What Is “Days on Market” and What Does It Tell You?

By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read

The Short Answer

Days on market (DOM) counts how many days a home has been listed before going under contract. A low number often signals strong demand, while a high number may signal pricing or condition issues.

What Is “Days on Market” and What Does It Tell You?
Illustration by David Parks

How it is counted

DOM typically starts when the listing goes active and stops when an offer is accepted. Some systems also track cumulative days if a home is relisted, so ask which number you are seeing.

What it tells buyers

Fresh listings may be more competitive. Homes that have sat longer may offer room to negotiate. But always look at why: price, condition, location, or timing.

Quick Poll

What do you most want to understand about the market?

What it tells sellers

If your home has little activity in the first couple of weeks, review the price, photos, and showing feedback. Adjusting early is usually better than waiting.

Compare apples to apples

Averages across a whole city can hide differences. Ask for DOM for homes similar in price, size, and area to the one you are considering.

Keep in mind

A short DOM is not always better, and a long DOM is not always a problem. It is one data point among many.

Key Takeaways
  • How it is counted: DOM typically starts when the listing goes active and stops when an offer is accepted.
  • What it tells buyers: Fresh listings may be more competitive.
  • What it tells sellers: If your home has little activity in the first couple of weeks, review the price, photos, and showing feedback.
  • Compare apples to apples: Averages across a whole city can hide differences.

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.

David Parks
About David Parks

David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.

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