📅 What Is DOM (Days on Market) in Real Estate?

In real estate, DOM stands for Days on Market — the number of days a property remains listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) before it goes under contract or is sold.

How Days on Market (DOM) Works

DOM measures how long a listing has been actively available to buyers. It starts counting from the day a property first appears on the MLS and stops when the seller accepts an offer or the listing is removed. A lower DOM usually signals high demand or competitive pricing, while a higher DOM may suggest overpricing or slower market conditions.

Why DOM Matters to Buyers and Sellers

  • 📊 For buyers: A high DOM may mean the seller is motivated to negotiate.
  • 💰 For sellers: A low DOM often attracts stronger offers and higher sale prices.
  • 🏠 For agents and appraisers: DOM is a key market indicator for pricing and demand.

Understanding DOM helps determine whether the market favors buyers or sellers. Learn the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market.

DOM vs. CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market)

Some MLS systems also track CDOM — the total number of days a property has been listed across multiple listing periods. For example, if a seller removes a listing and relists it later, DOM resets, but CDOM continues tracking the total time on market.

What DOM Means for FSBO Sellers

When you list with Brokerless.com, your property is entered directly into the local MLS, giving it full visibility and an accurate DOM count. This helps your listing appear on Realtor.com, Zillow, and other sites with consistent timing and exposure — ensuring your DOM reflects real market performance, not delays in posting.