller’s timeline to sell and can make them more motivated than ever for a new deal. For investors, this can open the door to your next smart investment if you bring the right strategy and insight to the table.
Why BOM Listings Are Smart Buys for Investors
More Negotiating Power
Sellers whose deals just collapsed are often more flexible on price, closing costs, and contingencies. They’re eager to avoid going through another round of uncertainty.
Faster Closings
Being pre-approved or buying with cash, you can often close quickly, something especially appealing to sellers who’ve already experienced delays.
Less Competition
BOM homes often don’t show up on first-time buyer radars. That means less bidding pressure, giving you more room to move strategically.
How to Build a Back on Market Strategy
Are you buying your first rental or adding another door to your portfolio? Here’s how to turn BOM listings into long-term gains:
1. Set Up Smart Alerts
Use MLS filters to watch for BOM listings in your target markets. Want a shortcut to market insider listings? Check out Marketplace Homes listings herewhere we highlight investment-ready homes that we have direct access to the sellers behind them.
2. Ask the Right Questions
Always find out why the home came back to the market. Was it financing? Inspections? Understanding the reason lets you craft a smarter, stronger offer. Working with the right real estate agent should be able to provide this key information and help you use it to your advantage.
3. Be Offer-Ready
A clean, fast offer, especially with flexible terms or no financing contingencies, can win over a seller eager to move forward. The right agent can help you build a compelling offerby understanding the seller’s motivation and pain points.
4. Lean on Proven Experts
At Marketplace Homes, we’ve worked with thousands of sellers. We know how to communicate and negotiate on behalf of investors, and we often work with sellers who’ve previously listed with us, giving you inside insight others don’t have. Just this past week, a Marketplace Homes agent connected a Detroit-based investor with the owner and resulted in a quick closing. That’s the kind of real-time network leverage that sets you apart. In the world of real estate investing, connections aren’t optional; they’re essential. And with Marketplace Homes, you get a team that can move fast and make smart wins.
Why Work With Marketplace Homes?
We’re not just a typical brokerage; we’re an investment-focused real estate partnerwith a national footprint. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over 15 years of experienceworking with both sellers and investors nationwide
- Expertise in investment-friendly marketsand rental-ready properties coast to coast
- Long-standing relationships with sellers who’ve listed with us, giving us an edge in negotiations
- A dedicated investment teamthat understands your goals. Whether you’re building wealth, flipping homes, or expanding your rental portfolio.
Final Thoughts: BOM Means Opportunity
In real estate, “Back on Market” doesn’t mean someone else’s problem. It often means a second chance, and a smart investment move waiting to be made. BOM listings can be your entry point into investing or your next great additionto a growing portfolio, especially when approached with the right strategy and support team, with years of experience in various markets across the country.
Want help finding your next investment property?
Browse listings curated by Marketplace Homes here.
Have questions or want a one-on-one strategy session?
Contact our experienced investor team today. We’re here to help you move from interest to investment with confidence, and to make sure you walk away the winner at the closing table.