Days on Market in Real Estate: What It Means for Homebuyers and Sellers

Key takeaways

• Days on market (DOM) measures how long a home has been listed on the MLS without going under contract. 
• For homebuyers, a longer DOM may signal an opportunity to negotiate.
• For home sellers, a longer DOM may mean it’s time to reevaluate strategy. One way they can do it is through phased marketing, where sellers can test pricing strategies via ‘Private Exclusive’ and ‘Coming Soon’ listings on Redfin.com and Compass.com before formally listing, which could help reduce the risk of homes lingering on the market.

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 starts when the property is listed on a multiple listing service (MLS) and stops when the seller accepts an offer. DOM is often used to gauge market competitiveness and whether a home is priced appropriately.

As of February 2026, the typical U.S. home was on the market for 66 days before going under contract, continuing an upward trend that began in early 2024. Homes are taking longer to sell as the gap grows between seller expectations and what buyers can afford—leading to a record-strong buyer’s market. Listings that sit for more than 60 days are generally considered “stale”.

Housing markets vary by location. In slower markets such as Austin or Miami, most homes sit for months, giving buyers more negotiating power. In faster markets, including parts of the Northeast and Midwest, many homes go under contract quickly and may sell close to or above the asking price.

For more context on shifting market conditions, see Redfin’s guide: Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

The role of ‘Coming Soon’ and ‘Private Exclusive’ listings

More home sellers are choosing to list via a ‘phased marketing’ approach on websites like Redfin and Compass prior to listing on the MLS. These homes, known as ‘Coming Soon’ and ‘Private Exclusive’ listings, don’t display insights like days on market, price drops, or home valuation.

According to a recent Redfin analysis, phased marketing can benefit both buyers and sellers, and could increase housing supply by up to 12% in markets where it is available. Here’s how it can impact sellers and buyers:

• Sellers: Phased marketing gives sellers more choice about how their home is introduced to the market. Sellers can test pricing strategies before taking their house to the masses, which could lead to more accurate pricing and faster home sales. Sellers and their agents can choose to register their home on the MLS if it eventually makes sense to do so. Phased marketing could lower the risk of sellers losing money from a price cut, and it could lower the risk of a home lingering on the market. 
• Buyers: Phased marketing introduces another way to find homes that may not yet be widely available on the MLS. Some buyers may come across ‘Coming Soon’ or ‘Private Exclusive’ listings before they reach a broader 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 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 the seller accepted an offer on July 20, its DOM would be 19 days.

Why days on market matters to sellers

A longer time on market can signal that a home is less aligned with buyer expectations—whether due to pricing, condition, or location—and may lead to fewer showings and weaker offers. As a listing ages, buyers may perceive it as less desirable, increasing the likelihood of price reductions or extended negotiations.

That’s why pricing strategically from the start and presenting the home in its best condition are critical. One option for sellers to establish a more accurate pricing picture is to test the waters via phased marketing. This allows sellers to reach a more exclusive pool of home searchers prior to hitting the MLS. Sellers should always work with their agent to monitor local comps and market trends closely, adjusting their strategy to stay competitive. 

Why days on market matters to buyers

When a listing lingers longer than comparable homes, buyers might assume something is wrong. Common perceptions include:

• Overpricing: A higher DOM can signal that the asking price is too high for the local market.
• Hidden issues: Buyers may suspect that the seller isn’t disclosing hidden structural problems, outdated features, or necessary repairs.
• Reduced competition: Homes that have been on the market longer may indicate that the local market is slower.

These perceptions aren’t always accurate, though. Especially in 2026, many homes are selling slowly because home prices and mortgage rates are elevated—not necessarily because something is wrong with the listing. This is one reason why some sellers are choosing to list privately before going on the MLS, helping them avoid the stigma of price drops or longer days on market driven by factors outside of their control. 

Tips for buyers evaluating a high-DOM property

If you’re considering a home with a longer DOM, approach it strategically:

1. Check the price history and see whether the listing has had reductions.
2. Get a thorough inspection to rule out major issues before moving forward.
3. Compare comps and review recently sold nearby homes for pricing context.
4. Ask why it hasn’t sold. Agents can often uncover reasons like timing, location, or cosmetic concerns.
5. 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.

Why a longer DOM can be a hidden opportunity for buyers

Homes taking longer to sell can present opportunities for buyers. While it’s important to be cautious, buyers should also recognize the potential upsides of older listings:

• Room to negotiate: Sellers may be more flexible on price and concessions.
• Less pressure: Buyers may be able to take more time for inspections and due diligence before closing.
• Market shifts: Rising DOM can mean more leverage for buyers, but this depends on other factors like the economy and affordability.

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 as of early 2026. In hot markets, a period of more than 30 days may raise questions, while in slower markets, 60 days or more can be typical.

Do ‘Private Exclusive’ or ‘Coming Soon’ listings have DOM?

No. Homes that haven’t yet been listed on the MLS don’t show metrics like days on market, price drops, or home value estimates. For some home sellers, this is important—they want more control over how their listing is marketed and to avoid displaying potentially negative insights. If at some point the seller wants to reach a wider audience, then they can have their agent register the home on the MLS, where DOM and other data will begin to populate.

Does DOM reset if a seller relists the home?

Usually, yes. On public portals like Redfin, for homes that are registered on the MLS, DOM resets when a home is relisted after being taken down. However, agents can view the full MLS history, which tracks cumulative days on market (CDOM) even after relisting. For ‘Private Exclusive’ and ‘Coming Soon’ listings, this history isn’t publicly available, but your agent may be able to provide insights. Ask your agent to get a complete picture of the home.

Does a high DOM always mean something is wrong?

Not necessarily. It may reflect overpricing, seasonal timing, or limited buyer demand in the area. It can also be representative of a slower economy.

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?

Possibly. Sellers whose homes have been on the market longer may be more willing to accept lower offers or concessions. But it is just one factor in a home’s larger picture.

What is a “normal” number of days on market right now?

As of early 2026, the national median is 66 days and has been increasing for two years. But “normal” varies widely by market. In fast-moving metros, including parts of the Midwest and Northeast, the typical home may 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 a high DOM?

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, especially in today’s generally slow and expensive market. Sometimes, the issue is simply overpricing. In other cases, it may involve inspection concerns, location drawbacks, or title issues that require closer review.