What’s the Average DOM and How Does It Impact Strategy?
DOM, or Days on Market, is the number of days a property is actively listed before going into contract. It’s a key metric that buyers, sellers, and agents pay attention to because it reflects both market conditions and pricing strategy.
What’s the Average DOM?
The “average DOM” varies widely depending on location, price point, and seasonality.
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In fast-moving markets like San Francisco and Marin during peak seasons, DOM for desirable homes may be as low as 7–14 days.
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In a balanced market, DOM often ranges from 20–40 days.
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For luxury properties or unique homes, DOM can stretch longer simply because the buyer pool is smaller.
It’s important to look at DOM trends specific to your neighborhood and property type rather than relying on broad regional averages.
How DOM Impacts Seller Strategy
For sellers, DOM is both a signal and a tool:
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Pricing power: Homes that sell within the first 2 weeks often achieve stronger offers, sometimes with multiple bids.
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Market perception: If a property lingers beyond the average DOM, buyers may wonder if it’s overpriced or if something is “wrong” with the home.
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Adjustments: If your listing approaches or exceeds the average DOM, it may be time to revisit pricing, marketing, or staging strategy.
How DOM Impacts Buyer Strategy
For buyers, DOM can provide leverage and insight:
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Hot listings: Homes that hit the market and receive quick interest often require aggressive offers (sometimes with fewer contingencies).
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Opportunities: A property that has been sitting longer than average may offer negotiation room — the seller could be more flexible on price or terms.
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Reading the market: By comparing DOM across recent sales, buyers can gauge how competitive conditions are in their target neighborhood.
Why DOM Isn’t Everything
While DOM is a valuable metric, it’s not the whole story. Some homes are intentionally marketed with a longer runway (for example, luxury listings), while others may re-list and reset the DOM counter. Always interpret DOM in context with pricing trends, condition, and current buyer demand.
✅ Bottom Line: Average DOM is a powerful indicator of market pace. Sellers should aim to attract offers within that window to maximize value, while buyers can use DOM to identify when to act quickly, or when to negotiate more firmly.
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📞 Oliver Burgelman
Broker Associate – Vanguard Properties
DRE #01388135
📱 415-244-5846
