Average Days on Market by State

2026 data covering all 50 states, top cities, historical trends, and what drives selling speed

78
National Median DOM (Jan 2026)
80
Slowest (Hawaii)
22
Fastest (Massachusetts)
58
Day Spread Across States

How long does it take to sell a home in your state? The average days on the market varies dramatically depending on where you live, what time of year you list, and the current state of the real estate market. In some states, homes for sale spend fewer than 25 days on the market. In others, the median number of days a home spends on the market exceeds 75.

Understanding days on market helps both buyers and sellers make smarter decisions. Sellers can set a realistic listing price and timeline. Buyers can gauge how quickly they need to move in competitive areas. Below, we break down the average days on market by state using data from Redfin, FRED, the Census Bureau, and the National Association of REALTORS®.

In the slowest-selling states, it takes the longest to sell a home because surplus inventory gives buyers more choices. In fast-moving markets, tight supply means homes sit on the market for less than a month. Housing market trends over the past five years show selling times increasing steadily from the 2021 pandemic-era lows.

Key Findings

  • National median: The U.S. median days on market reached 78 days in January 2026 according to FRED data from Realtor.com. The 2025 annual average was 61 days.
  • Slowest state: Hawaii has the longest days on market at 80 days, driven by 5.6 months of housing supply and a median home price of $771,000.
  • Fastest state: Massachusetts leads at just 22 days, with tight inventory of 1.9 months and median incomes that support the $629,000 median price.
  • 58-day gap: There is a 58-day spread between the fastest and slowest states, showing just how localized real estate conditions can be.
  • Trend direction: Days on market has increased every year since 2021, when the historic low of 33 days was set. The 2025 average was 56% higher than the 2021 low.
  • Inventory link: States with under 2 months of supply average 27 median DOM. States with 4+ months average 62 median DOM.
  • Florida is slowing: Home sales in Florida dropped 4% year over year, the largest decline of any state. Florida DOM now sits at 61 days with 5.2 months of supply.
  • Seasonality matters: Homes listed in May 2025 averaged 51 days on market. Homes listed in January 2025 averaged 73 days, a 43% difference based on listing month alone.

What Is Days on Market in Real Estate?

Days on market (DOM) measures the number of days between when a home is listed for sale and when it goes under contract with a buyer. It is one of the most important indicators of local market conditions. A low DOM signals strong demand and a seller's market. A high DOM signals weaker demand and a buyer's market.

More specifically, DOM tracks the median number of days property listings spend on the market in a given area. The number of days property listings spend before going under contract depends on local conditions in each U.S. state and metro area.

DOM does not include the closing period, which typically adds 30 to 45 days after a buyer and seller reach agreement. The total time from listing to close is often called "cumulative days on market" or CDOM. In an expensive market like San Jose or New York, homes on the market may sell in days despite high prices because of buyer demand. Historical data shows the metric is most useful when compared within the same market over time.

Under 30 days
Strong seller's market. Buyers should be prepared to move fast and make competitive offers.
30 to 60 days
Balanced market. Both buyers and sellers have reasonable negotiating power.
Over 60 days
Buyer's market. Sellers may need to adjust pricing or improve condition to attract offers.

Average Days on Market by State: All 50 States Ranked

Ranked from slowest to fastest selling across all 50 states. In most metro areas, the number of days homes spend on the market before going under contract varies significantly compared to the national average. Local real estate markets with high demand see properties move quickly, while oversupplied areas see homes stay on the market longer. Data reflects 2024 annual median from Redfin and Clever Real Estate research. Grand Rapids, MI led all cities at just 13 days, showcasing how real estate brokerage activity and buyer competition shape local outcomes.

