Average Days on Market is Up: But It’s Not Time to Panic!

If you have been paying attention to headlines or neighborhood chatter, you may have noticed more talk about homes “sitting” on the market, so we wanted to add some clarity and calm to the conversation.

Right now, the median days to contract in the DMV is 50 days, which is up about 8% compared to last year. In simple terms, homes are taking a bit longer to go under contract than they did during the ultra-fast pace of recent years.

That does not signal trouble. It signals normalization.

What Changed?

For a long stretch, sellers became accustomed to homes going under contract within the first weekend. Sometimes, even before the weekend open houses. While that still happens in select scenarios (think exceptional homes, super-low pricing, prime locations), it is no longer the norm in our market.

Buyers are moving more deliberately. They are touring more homes, comparing options, and taking time to feel confident in their decisions. That slower pace is showing up in the data.

What This Means for Sellers

If your home has been on the market for a week or two, or even three or four, that is well within a normal range right now. Time on market alone is not a red flag.

In fact, one trend we are seeing more often is homes sitting for a couple of weeks and then receiving multiple offers. Buyers are watching, circling back, and waiting for the right moment. A little breathing room does not mean your home has been overlooked.

The biggest takeaway for sellers is patience. The market is still active, just less frantic.

What This Means for Buyers

Seeing a home on the market for more than a week does not automatically mean something is wrong with it, or that it is overpriced. The “stigma” that once came with properties on the market for 7+ days has largely faded.

Yes, a longer timeline may create room for negotiation. But it also means buyers can take a closer look, ask better questions, and make more thoughtful decisions without the pressure of an immediate bidding war.

The Bottom Line

A slightly longer market is not a weak market. It is a more balanced one.

Homes are still selling. Buyers are still buying. The pace has simply shifted from sprinting to a steady jog. And for many people on both sides of the transaction, that is actually a welcome change.

If you are wondering how this trend affects your specific neighborhood or plans, personalized guidance matters most. Data tells the story. Strategy makes the difference. Let’s have a conversation!