What Is “Days on Market”?
Days on Market (DOM) refers to the number of days a property is listed before going under contract. It’s a simple metric, but it can dramatically influence how buyers perceive your home.
Why DOM Matters in Santa Fe’s Market
Santa Fe is a unique market—blending luxury buyers, relocation clients from California and Texas, and local move-up buyers. Here’s why DOM plays a big role:
- First Impressions Count: Homes that linger on the market can appear “stale,” leading buyers to wonder if something is wrong.
- Pricing Signals: A shorter DOM often reflects a well-priced home. Extended DOM can suggest overpricing.
- Buyer Leverage: When a listing sits, buyers feel emboldened to negotiate aggressively.
👉 According to Santa Fe MLS (2025), the average DOM is about 65 days, with luxury homes trending longer.
The Santa Fe DOM Breakdown (2025 MLS Snapshot)
- Median DOM: ~65 days
- Homes under $500K: Often sell in under 45 days
- Luxury homes $1M+: Frequently take 90+ days
- Price reductions: ~20% of listings see a reduction within 30 days
How DOM Impacts Your Sale Price
- Short DOM: Creates urgency, sometimes leading to multiple offers.
- Extended DOM: Increases the chance of price cuts and below-list offers.
- Luxury listings: Longer DOM is common but still signals the importance of correct initial pricing.
How Sellers Can Manage DOM
1. Price It Right from the Start
Pricing too high is the #1 reason homes sit unsold. Buyers today are data-driven and compare recent sales instantly.
2. Stage & Market Strategically
Professional photos, compelling property descriptions, and syndication on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Sotheby’s International Realty can cut DOM dramatically.
3. Leverage Seasonal Timing
Spring and early summer generally see the fastest DOM in Santa Fe.
4. Work with a Local Expert
An experienced Santa Fe Realtor® knows how to balance pricing, staging, and marketing to reduce DOM while maximizing sales price.
FAQ
Q: Is a high DOM always bad?
A: Not necessarily. Luxury homes and unique properties often take longer to find the right buyer, but DOM is still a key signal to watch.
Q: How can I reduce DOM on my home?
A: Start with accurate pricing, professional marketing, and staging. A local Realtor® can guide you to the strategies that fit your neighborhood.
Q: What happens if my home doesn’t sell quickly?
A: Your agent may recommend a price adjustment, enhanced marketing, or even temporary withdrawal and relist strategies to reset buyer interest.
Final Thoughts
In Santa Fe’s market, understanding and managing Days on Market is essential for a successful home sale. By pricing correctly and marketing effectively, you’ll avoid the “stale listing” trap and attract serious buyers faster.
📞 Contact Adrienne DeGuere, Realtor® today for a customized market analysis. I’ll help you price strategically, market effectively, and sell with confidence in Santa Fe.
