Key Takeaways
- Days on market show how competitive a listing is: Days on market (DOM) measures how long a home takes to sell. The national median is about 66 days as of early 2026.
- Longer OM can create negotiation opportunities: Ifa home sits on the market longer than comparable listings, sellers may be more open to negotiating on price, repairs, or concessions.
- Use DOM alongside local market data: DOM is a helpful signal, but it works best when paired with local comps, price history, and a home inspection.
What does “days on market” mean in real estate?
Days on market (DOM) is the number of days a home is listed for sale before going under contract. The clock typically starts when the property is first listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and stops when the seller accepts an offer. DOM is widely used to gauge demand, market competitiveness, and whether a home may be priced appropriately.
As of January 2026, the national median DOM is 66 days, up seven days from a year earlier, according to Redfin data. Homes are generally taking longer to sell as a gap grows between seller expectations and what buyers can afford, particularly with 30-year mortgage rates hovering around 6.1% to 6.3%.
However, the DOM varies widely by location. In slower markets such as Austin or Miami, homes may sit for months, giving buyers more negotiating power. In faster markets, including parts of the Midwest, homes can still go under contract quickly and may sell close to or above the asking price.
Many agents consider the 60-day mark an important benchmark. By September 2025, about 70% of listings nationwide had been on the market for more than 60 days, often considered a “stale” listing. In former pandemic boomtowns like Miami (84.6%) and Austin (82.8%), the share was even higher. Homes sitting for 60-plus days may signal sellers who are more open to negotiation.
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 66 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, but lower than the national median.
Buyers should see a long DOM as a signal to investigate pricing, condition, or location, but it can also create an opportunity to negotiate.
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.
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:
- Check the price history. See whether the listing has had reductions.
- Get a thorough inspection. Rule out major issues before moving forward.
- Compare comps. Review recently sold nearby homes for pricing context.
- Ask why it hasn’t sold. Agents can often uncover reasons like timing, location, or cosmetic concerns.
- 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.
How buyers can use days on market to negotiate
Buyers can use a home’s days on market (DOM) as a signal of how much negotiating room there may be.
- 0–14 days: Homes are often priced competitively and attracting strong interest. Buyers may need to move quickly and offer close to or above asking price.
- 15–30 days: Buyers may have a small opportunity to negotiate by reviewing comparable sales and considering an offer slightly below asking.
- 31–60 days: Sellers may become more flexible, which can create opportunities to request concessions like closing cost assistance, repairs, or a mortgage rate buydown.
- 60+ days: Buyers may have stronger negotiating leverage if comparable sales support a lower price.
One caveat: A high DOM isn’t always a red flag. Luxury or unique homes often take longer to sell simply because the buyer pool is smaller. Always pair DOM insights with a review of local comps and a thorough inspection.
Tip: Ask your agent if the home has had price reductions, multiple listing relaunches, or a previous contract that fell through. These details can provide helpful context and strengthen your negotiating position.
Days on market FAQs
What is considered a high DOM?
It depends on the market. Nationally, homes typically sit on the market for about 66 days. In hot markets, a period of more than 30 days may raise questions, while in slower markets, 60 days or more can be typical.
Does DOM reset if a seller relists the home?
Usually, yes. On public portals like Redfin, DOM resets when a home is relisted after being taken off the market. However, agents can view the full MLS history, which often tracks cumulative days on market (CDOM) even after relisting. Ask your agent to check this so you are not misled by a low DOM.
Does a high DOM always mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. It may reflect overpricing, seasonal timing, or limited buyer demand in the area.
How do I calculate DOM?
Count the days between the original MLS listing date and when the home goes under contract. Be aware that relistings or price changes can sometimes reset the clock.
Can buyers get a better deal on a long-DOM home?
Often, yes. Sellers whose homes have been on the market longer may be more willing to accept lower offers or concessions.
What is a “normal” number of days on market right now?
As of early 2026, the national median is 66 days, up seven days from a year ago. But normal varies widely by market. In fast-moving metros, including parts of the Midwest and Northeast, homes can go under contract in under two weeks. In slower Sun Belt markets like Austin or Miami, 90-plus days is increasingly common. Your best benchmark is local data. Ask your Redfin agent about the median DOM for the neighborhood and price range you are targeting.
Should I avoid homes with high days on market?
Not necessarily. High DOM can signal negotiation opportunities on price, concessions, or closing timeline. Still, it is important to understand why a home has been sitting. Sometimes the issue is simply overpricing. In other cases, it may involve inspection concerns, location drawbacks, or title issues that require closer review.
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 use days on market as one tool to make a more informed homebuying decision.
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