How Long Should a House Be on the Market?

How long a house remains available for sale is a key question for buyers and sellers. This duration refers to the time a property is actively listed until a purchase agreement is accepted. It indicates market conditions and property appeal.

Understanding Market Duration

Days on Market (DOM) measures the time from a property’s initial listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) until a seller accepts an offer. This calculation begins when the property is marked “active” and stops upon offer acceptance, typically when the status changes to “pending” or “contingent.”

The DOM calculation does not include any time a property might spend in a “coming soon” status or the period after an offer is accepted leading up to closing. Some systems also track “Cumulative Days on Market” (CDOM), which accounts for total time on the market, even if the property was relisted or had a different agent. A high CDOM, even with a low DOM, reveals a property’s longer selling history. The average DOM can vary significantly, with national medians recently ranging from approximately 51 to 58 days in mid-2025.

Key Determinants of Market Duration

Several factors influence how long a house remains on the market. Local market conditions play a substantial role, reflecting the balance between available homes and active buyers. In a seller’s market, with low inventory and high buyer demand, properties tend to sell quickly, resulting in a shorter DOM. Conversely, a buyer’s market, with higher inventory and lower demand, often leads to longer market durations. Broader economic factors, such as interest rates and local employment trends, affect affordability and buyer confidence, contributing to market conditions.

The pricing strategy for a property impacts market duration. An initial listing price set too high can deter potential buyers, causing it to sit on the market longer. Overpricing may lead to fewer showings and price reductions, signaling issues to buyers. Conversely, a competitively priced home, aligned with current market values, attracts more interest and sells quicker. Homes priced within 1% of their eventual selling price often go under contract quickly.

Property characteristics are also major determinants. A desirable location, including proximity to amenities, good school districts, and attractive neighborhoods, contributes to a shorter DOM. The physical condition of the home is an influential factor; well-maintained and “move-in ready” properties sell faster than those needing significant repairs or updates. Updates like fresh paint, modern fixtures, and updated appliances create a strong first impression and reduce time on the market.

Property size, age, and unique features also influence market duration. Larger homes or those with older construction can have different market durations than newer, more compact properties. Seasonality also affects market duration. In many regions, spring and early summer often see increased buyer activity and shorter DOM due to favorable weather and school schedules. In contrast, winter months typically experience slower market activity and longer DOM, as buyers may be preoccupied with holidays and adverse weather conditions.

Significance of Market Duration Metrics

A property’s Days on Market (DOM) provides valuable signals to buyers and sellers about its market standing. A low DOM suggests a property is highly desirable, competitively priced, or in a strong seller’s market with robust demand. Buyers may need to act quickly, potentially facing multiple offers and less negotiation room. A rapid sale implies the property was accurately valued and presented, resonating with buyer expectations.

Conversely, a high DOM indicates potential issues. It may suggest the home is overpriced relative to its condition or comparable sales, leading to buyer hesitation. A prolonged market duration could also point to underlying condition issues, an undesirable location, or lack of updates making the home less appealing. Buyers often view a high DOM as a “red flag,” prompting questions about why it hasn’t sold.

While DOM is an important metric, it should be considered with other market data. For instance, a high DOM in a slow market might be expected, but in a fast-moving market, it would be more concerning. Buyers can use a high DOM as a potential leverage point for negotiation, as sellers may be more motivated to accept lower offers. Understanding these implications helps both parties make informed decisions.

Accessing Market Data

Several reliable sources provide insight into typical market durations for a specific area. Real estate agents are a primary resource, as they access detailed Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, including historical DOM figures for comparable properties. They provide localized insights and analysis based on market expertise.

Online real estate portals also offer valuable market information. Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com publish local market reports and display Days on Market for individual listings. These platforms often aggregate data from MLS systems, providing an overview of trends in specific neighborhoods or zip codes. They offer visualizations and downloadable data to help users understand market dynamics.

Local real estate boards and associations also compile and publish market statistics, including average DOM, for their regions. These organizations provide authoritative data that serves as a benchmark for understanding local housing activity. Accessing these resources allows individuals to research and set realistic expectations for market duration in their desired area.