Days on Market Explained

What is Days on Market Explained?

Days on Market (DOM) refers to the number of days a property is listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) before it goes under contract (i.e., the seller accepts an offer).

In Massachusetts, DOM officially starts counting from the day a property is marked as “Active” on the MLS and pauses the moment it changes to “Contingent,” “Under Agreement,” or “Pending.”

This figure helps everyone involved—buyers, sellers, and agents—gauge how “hot” a listing is and whether it’s priced right for the current market conditions.

🔑Key Components of Days on Market Explained

1. Active Market Time

This is the number of days the home has been publicly available for purchase. It excludes any time the listing may have been temporarily withdrawn or under contract. In MA, once a property goes under agreement, the DOM typically stops counting.

2. MLS Reset Rules

In Massachusetts, if a listing is withdrawn and relisted with the same brokerage or agent, the DOM may continue unless enough time passes (often 60+ days off-market) or a new MLS number is issued. This is important when interpreting the freshness of a listing—a relisted home might appear “new,” but savvy agents dig into its history.

3. Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM)

This tells a more complete story by tracking the total days the property has been listed across multiple attempts, even with different agents or brokerages. In a tight market, CDOM is especially useful in spotting stale listings that may have been overlooked due to price or presentation.

4. Market Conditions & DOM

DOM averages can vary by town and price point. For instance, homes in desirable school districts or close to commuter rail lines might fly off the market in under a week, while others—perhaps with unique features or higher price tags—may take longer. In slower markets, even well-priced homes may sit a bit longer. Local knowledge is key here.

💡 Why Days on Market Explained Matters

Understanding Days on Market is essential for making smart, data-driven decisions:

  1. For Buyers: A longer DOM might suggest room for negotiation—or point to hidden issues. A short DOM may signal strong demand, requiring swift action and competitive offers.

  2. Sellers: A high DOM can hurt a listing’s appeal. Buyers may assume something is “wrong” with the home, even if that’s not the case. Pricing appropriately from the start can reduce DOM and improve your final sale price.

  3. For Everyone: DOM offers insight into how a property fits within the larger context of the Massachusetts housing market—whether it's a seller's market in Arlington, a balanced one in Boxford, or a buyer’s market in Stow.

FAQ’s

How can DOM help me as a buyer or seller?

It helps buyers gauge urgency and negotiation room, and helps sellers understand market response and adjust strategy if needed.

Is a high DOM always a bad thing?

Not necessarily—some homes may take longer due to pricing, location, or unique features, but it can also signal potential for negotiation.

What does Days on Market (DOM) mean?

DOM refers to the number of days a property is actively listed on the MLS before it goes under contract.

What is the difference between DOM and CDOM?

DOM tracks the current listing’s days, while CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) counts total days across multiple listings, even with different agents.

When does DOM start and stop in Massachusetts?

DOM starts when the listing goes live on the MLS and stops when it's marked as Contingent, Under Agreement, or Pending.

Can a listing’s DOM be reset?

Yes, but in Massachusetts, simply relisting a home often doesn’t reset DOM unless the property has been off-market long enough or receives a new MLS number.