Why Would a House Be on the Market for a Long Time?

When a house remains on the market for an extended period, it often signals underlying issues that deter potential buyers. For instance, the national average Days on Market (DOM) in the U.S. was around 51 days in May 2025, though this can vary significantly by individual market. This prolonged listing duration can result from a combination of factors, ranging from seller decisions to broader economic influences.

Pricing Strategy

The asking price of a home directly impacts how quickly it sells. Overpricing a property relative to its true market value is a common reason for extended market times. Buyers today are well-informed, often researching comparable sales (comps) in the area, and they quickly recognize when a listing is priced too high. This disconnect between the asking price and perceived value can deter potential buyers, leading to fewer inquiries and a lack of showing appointments.

An initially inflated price can also create a perception of a “stale” listing, especially after multiple price reductions. If a home sits on the market for several weeks or months and then undergoes significant price cuts, buyers might assume there are unaddressed problems with the property or that the seller is desperate.

This can lead to lower or no offers, as buyers may wait for further reductions or bypass the property. Setting a realistic price from the outset, aligned with current market conditions and property attributes, tends to attract more interest and facilitates a quicker sale.

Property-Specific Factors

The inherent characteristics of a house itself significantly influence its market duration. A property’s physical condition, such as outdated features, deferred maintenance, or the need for substantial repairs, can deter buyers looking for move-in ready homes.

Issues like an aging roof, a malfunctioning heating and cooling system, or a kitchen and bathrooms that require complete overhauls can lead buyers to factor in considerable renovation costs, often causing them to seek properties in better condition.

Beyond general upkeep, the home’s layout can also play a role. An awkward or inefficient floor plan, like a lack of common living spaces or bedrooms without adequate closet space, might limit its appeal to a broad buyer base.

Unique attributes that cater to a very specific niche, such as highly personalized decor or specialized installations, can narrow the pool of interested buyers. Even the immediate location, if it presents disadvantages like proximity to noisy roads or commercial zones, influences its marketability.

Marketing and Presentation

Effective marketing and presentation attract potential buyers and reduce a home’s time on the market. Poor-quality listing photos, for instance, can immediately turn away prospective buyers who primarily search for homes online.

Professional photography, highlighting the home’s best features with proper lighting and angles, makes a positive first impression and encourages more clicks and views.

The absence of effective staging, or a cluttered and uninviting interior, can prevent buyers from envisioning themselves living in the space. Staging involves preparing the home to showcase its potential, often by decluttering, depersonalizing, and arranging furniture to enhance visual appeal.

A well-staged home photographs better and can create an emotional connection with viewers, leading to increased interest and more showings. To reach the widest audience, effective marketing includes:

• Compelling property descriptions
• Broad online visibility across multiple platforms
• Robust agent networking
• Open houses

Broader Market Conditions

External economic and real estate market factors can also prolong a home’s time on the market, operating beyond the seller’s direct control. Rising interest rates, for example, directly impact buyer affordability by increasing mortgage costs.

As interest rates climb, the pool of eligible buyers may shrink, and those who remain might have reduced purchasing power, making it harder for sellers to find a buyer at their desired price point.

An oversupply of homes in the local market, often referred to as high inventory, gives buyers more options and reduces the urgency to make an offer quickly. In such a buyer’s market, properties take longer to sell and may require price adjustments to attract attention.

A general economic downturn, characterized by job losses or financial uncertainty, can lead to decreased consumer confidence and a slowdown in real estate activity.

Seasonal slowdowns, seen in colder months like December and January, also contribute to longer market times as fewer buyers are actively searching for homes during holidays and inclement weather.