How to Use Days on Market Data to Make Smart Home Buying Decisions

Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes

You can learn a lot about a property from its listing page. In addition to information about a home’s square footage, amenities, and features, a listing will also reveal an important indicator to your local market: its days on market.

What Does Days on Market Mean?

Days on Market (DOM) refers to the number of days a property is listed for sale before going under contract. It’s calculated by counting the days from the official start of sale until the property is sold.

Why Does this Metric Matter?

DOM is a metric for gauging demand, competition, and pricing. What counts as “too many” days on market depends on local market behavior. For example, in fast paced seller’s markets, a home that lingers on market for more than a few days may raise buyer concerns. On the inverse, a home that sits for 60 days or longer in slower markets can indicate that the property is lagging behind comparables.

DOM also contributes to inventory counts, which are calculated monthly to forecast how home prices and construction starts impact the overall market. In September 2025, the median days on market in the United States was 62, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. This is a full 7 days longer than was reported September 2024 at a median of 55 days.

Homes are generally taking longer to sell, signaling a cooling market where buyers have more of an advantage than sellers.

How Can High DOM Be an Opportunity for Homebuyers?

Market Shifts

A local trend of rising DOM could signal reduced competition and a shift toward buyer favor. If you’re interested in a home and notice that it’s been stagnant on the market, it may be time to look more closely at its pricing, condition, or location.

You can leverage your Real Estate Agent to find out more information about the property and why it’s been listed for so long. Together, you can look at comparables, or properties that have recently sold and have similar square footage, bedrooms, or other qualities to the home in question. If other homes have sold quickly but at a lower listing price, it could be an indication that the listing price is too high. The more information you have about the home, the more relevant your offer will be.

Room to Negotiate

A high DOM could signal that the asking price of the home is too ambitious when compared to its condition. Sellers may be more flexible on their listing price or concessions because they’ve yet to accept an offer. If a seller isn’t willing to compromise on the price, you may have the opportunity to request other favorable terms, such as closing cost assistance or repairs before moving in.

Less Pressure

Buyers may feel that they can take their time during important processes, such as a home’s inspection, if they know the home has spent a longer time on the market. However, experts advise looking for signs that the property may cost you more money down the line. There may be hidden issues with the home, such as costly repairs, structural problems, or outdated features that buyers don’t want to adopt.

Helping You Make Informed Homebuying Decisions

To make the best home offer possible, be sure you’re teaming up with a Real Estate Agent and a Licensed Loan Originator. While your Real Estate Agent can help you navigate the market, your Loan Originator will ensure you’re one step ahead by finding the perfect loan program for you. Contact us today for a pre-approval and to create your winning offer!