Days on market can be a seller’s worst enemy because it directly impacts the home’s perception and the final sale price. When a property sits on the market too long, buyers begin to wonder what’s wrong with it. Even if there’s nothing structurally or cosmetically flawed, the simple fact that it hasn’t sold can create a sense of suspicion or concern. A fresh home to the market typically generates the most interest and excitement, often leading to multiple offers. That initial burst of activity is crucial, and momentum is hard to regain once it passes.
Home Buyers also use days on market as a negotiating tool. When they see a property that’s been listed for a while, they tend to assume the seller is becoming desperate or is out of touch with the market, making them more likely to write low offers. Sellers lose leverage over time, and the likelihood of achieving top dollar diminishes as interest fades.
Online platforms make the problem worse by favoring newer listings in search results. As a home ages online, it drops in visibility, reducing the chance of fresh buyers discovering it. If price reductions are made to revive interest, they can reinforce the impression that the home was overpriced or undesirable.
Ultimately, time on the market erodes buyer enthusiasm and seller confidence. Launching at the right price and using a strong marketing strategy are essential. In real estate, time is money, and the clock starts when the listing goes live.
When my daughter was house hunting she pretty much turned her nose up at anything that had been on the market for more than two or three weeks. I thought she was being silly but she just couldn’t trust a home that seemingly no one else wanted