How Long Should You Leave Your House on the Market?

Understanding Typical Market Timelines

Selling a home involves navigating market dynamics. The duration a house remains listed fluctuates based on numerous variables. Understanding common market timelines helps set realistic expectations.

“Days on Market” (DOM) refers to the days a property is actively listed on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) until a contract is signed. This metric shows how quickly homes sell. A lower DOM indicates a faster market, while a higher DOM suggests a slower pace.

National DOM averages fluctuate, but U.S. properties typically spend 30 to 90 days on the market. In May 2025, the national median DOM was 51 days. Competitive seller’s markets see homes under contract in 15 to 30 days. Buyer’s markets may extend DOM to 90 days or more.

Key Factors Affecting Sale Duration

Several factors directly influence how quickly a home sells, beyond general market trends. Understanding these elements helps homeowners position their property for a timely sale. Each aspect attracts potential buyers and secures an offer.

Asking price is the most influential factor in sale duration. Overpricing deters buyers and prolongs market time. Strategic pricing, aligned with comparable sales, generates immediate interest and multiple offers, leading to a quicker sale. Underpricing might attract rapid interest but could result in leaving money on the table.

Property condition and presentation impact market appeal and sale speed. Well-maintained, clean, and decluttered homes sell faster than those needing repairs or updates. Professional staging helps buyers envision the space, enhancing perceived value and reducing DOM. Curb appeal, including landscaping, creates a positive first impression, encouraging showings.

Location is a fundamental determinant of marketability. Desirable neighborhoods, good school districts, and convenient access to amenities like shopping and transportation contribute to a property’s appeal. Homes in highly sought-after locations experience shorter market times due to consistent buyer demand. While location cannot be changed, understanding its impact helps set appropriate expectations.

Effective marketing maximizes a home’s exposure to potential buyers. High-quality professional photographs are paramount, as most buyers begin their search online and these images form their initial impression. A strong online presence, including virtual tours and detailed descriptions, broadens the listing’s reach. Strategic agent outreach generates interest and showings.

Current market conditions provide context for a home sale. In a seller’s market (low inventory, high demand), homes generally sell quickly, often at or above asking price. Conversely, a buyer’s market (high inventory, lower demand) typically sees homes sitting longer, selling for less. A balanced market represents even supply and demand, with moderate sales pace.

Recognizing When to Take Action

Identifying signs of an extended market period or insufficient interest is important for sellers. These indicators suggest strategic adjustments to the listing or sales approach. Proactive recognition allows homeowners to implement changes before the property becomes “stale.”

Low showings are a primary red flag. Sparse showing schedules suggest the price, marketing, or online presentation deters potential buyers. This lack of engagement prevents offers.

Absence of offers, or receiving only offers significantly below asking price, signals an issue. Few or no bids, or consistently “lowball” bids, often point to overvaluation relative to market expectations or condition. Buyers may perceive the property as not offering sufficient value for the listed price.

Negative buyer feedback provides insights into perceived property problems. Comments regarding price, home’s condition, outdated features, or other aspects should be considered. This feedback highlights areas needing improvement or suggests the asking price does not align with the property’s current state. Ignoring consistent negative feedback prolongs the sale process.

A high Days on Market (DOM) figure creates a “stale listing” perception. Properties on the market for an extended period might lead buyers to assume an underlying problem. This deters new interest, making it harder to attract fresh eyes and competitive offers. Buyers may also assume the seller is more motivated to accept a lower offer.

Strategies for an Extended Listing

When a home remains on the market longer than anticipated, strategic adjustments reinvigorate interest and secure a sale. These steps enhance property appeal and adjust the sales approach to market realities. Addressing these areas improves the chances of a successful transaction.

Adjusting the price is often the most impactful strategy. A strategic price reduction (typically 3-5% of original asking price) re-engages buyers and generates new interest. This adjustment should be based on fresh market analysis and real estate agent advice, ensuring the new price aligns with recent comparable sales and buyer expectations.

Enhancing home presentation improves a property’s appeal without major renovations. Professional staging helps buyers visualize the space and its potential, leading to quicker sales. Minor repairs (e.g., fixing leaky faucets, patching holes) eliminate buyer concerns about deferred maintenance. Decluttering and deep cleaning create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing buyers to focus on the home’s features.

Refreshing marketing brings renewed attention to a stagnant listing. This involves commissioning new, high-quality professional photographs, especially if original ones were subpar or taken in a different season. Virtual tours or drone footage provide a more immersive experience for online browsers. Targeted open houses or increased digital advertising broaden the property’s exposure to new potential buyers.

Re-evaluating the real estate agent relationship is a consideration if the property languishes without sufficient activity or offers. This reassessment involves discussing the current marketing plan, communication frequency, and overall strategy. If there’s a lack of progress or a disconnect, changing to an agent with a fresh perspective might be beneficial after 3 to 6 months of inactivity.

Temporarily withdrawing the home from the market can reset its Days on Market (DOM) count on the MLS. This allows the seller to make significant improvements (e.g., renovations, repairs) without active listing pressure. After 30 to 90 days off the market, the property can be relisted as “new,” appearing fresh to potential buyers and avoiding the “stale” perception.

Selling a home involves variable timelines. Understanding these dynamics is important for homeowners. The duration a house spends on the market depends on numerous factors, from economic conditions to property characteristics. Recognizing market patterns and adapting strategies helps sellers navigate the process effectively.