Important points
Days on Market (DOM) measures how long a home is listed on the MLS without being under contract. For homebuyers, a longer DOM can indicate a negotiation opportunity. For home sellers, a prolonged DOM could mean it’s time to reevaluate your strategy. One way to do that is through staged marketing. Before officially listing, sellers can test their pricing strategy through “Private Only” and “Coming Soon” listings on Redfin.com and Compass.com, potentially reducing the risk of a home remaining on the market.
What does “days on market” mean in real estate?
Days on Market (DOM) is the number of days a home is on the market before going under contract. The clock starts when a property is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and stops when the seller accepts your offer. DOM is often used to assess how competitive a market is and whether a home is reasonably priced.
As of February 2026, the typical home in the U.S. was on the market for 66 days before going under contract, continuing an upward trend that began in early 2024. As the gap between sellers’ expectations and what buyers can afford grows, homes are taking longer to sell, leading to a record buyer’s market. Listings that have been sitting for more than 60 days are generally considered “stale.”
Housing markets vary by location. In depressed markets like Austin and Miami, most homes sit unused for months, giving buyers more bargaining power. In faster markets, including parts of the Northeast and Midwest, many homes go into contract quickly and can sell for near or above asking price.
For more information on changing market conditions, see Redfin’s guide “Is It a Buyer’s Market or Seller’s Market?”
Role of “Coming Soon” and “Private Only” Lists
An increasing number of home sellers are choosing to list through a “tiered marketing” approach on websites like Redfin and Compass before listing on the MLS. Known as “coming soon” and “private” listings, these homes don’t display information such as how long they’ve been on the market, price declines, or home appraisals.
According to a recent Redfin analysis, staged marketing benefits both buyers and sellers and can increase housing supply by up to 12% in markets where it is available. Here’s how it affects sellers and buyers.
Sellers: Tiered marketing gives sellers more choice in how they present their home to the market. Sellers can test pricing strategies before selling their home to the public, which can lead to more accurate pricing and faster home sales. Sellers and their agents may ultimately choose to list their home on the MLS if it makes sense to do so. Staged marketing can reduce the risk that sellers will lose money due to price reductions and may also reduce the risk that the home will remain on the market. Buyers: Tiered marketing introduces another way to find homes that may not yet be widely available on the MLS. Some buyers may encounter “coming soon” or “private” listings before reaching a wider audience. It could also increase overall housing inventory, giving buyers more homes to choose from. It’s important to ask questions and evaluate the home within the context of the local market.
How to calculate days on market for real estate
To calculate the DOM, count the number of days from the property’s first MLS listing date until the contract is signed. For example, if a home was listed on July 1st and the seller accepted the offer on July 20th, its DOM would be the 19th.
Why days on market matters to sellers
A longer time on the market can indicate that the home doesn’t quite match buyers’ expectations due to pricing, condition, location, etc., which can lead to fewer showings and weaker offers. Once the listing period has passed, buyers will perceive it as less desirable and will be more likely to lower the price or extend negotiations.
That’s why it’s important to price your home strategically from the start and present your home at its best. One option for sellers to establish more accurate pricing is to test the waters through staged marketing. This allows sellers to access a more exclusive pool of home searchers before hitting the MLS. Sellers should always work with their agents to closely monitor local competitions and market trends and adjust strategies to stay competitive.
Why days on market matters to buyers
If a property stays on the market longer than similar homes, buyers may think something is wrong. Common perceptions include:
Pricing too high: A high DOM may indicate that your asking price is too high for the local market. Hidden Issues: Buyers may suspect that the seller is not disclosing hidden structural issues, outdated features, or needed repairs. Decreased competition: Homes that have been on the market longer can be an indicator of a slow local market.
However, these perceptions are not always accurate. Many homes are selling slowly, especially in 2026, as home prices and mortgage rates are rising, but not necessarily because of listing issues. This is one reason why some sellers choose to list privately before joining the MLS, helping them avoid the stigma of price declines and extended days on market caused by factors beyond their control.
Tips for buyers evaluating high DOM properties
If you’re considering a home with a longer DOM, approach it strategically.
Check your price history to see if your listing has had a price reduction. Get a thorough inspection to rule out any major issues before proceeding. Compare comps and review recently sold nearby homes for pricing context. Ask why it didn’t sell. Agents can often identify reasons such as timing, location, or cosmetic issues. Use the DOM in negotiation. Leverage your high DOM to request favorable terms such as closing cost assistance and repairs.
For more strategies, check out Redfin’s guide: How to Negotiate When Buying a Home.
Why a long DOM is a hidden opportunity for buyers
If your home takes longer to sell, buyers may have an opportunity. While it’s important to note, buyers should also be aware of the potential benefits of older listings.
Room for negotiation: Seller can be more flexible with price and concessions. Reduced pressure: Buyers may have more time for pre-closing inspections and due diligence. Market changes: Rising DOM means increased leverage for buyers, but this depends on other factors such as economics and affordability.
Release date FAQ
What is high DOM?
It depends on the market. Nationally, homes typically stay on the market for about 66 days as of early 2026. If the market is active, a period of more than 30 days can raise questions, but if the market is depressed, 60 days or more is common.
Do “Private” or “Coming Soon” lists have a DOM?
No, homes that are not yet listed on the MLS will not display metrics such as days on market, price decline, or estimated home value. For some home sellers, this is important. They want more control over how their properties are marketed and avoid viewing potentially negative insights. If at some point a seller wants to reach a wider audience, they can have an agent list the home on the MLS. The MLS will begin to be populated with DOM and other data.
Will the DOM be reset if the seller relists the home?
Usually yes. On public portals like Redfin, for homes listed in the MLS, the DOM is reset when the home is deleted and then relisted. However, agents can view a complete MLS history that tracks cumulative days on market (CDOM) even after relisting. For “Private Only” and “Coming Soon” listings, this history is not public, but your agent may be able to provide insight. Ask your agent to get a complete picture of the home.
Does a high DOM always mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. This may reflect excessive pricing, seasonal timing, or limited buyer demand in the area. It may also symbolize an economic slowdown.
How do I calculate the DOM?
Count the number of days from the first MLS listing date until the home goes under contract. Please note that relistings or price changes may reset the clock.
Can buyers get a better deal on older homes?
probably. Sellers whose homes have been on the market longer may be more willing to accept lower offers and concessions. But it’s just one element in the overall picture of your home.
What is the “normal” number of days on the market right now?
As of early 2026, the national median is 66 days and has been increasing for two years. However, “normal” varies greatly depending on the market. In rapidly changing metropolitan areas, including parts of the Midwest and Northeast, a typical home can go under contract in less than two weeks. Days exceeding 90 days are increasingly common in depressed Sunbelt markets like Austin and Miami. The best benchmark is local data. Ask your Redfin agent about the DOM median and price range for your target region.
Should houses with high DOM be avoided?
Not necessarily. A high DOM may indicate an opportunity to negotiate price, concessions, or closing schedule. Still, it’s important to understand why homes are being neglected, especially in today’s generally slow-moving and expensive market. In some cases, the problem may simply be that the price is too high. Other cases may include inspection concerns, location shortcomings, or title issues that require further consideration.
