If a home lists on June 1 and accepts an offer on June 15, its DOM is 14 or 15, depending on how the local MLS counts. DOM is one of the most closely watched numbers in real estate because it tells a story.
A low DOM signals strong demand and good pricing. A high DOM makes buyers wonder what's wrong and gives them more room to negotiate.
Related terms
- Cumulative days on market (CDOM) tracks the total time across relistings. If a home is withdrawn and relisted, DOM may reset, but CDOM usually doesn't, which is why experienced buyers and agents check it.
- Average or median DOM for an area shows how fast the local market is moving. Agents use it in pricing conversations and market updates.
What affects DOM
- Price, by far the biggest factor.
- Condition and presentation: photos, staging and video.
- Season and local inventory.
- How far the marketing reaches in the first days, when interest is highest.
The first week matters most. A listing gets its biggest wave of attention right after it goes live. Strong photos, a video and an open house or just-listed push in that window give you the best chance of a quick, strong offer.
Agents often ask whether listings with video sell faster. Video helps buyers understand a home before they visit and makes listings easier to share, which supports faster decisions. But video can't fix a price that's wrong for the market.
Treat it as a way to get maximum exposure early, and track your own results by comparing similar listings with and without video.