When you're looking through real estate listings, you’ll see all kinds of numbers thrown around, but DOM and CDOM are two that actually matter. One tells you how long a home has been sitting on the market, and the other reveals if it’s been playing musical chairs with listings. Knowing the difference can save you money, time, and a whole lot of second-guessing.
What Is DOM?
Days on Market (DOM) is exactly what it sounds like—the number of days a home has been sitting on the market, waiting for a buyer to bite. The clock starts ticking the moment the property is listed and stops once an offer is accepted. Simple enough, right?
But here’s where it gets interesting. If a seller pulls the home off the market and relists it, the DOM resets—at least in theory. Some MLS (Multiple Listing Service) systems have rules to prevent sellers from gaming the system, but in many cases, a fresh listing means a fresh DOM. This is why you might see a “new” listing that feels oddly familiar.
Why does this number matter? A low DOM usually signals a hot property in a competitive market—homes are flying off the shelf. A higher DOM can sometimes mean a home is overpriced, needs work, or just isn’t getting the right attention. That said, context is everything, and a longer DOM isn’t always a bad thing. It could just mean the home is in a niche market or the seller isn’t in a rush.
What Is CDOM?
If DOM is the short-term memory of a listing, CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) is the full history lesson. This number tells you the total time a home has been on the market, even if it’s been taken down and relisted. In other words, it keeps track of all the times a seller has tried (and potentially failed) to make a fresh start.
CDOM exists because some sellers try to outsmart the system. Pulling a listing and relisting it with a shiny “New!” tag might trick casual buyers, but CDOM doesn’t fall for it. It keeps count, making sure buyers see the real story behind a home’s time on the market.
For buyers, CDOM is a reality check—it shows if a property has been sitting for months under different listings. For sellers, it’s a reminder that relisting won’t erase a long market history. If a home has a high CDOM, it’s time to rethink the strategy, not just the listing date.
How Buyers and Sellers Can Use DOM and CDOM to Their Advantage
For Buyers:
DOM and CDOM can tell you a lot about a home before you even step inside. If a house has been on the market for a while (high DOM/CDOM), the seller might be more open to negotiation. On the flip side, a home with a low DOM likely has other buyers eyeing it, meaning you’ll need to move fast and possibly come in with a strong offer.
Pay attention to CDOM if a home has been listed, removed, and then relisted multiple times. This could mean past deals have fallen through, or the seller has been playing pricing games. Either way, it’s worth asking why.
For Sellers:
A low DOM is a great selling point—it tells buyers your home is in demand, making them more eager to act. If your CDOM starts creeping up, though, it’s time to rethink your approach. Many different factors can be contributing to this. For example, maybe the price is too high, the photos aren’t doing it justice, or it needs better staging—expert analysis and strategy can help pin down the exact reason.
We should emphasize that it’s wise to be careful with frequent relisting. A high CDOM can make buyers skeptical, assuming something is wrong with the home. Instead of resetting the listing, focus on making real improvements that attract offers.
Expert Home Listing Strategies
Understanding DOM and CDOM can give you an edge whether you're buying or selling a home. If you’re looking at homes for sale in the Fort Collins area and want expert guidance on pricing, marketing, or negotiating the best deal, Black Bear Real Estate and Property Management is here to help—just reach out!