Rank State Median DOM Supply (Months) Median Price Sales Change
- National Average 40 2.8 $428,000 +1.07%
1 Hawaii 80 days 5.6 $771,000 -0.58%
2 Montana 78 days 5.2 $521,000 +3.67%
3 Louisiana 69 days 3.9 $245,000 -2.46%
4 South Carolina 68 days 3.9 $378,000 +1.18%
5 South Dakota 65 days 3.9 $320,000 +5.46%
6 Florida 61 days 5.2 $412,000 -4.00%
7 North Dakota 58 days 3.2 $279,000 +5.79%
8 Tennessee 58 days 3.8 $385,000 +0.96%
9 Alabama 55 days 3.7 $279,000 +1.70%
10 Arizona 55 days 3.6 $446,000 +0.56%
11 West Virginia 55 days 3.1 $251,000 +11.54%
12 Texas 53 days 4.2 $347,000 +0.58%
13 Vermont 52 days 3.5 $407,000 +3.94%
14 Wyoming 50 days 3.6 $425,000 +5.90%
15 New Mexico 49 days 4 $353,000 -0.72%
16 Wisconsin 49 days 2.6 $312,000 +4.86%
17 Idaho 48 days 3.1 $478,000 +3.16%
18 Illinois 48 days 2.6 $290,000 -1.00%
19 Arkansas 46 days 3.4 $255,000 +3.94%
20 Mississippi 46 days 3.9 $253,000 +1.29%
21 Nevada 46 days 3 $457,000 +5.13%
22 Georgia 45 days 3.5 $373,000 -1.78%
23 Utah 45 days 3.3 $547,000 +8.00%
24 North Carolina 43 days 3 $376,000 -0.14%
25 Kentucky 41 days 2.8 $261,000 +2.68%
26 Colorado 39 days 3.5 $608,000 +1.31%
27 New York 39 days 3.2 $537,000 -1.61%
28 Oklahoma 39 days 3.4 $244,000 +0.96%
29 Maine 38 days 2.7 $403,000 +4.56%
30 Oregon 38 days 3.1 $507,000 +4.53%
31 Connecticut 37 days 2.1 $424,000 -1.96%
32 Iowa 37 days 2.7 $235,000 +1.91%
33 New Hampshire 37 days 2.2 $485,000 +4.22%
34 New Jersey 37 days 2.4 $525,000 -1.06%
35 Ohio 37 days 2.2 $246,000 +0.88%
36 California 34 days 2.7 $820,000 +5.46%
37 Pennsylvania 33 days 2.4 $291,000 +1.16%
38 Minnesota 32 days 2.3 $349,000 +2.03%
39 Missouri 31 days 1.9 $262,000 +2.24%
40 Maryland 30 days 2 $429,000 +1.96%
41 Delaware 29 days 2 $350,000 -0.25%
42 Michigan 29 days 2.2 $259,000 -1.02%
43 Virginia 29 days 1.9 $446,000 +3.00%
44 Indiana 28 days 2.1 $258,000 +2.25%
45 Rhode Island 28 days 1.8 $492,000 +3.81%
46 Kansas 27 days 1.5 $275,000 -2.22%
47 Alaska 26 days 2.4 $380,000 +1.07%
48 Washington 25 days 2.1 $636,000 +5.96%
49 Nebraska 24 days 2 $289,000 +2.65%
50 Massachusetts 22 days 1.9 $629,000 +2.57%

Sources: Clever Real Estate analysis of Redfin, Realtor.com, and Census data (2024). National average from NAR Existing Home Sales.

10 Slowest-Selling States

All 10 states below have housing inventory above the national median of 2.8 months. In each U.S. state on this list, the typical home sits for a median of 63 days, compared to 40 days nationwide. In several of these states, demand for homes has weakened due to affordability concerns, climate risks, or outmigration. Data from Zillow and Redfin confirms that the median days on the market in these areas has risen steadily since 2022.

1. Hawaii: 80 median days on market

Hawaii has the most housing inventory of any state at 5.6 months of supply. The median home costs $771,000, nearly double the national median. Despite being a dream destination, many Americans are hesitant to buy permanently. Home sales dropped 0.58% from 2023 to 2024. Limited buyer demand at these price points keeps homes sitting for months.

2. Montana: 78 median days on market

Montana carries 5.2 months of housing supply, the second highest in the nation. Median home prices sit at $521,000, about 22% above the national median. Local incomes fall below the national median, creating an affordability gap that slows sales. Still, home sales grew 3.67% year over year, possibly driven by remote workers and out-of-state buyers.

3. Louisiana: 69 median days on market

Despite offering some of the most affordable housing in the country at $245,000 median, Louisiana's market continues to slow. Home sales fell 2.46% year over year, the second-largest drop among all states. The state carries 3.9 months of supply. Climate risk concerns and outmigration trends are contributing factors.

