Market Metrics
What Is Days on Market (DOM) in Real Estate?
Days on Market (DOM) is the number of days a property has been actively listed for sale before going under contract. It's a critical signal of both market demand and individual property attractiveness — and something every buyer and seller asks about.
DOM and What It Signals
Low DOM (1–14 days)
Home sold quickly — high demand, competitive market, or excellent pricing. Buyers should expect multiple offers and limited negotiation room. In extreme seller's markets, DOM can average 5–10 days.
High DOM (60+ days)
Home has been sitting. This signals overpricing, poor condition, location issues, or soft demand. Buyers have more leverage — they can negotiate price, ask for concessions, and take time to complete due diligence.
Cumulative DOM (CDOM)
Includes prior listing periods if a home was relisted after expiring or being withdrawn. CDOM is the true market exposure time. A home listed for 30 days, withdrawn, and relisted shows 30 DOM but 60+ CDOM — a more complete picture.
Days to Close
Different from DOM. DOM ends when the home goes under contract (pending). Days to close measures from contract to settlement — typically 30–45 days for financed buyers, 7–21 days for cash. Total time from list to close = DOM + closing period.
Days on Market FAQ
Do sellers reset DOM by relisting?
In some MLS systems, canceling and relisting does reset DOM — which is why tracking cumulative DOM (CDOM) matters. Sophisticated buyers and buyer agents always check CDOM, not just current listing DOM. MLS rules on resetting DOM vary by region.
How does high DOM affect negotiations?
A property sitting 90+ days in a normal-speed market tells buyers the seller is likely motivated. Buyers can offer below asking price, request repairs or credits after inspection, include contingencies without apology, and negotiate on closing date. The stigma of days on market is real — and useful for buyers.
What is the average DOM in my market?
Check your local MLS or Redfin market data. National median DOM fluctuates significantly — it dropped to 18–20 days at the peak of the 2021–2022 seller's market and rose to 50+ days in softer conditions. Always compare individual property DOM to the current market average to judge whether a listing is fast or slow relative to conditions.
Why do some well-priced homes have high DOM?
Even properly priced homes can have high DOM due to condition (deferred maintenance buyers can see during showings), location issues (busy road, power lines, backing to commercial), layout problems (poor floor plan), or timing (listed during holidays or school year slowdown). Price is not the only factor.
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