What Is ‘Days on Market’ (DOM) in a Home Sale?

3 weeks ago 10

In the current market, one of the big challenges home sellers face is the time it takes to find a buyer. High interest rates have made buyers hesitant. In the real estate industry, this listing-to-contract period is referred to as DOM, or “days on market.”

What is “days on market” in a home sale? How might this metric impact your transaction, moving plans, or proceeds?

This easy-scan Q&A post is specifically designed for sellers, whether your home is already listed on the market or you’re making plans and need to estimate a timeline.

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HomeLight analyzes millions of real estate transactions to find top real estate agents — agents who sell homes faster and for more money than average agents. To minimize the number of days your house sits on the market, connect with an agent who knows your area and will go above and beyond.

What is ‘days on market’ in a home sale?

In real estate, “days on market” refers to the total number of days a home is listed for sale before an offer is accepted. This period begins when the property is listed and ends when it goes under contract or is removed from the market (delisted). DOM serves as a key indicator of market activity and a home’s appeal to potential buyers.

Why does ‘days on market’ on a listing matter?

DOM is significant because it reflects the property’s desirability and the health of the local housing market. A low DOM suggests that homes are selling quickly, often due to high demand or competitive pricing. On the other hand, a high DOM may signal overpricing, inadequate marketing, or limited buyer interest.

Properties with extended DOM can become stigmatized, leading buyers to assume there is something wrong with the house, which may lead to lower offers. As a home seller, you can work with your agent to improve your home’s curb appeal and marketability. (More on this in a minute.)

How long does it usually take to sell a home?

The time it takes to sell a home varies based on factors such as location, local market conditions, the skill of your agent, and pricing. As of early 2025, the median DOM in the U.S. was approximately 66 days. However, this number fluctuates regionally. In one state or city, a home might go under contract within 30 days, and in another, it might take more than 100 days to find a buyer.

Real estate groups such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and companies like Zillow host online pages that allow users to select and download days on market statistics for locations throughout the country. You can also visit your state’s Realtor Association website to find days on market numbers for your city.

Perspective note: The pandemic fueled a surge in home buying, leading to a seller’s market where houses were selling at record speeds (and prices). In the summer of 2021, the average listing was on the market for only two weeks. In the hottest markets, a seller could get a signed purchase offer in just two or three days.

What happens if a home sits on the market?

If your home lingers on the market longer than average, buyers may start to wonder why. Even if there’s nothing wrong with your property, the perception of “something must be off” can grow the longer it stays unsold.

A high DOM can trigger lowball offers or invite skepticism, especially in a market where homes are moving somewhat quickly. It can also put you at a disadvantage during negotiations, since buyers may assume you’re feeling pressure to sell.

In some cases, an extended DOM can mean you’ll need to reduce your asking price or offer concessions to attract interest. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s holding back your sale—and take action to fix it.

What can help speed up a home sale?

Several factors can help reduce your home’s days on market and attract serious buyers more quickly:

Set a competitive price from the start: Overpricing your home can lead to delays and price cuts later. A good agent will run a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you choose a price that reflects local demand.
Make sure your home is show-ready: Clean thoroughly, declutter, boost curb appeal, and consider staging to help buyers picture themselves living there.
Invest in strong listing photos: Most buyers start their search online, and high-quality images can help your home stand out.
Work with an experienced agent. A top agent brings expert pricing insight, marketing know-how, and negotiation skills that can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells.
Time your listing strategically. Depending on your market, listing during the spring or early summer could boost your chances of a faster sale.
Offer a seller concession or credit: This might include covering the buyer’s agent commission, offering a repair credit, or buying down the buyer’s mortgage interest rate. These concessions can make your home more appealing — especially in a market where buyers are facing affordability challenges.

Try our Best Time to Sell Calculator

This free tool uses transaction data to determine what times of year homes in your market sell the fastest and for the most money.

Is it bad to de-list and re-list a home for sale?

Temporarily taking your home off the market and re-listing it later might seem like a way to hit the reset button, but it can come with some downsides.

Buyers and their agents often have access to a home’s listing history. If they see that a property was pulled and re-listed, they may get the impression something was wrong, like the price was too high or the seller wasn’t serious. In competitive markets, that kind of uncertainty can turn people away.

In some areas, re-listing may not fully reset your days on market either. Even if the DOM counter goes back to zero, buyers who are paying attention might notice the gap. Before making a move, it’s worth talking with a top local agent to understand the pros and cons of re-listing your home based on your specific market conditions.

How can I find an agent that sells homes fast?

The right real estate agent can make all the difference when you’re aiming for a faster home sale. Experienced agents know how to price your home strategically, market it effectively, and create early momentum with motivated buyers.

If you’re not sure where to start, HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool makes it easy to connect with top-performing agents in your area. We analyze nearly 30 million real estate transactions to identify agents with a strong track record of quick home sales. This means you can be confident you’re working with an expert who knows how to sell your home fast and for the most money.

Answer a few questions about your home and selling plans, and we’ll match you with agents who are a strong fit.

Are there other ways to sell a house fast?

If a traditional listing feels too slow or uncertain, you do have other options. Some sellers choose to work with a cash buyer to sell their home quickly without showings, repairs, or the back-and-forth of negotiations.

Through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform, you can get a no-obligation cash offer for your home in as little as 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. It’s a flexible alternative that lets you skip the prep work and sell your home on your timeline. You choose your close date and avoid the typical stress of going on the market.

This can be especially helpful if you need to relocate quickly, sell an inherited house, sell a home as-is, or want a streamlined process without contingencies.

If you’re looking to move into your new home quickly, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program might be the answer. This modern solution unlocks the equity in your current home to streamline the buy-sell process. You can make a non-contingent offer on your new house and only move once. See this short video to learn more.

Get started on a fast home sale today

If you’re aiming for fewer days on market, your first step is finding the right strategy and support. Whether that means working with a top agent or exploring a direct cash offer, HomeLight can help.

If you’ve already had a home for sale with an extended days on market, here are some additional HomeLight resources that might be helpful:

Header Image Source: (iriana88w / Deposit Photos)

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