4. South Carolina: 68 median days on market

South Carolina's market shows mixed signals. Sales grew 1.18% year over year, but 3.9 months of supply keeps homes sitting longer than average. The $378,000 median price sits close to the national median. Coastal markets face insurance cost concerns that dampen buyer enthusiasm in some areas.

5. South Dakota: 65 median days on market

South Dakota experienced strong growth at 5.46% more homes sold year over year. Yet the state still holds 3.9 months of supply, and homes take 65 days to sell. The $320,000 median price is below national average. Growing interest from buyers has not yet absorbed the available inventory.

Other slowest states:

Florida (61 days), North Dakota (58 days), Tennessee (58 days), Alabama (55 days), Arizona (55 days)

10 Fastest-Selling States

All 10 of these states have less than 2.4 months of housing supply. Homes sell in a median of just 28 days, compared to 40 days nationwide. In the current market, a housing shortage in these states keeps home buyers competing aggressively. Rising home values have not slowed housing demand because incomes in many fast-selling states are equally strong. Where other states see homes taking longer to sell, these markets stay on the market a median of under 30 days.

1. Massachusetts: 22 median days on market

Massachusetts leads the nation for selling speed with just 1.9 months of supply. Despite a $629,000 median home price, the state's strong economy and high incomes (median near $100,000) fuel aggressive buyer demand. Home sales grew 2.57% year over year. Boston's tight inventory drives much of this statewide speed.

2. Nebraska: 24 median days on market

Nebraska combines affordable housing ($289,000 median) with limited supply at 2.0 months. This creates conditions where homes sell quickly despite modest population growth. Sales rose 2.65% from 2023 to 2024. The state's low cost of living makes homeownership accessible for a wide range of buyers.

3. Washington: 25 median days on market

Washington's tech economy powers strong demand, especially in the Seattle metro. At $636,000 median, prices are high but supported by the state's high incomes. Home sales surged 5.96% year over year, the third-fastest growth among all states. Just 2.1 months of supply keeps competition fierce.

4. Alaska: 26 median days on market

Alaska's tight market sees just 2.4 months of supply, keeping DOM low at 26 days. The $380,000 median price is below the national median, and sales grew 1.07% year over year. Limited new construction and geographic constraints keep inventory scarce.

5. Kansas: 27 median days on market

Kansas has the tightest inventory in the nation at just 1.5 months of supply. At $275,000 median, homes are affordable and move quickly. Sales declined 2.22% year over year, but the extremely low supply still creates urgency among buyers, keeping days on market well below the national average.

Other fastest states:

Indiana (28 days), Rhode Island (28 days), Delaware (29 days), Michigan (29 days), Virginia (29 days)

Days on Market by City: Slowest and Fastest Metros

Slowest-Selling Cities

City DOM Supply
Miami, FL 69 7.2 mo
Austin, TX 66 4.5 mo
Jacksonville, FL 63 4.2 mo
San Antonio, TX 62 4.5 mo
Birmingham, AL 57 3.5 mo
Nashville, TN 56 3.5 mo
Pittsburgh, PA 55 3.4 mo
New York, NY 55 4.3 mo
Phoenix, AZ 54 3.5 mo
Chicago, IL 53 2.9 mo

Fastest-Selling Cities

City DOM Supply
Grand Rapids, MI 13 1.3 mo
Buffalo, NY 14 1.5 mo
Seattle, WA 15 1.5 mo
San Jose, CA 16 1.3 mo
Richmond, VA 18 1.6 mo
Boston, MA 21 1.8 mo
Indianapolis, IN 21 1.9 mo
Sacramento, CA 23 2.1 mo
San Diego, CA 23 2.1 mo
Charlotte, NC 50 2.9 mo

Key insight: Miami leads the slowest cities with 69 DOM and 7.2 months of supply. Grand Rapids, MI leads the fastest at just 13 DOM with 1.3 months of supply. The correlation between inventory and selling speed is strong across all metros studied.

Source: Clever Real Estate analysis of Redfin data for the 50 most populous U.S. metros (2024).

Monthly Days on Market Data: 2025 to 2026

Monthly national median DOM from FRED/Realtor.com, showing clear seasonal patterns.

