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If you’ve been browsing listings or chatting with a real estate agent, you’ve likely heard the term DOM thrown around. But what exactly does DOM mean in real estate—and why should it matter to you, whether you're buying or selling?

DOM stands for Days on Market, and it can be one of the most telling indicators in understanding a home’s story. While it may sound like just another acronym in the world of real estate, it plays a crucial role in pricing, perception, and negotiating power on both sides of the deal.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about DOM, how it’s calculated, what it can reveal, and how to use it strategically.

What Does DOM Actually Mean?

DOM, or Days on Market, refers to the number of days a property has been listed for sale on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) before an offer is accepted or the listing is removed.

For example, if a home is listed on July 1st and receives an accepted offer on July 10th, the DOM is 10. Simple, right?

But there’s more nuance behind the number.

DOM vs. CDOM: What's the Difference?

You may also come across another term—CDOM, or Cumulative Days on Market. This metric tracks how long a home has been listed in total, even if it was removed and re-listed under a new MLS number.

Why does this matter?

Some sellers or agents may take a property off the market after it sits too long, then re-list it to “reset” the DOM clock. But CDOM shows the true cumulative length of time a property has been actively marketed, regardless of re-listings.

Why DOM Matters to Home Buyers

If you’re buying a home, you might wonder: Why should I care how long a property has been on the market?

Here’s why:

Negotiation leverage: A higher DOM may signal a motivated seller. If the home has been sitting for weeks (or months), the seller might be more open to negotiating the price or terms.
Market insights: Comparing DOM across different neighborhoods can reveal market trends. Are homes selling in 5 days in Altadore but lingering for 30+ in Varsity? That’s valuable intel.
Red flags: A high DOM might raise questions. Is the home overpriced? Are there condition issues that aren’t immediately obvious? Or is it just poor marketing?

That said, don’t assume a high DOM automatically means a “bad” property. It could be a gem that was overlooked, had a previous buyer fall through, or just missed the mark with its original pricing strategy.

Why DOM Matters to Home Sellers

For sellers, DOM is more than just a statistic—it’s a psychological tool.

Here’s what it influences:

Perceived value: The longer a home sits, the more potential buyers may perceive something is “wrong” with it. In real estate, time can erode value, even if nothing about the home has changed.
Pricing strategy: A high DOM can lead to price reductions, which then appear in the listing history and may invite lowball offers. Setting the right price from day one helps prevent this spiral.
Marketing effectiveness: A longer DOM can be a sign that marketing efforts need to be adjusted—whether that’s better photography, improved staging, or a refreshed property description.

Average DOM: What’s Considered “Normal”?

The average DOM varies dramatically by location, price range, and market conditions. In Chicago, for instance, a balanced market might see homes selling in 30–45 days, whereas a hot seller’s market might bring average DOMs down to under 10 days. According to Realtor.com, typical DOM in U.S. metro areas often falls between 20–60 days, depending on local conditions.

During the COVID‑19 boom years, many homes were selling within 24–72 hours of hitting the market.

But in a slower or more balanced market, the DOM naturally stretches out.

Here’s a general guide:

0–10 days: Hot listing. Often priced right and/or in a high-demand area. Expect competition.
11–30 days: Normal in most markets. Still active and competitive.
30–60 days: Starting to feel stale. May need price adjustments or a marketing refresh.
60+ days: High DOM. Often prompts questions or re-evaluation of strategy.

Does DOM Affect Home Appraisal?

It can. Appraisers often consider DOM when evaluating the marketability of a property. If a home sits longer than others in the area, it may be flagged as overvalued or less desirable, especially if there have been multiple price drops. Lenders pay close attention to this because the appraised value impacts loan approvals and terms. Check this out: Appraisal Institute – DOM’s Role in Valuation

This is particularly relevant for financed purchases, where the lender relies on the appraised value to greenlight the mortgage.

The Psychology of DOM: Perception is Powerful

In real estate, perception is everything.

Even if a home is structurally sound, well-maintained, and reasonably priced, a high DOM can make buyers wary. They might assume there's a hidden problem—even if there isn’t one.

Buyers start to ask: “Why hasn’t it sold yet? What do others know that I don’t?”

This can lead to fewer showings, fewer offers, and more aggressive negotiations.

The flip side? Low DOM creates urgency. When a home hits the market and garners instant attention, buyers often rush to submit strong offers, fearing they’ll lose out.

This is why pricing and presentation are so critical from the start.

How to Use DOM Strategically as a Buyer

As a buyer, DOM can help guide your offer strategy. Here’s how:

Low DOM (<10): Act quickly, especially if it’s a hot area. Consider strong offers with fewer conditions if you're serious.
Moderate DOM (10–30): Take your time to evaluate. The seller may still be confident in the price but open to minor negotiation.
High DOM (30+): Ask questions. Why has it lingered? Consider a lower offer or request more favorable terms (e.g., closing credits, longer possession, etc.).

Tip: Always have your agent pull the full listing history. It can reveal pricing patterns, failed deals, and market timing that give you an edge.

How to Manage DOM as a Seller

If you’re listing your home, your goal is to keep the DOM as low as possible while still getting fair market value.

Here’s how:

Price it right from the start
Overpricing is the #1 cause of high DOM. A sharp, competitive price attracts serious buyers and often triggers faster (and better) offers.
Stage and prepare
Clean, declutter, depersonalize, and stage. First impressions matter, both in person and online.
Professional photography and marketing
Your online listing is your first showing. Make it count with high-quality visuals, compelling descriptions, and broad exposure.
Stay responsive
Quick responses to showing requests, questions, and offers help maintain momentum. Inactivity kills interest.
Monitor and adjust
If you’re approaching the 30-day mark without solid activity, it may be time to re-evaluate price, presentation, or both.

DOM Isn’t Everything, But It Tells a Story

Days on Market is just one data point, but it tells a compelling story about a home’s desirability, pricing, and exposure.

Buyers, use it to gauge how much urgency (or leverage) you have. As for sellers, they understand how it affects perception and pricing power.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts—professional staging, fair pricing, strong marketing—a property still sits. In these cases, selling for cash may become a strategic alternative. Cash buyers typically close quickly, skip financing delays, and often don’t care as much about a property’s DOM or condition. It’s not the solution for everyone, but if time is a factor or your listing’s momentum has stalled, a direct cash offer can help you exit the market fast, without further price cuts or uncertainty.

In both traditional and alternative sales paths, working with an experienced real estate professional is key to interpreting DOM wisely and making smart, confident moves in any market.

How Do Days on Market Affect Home Sales?