The What & Why of DOM: Understanding Days on Market in Today’s Real Estate Market

When a home lingers on the market longer than expected, both buyers and sellers naturally start asking the same question: “Why hasn’t it sold yet?” On a recent episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, Sharon McNamara and Melissa Wallace took a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood metrics in real estate DOM, or Days on Market — and revealed why this number rarely tells the full story.

In true Boston Connect fashion, they shared practical wisdom, personal experiences, and industry insights to help consumers better understand what DOM really means, why properties stay on the market longer, and how to avoid misconceptions that can derail a sale.

What Is DOM and Why Does It Matter?

DOM, or Days on Market, represents the number of days a property is actively listed for sale. While buyers often scan this number looking for “red flags,” Sharon explains that DOM is not always a reflection of the home itself  nor of the listing agent’s performance. Sometimes, it reflects market timing, neighborhood rules, or even the unique dynamics of new construction listings.

Sharon shared how her DOM is typically higher than other agents because she represents a significant volume of new construction. Those homes may be listed months before a shovel even hits the ground, automatically inflating the DOM despite strong buyer demand and active sales. 

Why Properties Stay on the Market: The Real Factors Behind DOM

1. Timing the Market, It’s Not Just About Spring Fever

While spring is traditionally the busiest selling season, Sharon and Mel remind listeners that motivation matters more than the calendar.
They explain that:

• Fall and winter buyers are more serious, even when overall foot traffic slows.

• Summer markets dip around July due to vacations but rebound before school begins.

• Holiday seasons may reduce showings slightly, but serious buyers are still out there.

“A home can’t sell if it’s not on the market,” Sharon says and sometimes being one of fewer listings is better than competing with spring surges.

2. Community or Builder Restrictions

Some neighborhoods require sellers to list with the community’s own team for 60 days before going to public MLS, a rule that often confuses buyers who don’t realize the property already had a “quiet” DOM before the wider public ever saw it.
This can instantly make a listing look “stale” through no fault of the seller. 

3. Pricing Strategy & Unrealistic Expectations

Pricing remains the most influential factor in how long a home stays on the market.

Sellers sometimes decide to “test the market,” but today’s buyers have unprecedented access to comparable sales  so overpricing backfires quickly.
Sharon notes that buyers no longer “throw out an offer” just to see what happens. They wait for the seller to get realistic. 

4. Home Sale Contingencies

When a buyer needs to sell their current home before purchasing a new one, it adds layers to the timeline.
Sharon explains:

• Sellers must often give the buyer 2–3 weeks to get their home listed.

• The listing agent has no control over how aggressively the buyer’s agent markets the other property.

• Momentum can stall if the other home isn’t priced or presented correctly.

She also highlights the 48-hour kick-out clause, where sellers can accept a better offer if the original buyer can’t drop their contingency within 48 hours. Effective for sellers but nerve-wracking for buyers. 

5. Micro-Market Differences

Not all towns behave the same.
A home in Hanover may get snapped up in days, while an almost identical home in a neighboring town lingers due to:

• school district desirability

• commuter convenience

• neighborhood characteristics

• local inventory levels

These micro-market nuances matter more than many sellers realize. 

6. Layout, Location, and Lifestyle Fit

Some factors simply can’t be changed such as:

• Busy roads

• Unusual layouts

• Steep driveways

• Proximity to commercial activity

• Noisy surroundings

Sharon shared an anecdote where buyers decided not even to go inside the home because of what they saw across the street. That alone was a dealbreaker, regardless of how perfect the interior may have been.

7. Economic Shifts & Buyer Behavior

Everything from job layoffs to mortgage rate swings to government shutdowns can temporarily freeze buyer activity.

During the recent shutdown, Sharon and Mel explained how certain government-backed loan programs stalled, delaying or preventing closings and reducing the number of ready buyers in the market.
Even buyers unaffected financially may adopt a “wait and see” mindset when headlines signal uncertainty. 

Why DOM Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

The biggest misconception about DOM is that “more days = something is wrong.” In reality:

• It could reflect restrictions outside the seller’s control.

• It could be seasonal timing.

• It could be contingent buyers.

• It could be new construction logistics.

• It could simply be a unique or niche property waiting for the right buyer.

A skilled buyer’s agent will pick up the phone and get the real story something Sharon emphasizes repeatedly. “You shouldn’t have to ask your agent to do that. A good agent does it automatically.” 

Final Thoughts: DOM Is a Number, Not a Diagnosis

DOM is a single data point not a verdict on value, desirability, or strategy.

If you're a seller:

• Work with an agent who understands timing, pricing, and your local micro-market.

• Don’t panic if your DOM grows it may not mean anything is “wrong.”

• Stay focused on your motivation and timeline.

If you're a buyer:

• Ask questions before making assumptions.

• Let your agent uncover the true reason behind the DOM.

• Use the information to structure a smart offer.

At Boston Connect Real Estate, our agents take pride in educating clients and providing transparent, honest insight because every move should be a moving experience.

If you're preparing to buy or sell and want personalized guidance, our team is here to help.
Visit BostonConnect.com or call 781-826-8000 to connect with one of our experienced REALTORS®.