Noopur Gupta June 24, 2026
"How long has this home been on the market?"
At first glance, it may seem like a simple question. However, the answer can reveal valuable insights about pricing, competition, seller motivation, and potential negotiating opportunities.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding a property's "Days on Market" (DOM) can help you make smarter decisions and potentially save thousands of dollars.
Days on Market (DOM) refers to the number of days a property has been actively listed for sale before going under contract. The clock typically starts when the home is entered into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and stops when the seller accepts an offer.
While the concept sounds straightforward, there's often more to the story.
A home may show only a few days on market, but previous listings, price reductions, or relistings can paint a very different picture. That's why experienced buyers and agents often review the property's complete listing history rather than relying solely on the current DOM number.
In the Bay Area, desirable homes can attract significant attention shortly after hitting the market.
A newly listed home often means:
If a home has only been on the market for a few days, buyers may need to move quickly and submit strong offers.
On the other hand, homes that have been on the market for several weeks or months may offer buyers greater flexibility.
A longer DOM can sometimes indicate:
Research consistently shows that buyers often gain additional negotiating power once a property has remained available for an extended period.
Not necessarily.
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming a home has major problems simply because it hasn't sold quickly.
There are many reasons a property may remain on the market:
This is one of the most common reasons homes sit unsold.
When a property enters the market above what buyers perceive as fair value, showings and offers may slow dramatically. Eventually, the seller may need to adjust pricing to align with market expectations.
Interest rates, economic conditions, and seasonal demand all affect how quickly homes sell.
A property that would have received multiple offers two years ago may take significantly longer to sell in a different market environment.
Some buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes. Others are searching for opportunities to renovate and build equity.
A property requiring cosmetic updates may take longer to attract the right buyer, even if it represents excellent value.
Sometimes a home returns to the market because:
A longer market time does not automatically mean there is a serious issue with the property.
If you notice a home has been on the market longer than expected, consider asking:
The answers often reveal more than the DOM number itself.
The answer depends on:
For example:
A luxury home in Atherton or Los Altos Hills may naturally take longer to sell than an entry-level home in Menlo Park or Redwood City.
Comparing a home's market time to similar properties in the same area is usually more useful than comparing it to national averages. Real estate experts note that what is considered "normal" varies significantly by location and price point.
Sellers understand that buyers pay attention to DOM.
As the number grows, sellers may become more willing to:
This doesn't happen in every situation, but a longer market time can sometimes create leverage for buyers.
While Days on Market is an important metric, it should never be viewed in isolation.
A smart buyer also evaluates:
Sometimes the best opportunities are homes that other buyers have overlooked.
"How long has the home been on the market?" is one of the most valuable questions a buyer can ask.
The answer can provide clues about pricing, competition, negotiation opportunities, and overall market dynamics. However, a long market time doesn't automatically mean there's a problem, just as a short market time doesn't automatically mean a home is a great deal.
The key is understanding the full story behind the listing. By reviewing the property's history and evaluating it within the context of the local Bay Area market, buyers can make more informed decisions and potentially uncover opportunities that others miss.
If you're considering buying a home in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Atherton, Redwood City, or elsewhere on the Peninsula, understanding Days on Market is just one of many factors that can help you make a confident and successful purchase.
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One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation.
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.”
My goal is to make the home buying/selling experience for my clients least stressful possible. I provide them resources, knowledge, insights, trusted consultants for finances, property management, vendors etc.
Noopur Gupta
DRE# 02199446
REALTOR®
Compass California, Inc. | CA DRE# 01527235
[email protected]
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1377 El Camino Real
Menlo Park CA
