Days on Market Real Estate: What It Tells Buyers and How to Use It to Your Advantage

Quick answer: In real estate, days on market (DOM) is the number of days a property is listed for sale before going under contract. A home sitting more than 30 days in a hot market — or 60-plus days in a slower one — may raise buyer questions but also signal negotiation opportunities. DOM is calculated by counting the days from the first MLS listing date until an accepted offer.

Key takeaways

• The national median DOM is currently 43 days, up seven days year over year, according to Redfin.
  
• Inventory is up 14% year over year, while homes sold above list price have dropped to 29%.
  
• For buyers, a high DOM may raise questions, but it can also present unique negotiation opportunities.
  

What does days on market mean in real estate?

Days on market (DOM) refers to the total number of days a home is listed for sale before going under contract. It starts from the first day the property is listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and ends once the seller accepts an offer. DOM is a widely used metric for gauging demand, competitiveness, and pricing.

As of July 2025, the national median DOM is 43 days — about a week longer than last year’s average. Homes are generally taking longer to sell, signaling a cooling market where buyers have more leverage. In May 2025, properties stayed on the market an average of 51 days, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, underscoring this shift toward slower sales.

For more context on shifting market conditions, see Redfin’s guide: Is It Finally a Buyer’s Market? Here’s How to Tell.

How many days is too long?

What counts as “too long” depends on the local market. Nationally, the current average is 43 days. In fast-paced seller’s markets, more than 30 days may raise buyer concerns. In balanced or slower markets, a home sitting 60-plus days is often seen as lagging behind comparable properties.

Examples:

• Florida: Median DOM is 75 days, suggesting extended selling timelines.

• Texas: Median DOM is 58 days, up 12 days from last year.

Buyers should see a long DOM as a signal to investigate pricing, condition, or location — but also as an opening for negotiation.

How to calculate DOM in real estate

To calculate DOM, count the days from the property’s initial MLS listing date until it goes under contract. For example, if a home was listed on July 1 and accepted an offer on July 20, its DOM would be 19 days.

Keep in mind: Relistings can reset DOM, so it’s important to check price history and listing changes for the full picture.

Your Redfin agent can help you review a property’s price history and DOM trends to uncover hidden insights. 

Learn more here: How to Negotiate When Buying a House.

Why days on market matter to buyers

When a listing lingers longer than comparable homes, buyers often assume something is wrong. Common perceptions include:

• Overpricing: A high DOM often signals that the asking price is too ambitious.

• Hidden issues: Buyers may suspect structural problems, outdated features, or costly repairs.

• Reduced competition: Fewer offers may indicate negotiation opportunities.
  

Why a long DOM can be a hidden opportunity

While caution is natural, buyers should also recognize the potential upsides of long DOM listings:

• Room to negotiate: Sellers may be more flexible on price or concessions.

• Less pressure: Buyers can take more time for inspections and due diligence.

• Market shifts: Rising DOM in certain regions creates leverage for buyers.
  

Tips for buyers evaluating a high-DOM property

If you’re considering a home with a longer DOM, approach it strategically:

1. Check the price history. See whether the listing has had reductions.

2. Get a thorough inspection. Rule out major issues before moving forward.

3. Compare comps. Review recently sold nearby homes for pricing context.

4. Ask why it hasn’t sold. Agents can often uncover reasons like timing, location, or cosmetic concerns.

5. Use DOM in negotiations. Leverage a high DOM to request favorable terms such as closing cost assistance or repairs.
   

For more strategies, see Redfin’s guide: How to Negotiate When Buying a House.

Frequently asked questions

What is considered a high DOM?
It depends on the market. Nationally, homes are sitting for about 43 days. In hot markets, more than 30 days may raise questions, while in slower markets, 60-plus days may be normal.

Does a high DOM always mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. It could reflect overpricing, seasonal timing, or limited buyer demand in the area.

How do I calculate DOM?
Count the days between the initial MLS listing date and the date the home goes under contract. Watch for relistings or price changes that may reset the clock.

Can buyers get a better deal on a long-DOM home?
Often, yes. Sellers with a high DOM may be more motivated to accept lower offers or concessions.

Final thoughts

For buyers, DOM is an important signal but not the whole story. A high DOM may raise concerns, but it can also present unique opportunities. With the right research, inspections, and negotiations, buyers can turn a long DOM into an advantage.

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