Days on Market Trends: January 2021 – September 2025
- Cassie Callahan
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
** Information based on $0-$500,000 price range in Cumberland County, NC.*
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the real estate market over the last few years, you know that time on market tells us a lot about demand, buyer confidence, and overall competition. Let’s break down what the days on market (DOM) trends from January 2021 through September 2025 reveal for Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Sampson counties.
2021: The Frenzy
In 2021, homes barely had time to hit the MLS before going under contract. Many properties sold in less than a week, driven by historically low interest rates and a flood of buyer demand. Multiple-offer situations and above-asking-price sales were common.
What it meant: Sellers had leverage, and buyers often waived contingencies to compete.
2022: Cooling Begins
By mid-2022, interest rates began to rise, and DOM started creeping up. Instead of flying off the market in days, homes averaged 2–3 weeks before securing an offer.
What it meant: Sellers had to price more strategically, while buyers gained a little breathing room in negotiations.
2023: A Balanced Market Emerges
2023 marked a shift toward balance. Average DOM hovered in the 30–45 day range. Inventory was still limited, but buyers were more cautious as rates remained high.
What it meant: Investors could find opportunities in properties sitting longer, while sellers needed to focus on presentation and pricing.
2024: Patience Required
By 2024, DOM stretched further in many areas, reaching 45–60+ days on average. Buyers became selective, favoring move-in ready homes and passing on those needing updates unless priced aggressively.
What it meant: Strategic upgrades and pre-listing prep became essential for sellers. Buyers had time to negotiate repairs and incentives.
2025 (January–September): Signs of Acceleration
As of September 2025, DOM trends show mixed signals:
Well-priced, turnkey homes in desirable neighborhoods are moving quickly (often under 20 days).
Outdated or overpriced homes are lingering past 60+ days.
What it means: The market is showing signs of renewed activity, but success depends heavily on strategy—pricing, presentation, and timing matter more than ever.
What This Means for You
Sellers: If your home isn’t moving, it’s not just the market—it could be price, condition, or marketing. Prepping your home right the first time pays off.
Buyers: You have negotiating power on homes that have been sitting longer, but be prepared to act fast when a great home hits the market.
Investors: Extended DOM is a chance to scoop up underperforming properties, especially if the seller is motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a “good” days on market number in 2025?Under 30 days is considered strong right now. If a property sells within two weeks, it’s likely priced competitively and in high demand.
2. How long should I expect my home to sit before selling? In most of our counties, the average is around 45 days—but turnkey homes can sell in less than half that time.
3. Does a higher DOM mean something is wrong with the house? Not always. Sometimes it’s just overpriced. Other times, it could be condition or location. That’s where a strong listing strategy comes in.
4. How can sellers reduce their DOM? Staging, professional photography, curb appeal updates, and pricing aligned with market comps are the biggest DOM reducers.
5. Should buyers worry about making offers too quickly? If you’ve found “the one,” waiting could mean missing out. But with higher DOM in some cases, you often have more flexibility than in 2021’s frenzy.
👉 Ready to talk strategy for buying, selling, or investing? Call me directly at 910-916-9315 or email cassie@birchandbeamrealty.com. You can also follow along on Instagram @closewithcassie_nc or visit CloseWithCassieNC.com.
Because in this market, timing isn’t just everything—it’s profit.
Close with Cassie.
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