The Truth About “Days on Market” (And What It Means for Buyers)

When buyers browse listings, one number can reveal more than almost anything else: Days on Market (DOM).It shows how long a property has been listed — but to a savvy buyer, it can also offer insight into pricing, competition, seller motivation, and potential negotiation power.

Here’s what DOM really means, how to interpret it, and how buyers can use it to their advantage.

1. What Exactly Is “Days on Market”?

DOM = The number of days a property has been actively listed for sale.It starts counting the moment the listing goes live and stops when the home goes under contract.

DOM acts as a quick snapshot of:

• buyer interest

• local demand

• overall competitiveness

• whether the listing may have issues

But it should never be interpreted in isolation — context matters.

2. Low DOM Usually Signals High Demand

If a home has only been on the market for a few days, buyers should expect:

• competition

• multiple offers

• strong pricing

• limited time to decide

• little room for negotiation

Low DOM often indicates a well-priced home in a desirable area — or a market with tight inventory.

3. High DOM Doesn’t Always Mean Something Is Wrong

A long DOM can raise eyebrows, but it’s not always a red flag. High DOM can happen because:

• seasonality (holidays, slow months)

• poor marketing or bad photos

• overpricing

• limited showing availability

• niche or unique home features

• recent price changes that buyers haven’t noticed yet

Sometimes a home simply hasn’t reached the right buyer yet.

4. High DOM Can Mean More Negotiation Power

For buyers, a higher DOM often creates opportunities:

• sellers may be more flexible

• price reductions become more likely

• closing cost credits may be negotiable

• terms like repairs or timelines become easier to negotiate

A high-DOM home sometimes leads to the best deals for patient buyers.

5. Pay Attention to Price Reductions

If a home sits on the market too long, sellers often reduce the price.Buyers should watch for:

• multiple price drops

• large reductions

• reductions following long silence

These patterns suggest sellers may be ready to compromise.

6. The DOM “Reset” Trick

Some sellers withdraw a listing and relist it later to “reset” the DOM.This is common when:

• the home was overpriced

• the agent changes photos

• they want a fresh start

An experienced agent can see this in the property’s history, even if the public DOM looks low.

7. Market Type Matters

DOM behaves differently depending on the market condition.

Seller’s Market

• Homes sell fast

• Low DOM is normal

• High DOM is a red flag

Buyer’s Market

• Homes sit longer

• Higher DOM becomes normal

• Negotiation power increases

Balanced Market

• Typical DOM varies by neighborhood and price range

Know your local market before judging DOM.

8. DOM Varies by Price Range and Location

Luxury homes almost always have a higher DOM because:

• buyer pool is smaller

• expectations are higher

• customization limits appeal

Meanwhile, starter homes often sell fastest.Neighborhoods also vary depending on demand, amenities, and schools.

9. Use DOM Alongside Other Clues

To understand the full picture, pair DOM with:

• price filters

• listing history

• neighborhood comps

• seller disclosures

• recent sales timelines

• the quality of photos and marketing

DOM is powerful — but only when interpreted correctly.

10. Final Thoughts: DOM Is a Tool, Not a Verdict

“Days on Market” is one of the most useful metrics in real estate, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.Buyers who understand DOM can:

• spot deals

• avoid overpriced homes

• recognize competitive listings

• time their offers strategically

When viewed with context, DOM becomes a valuable guide for making confident, informed decisions.