Month Median DOM Relative Speed
Jan 2025 73 days
Slow
Feb 2025 66 days
Slow
Mar 2025 53 days
Fast
Apr 2025 50 days
Fast
May 2025 51 days
Fast
Jun 2025 53 days
Fast
Jul 2025 58 days
Average
Aug 2025 60 days
Average
Sep 2025 62 days
Average
Oct 2025 63 days
Average
Nov 2025 64 days
Average
Dec 2025 73 days
Slow
Jan 2026 78 days
Slow

Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), series MEDDAYONMARUS. Data as of February 2026.

Seasonality: When Homes Sell Fastest

Seasonality is one of the strongest predictors of how long a property will spend on the market. The data shows a consistent pattern across every year since 2017.

Best Months to List (Fastest Sales)

April to June 50 to 53 days (2025)

Spring and early summer bring the most active buyers. Warmer weather, school year endings, and longer daylight hours drive showings. Homes listed in May 2025 averaged just 51 days on market.

Slowest Months (Longest DOM)

December to February 66 to 78 days (2025/26)

Holiday season and cold weather significantly reduce buyer activity. Homes listed in January 2026 averaged 78 days. That is 53% longer than the spring peak. Fewer buyers compete, but serious buyers in winter often move faster once they decide.

What this means for sellers

If you can choose when to list, targeting late March through early June will likely give you the shortest time on market. However, winter listings face less competition from other sellers, which can work in your favor if your home shows well.

8 Factors That Affect Days on Market

These factors explain why two similar homes in the same city can have dramatically different selling times. How long it takes to sell depends on far more than location. Each factor below can add or subtract weeks from how long a home sits on the market. In some areas, the rental market also competes for the same buyer pool, adding pressure.

Pricing Strategy

High Impact

Overpriced homes sit 3x longer than competitively priced ones. Homes priced within 5% of market value sell fastest.

Seasonality

High Impact

Spring and summer see the fastest sales. Homes listed in January sit on the market nearly twice as long as those listed in May.

Mortgage Rates

High Impact

Higher rates reduce buyer purchasing power and slow demand. Each 1% rate increase adds roughly 5 to 10 days on market.

Local Inventory

High Impact

Markets with under 2 months of supply see median DOM under 30 days. Markets with 4+ months see 50+ days.

Property Condition

Medium Impact

Move-in ready homes sell 15 to 20 days faster than those needing work. Staging can reduce DOM by up to 73%.

Professional Photos

Medium Impact

Listings with professional photography sell 32% faster. Homes with 20+ photos get 2x more views online.

Location

Medium Impact

Properties near top schools, transit, and amenities sell faster. Rural homes average 15 to 25 more days on market.

Property Type

Low Impact

Single-family homes generally sell faster than condos and townhomes. Luxury properties ($1M+) average 20+ extra days.

How to Reduce Days on Market When Selling

Reducing your home's time on market starts with strategic preparation. If you want to sell a home quickly, the most impactful actions happen before the listing goes live, not after. Setting the right listing price is the single most important decision.

Price competitively from day one

Overpriced homes sit three times longer than correctly priced ones. Work with a local real estate agent to run a comparative market analysis. The first two weeks of a listing generate the most buyer interest.

List during peak season

Data from 2025 shows homes listed in May averaged 51 days on market versus 73 days for homes listed in January. Target late March through early June for the best results.

Invest in professional photography

Listings with professional photos sell 32% faster according to the National Association of Realtors. Homes with 20+ photos get twice as many online views. Virtual tours and video walkthroughs provide additional advantages.

Stage the home

Staged homes sell up to 73% faster according to the Real Estate Staging Association. Even partial staging of key rooms (living room, primary bedroom, kitchen) makes a measurable difference. See our home staging guide for details.

Address repairs before listing

Homes that need visible repairs average 15 to 20 extra days on market. A pre-listing home inspection identifies issues before buyers discover them. Fix cosmetic problems, fresh paint, and curb appeal items for the highest return.

Work with an experienced local agent

Agents who specialize in your area know local pricing dynamics and buyer preferences. The right agent's marketing strategy, network, and negotiation skills directly impact how fast your home sells. Get matched with a top local agent for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average days on market for a house in the United States?

As of January 2026, the national median days on market is 78 days (FRED/Realtor.com). The 2025 annual average was 61 days. DOM varies significantly by season, location, price point, and property condition.

Which state has the longest average days on market?

Hawaii at 80 median days, followed by Montana (78 days) and Louisiana (69 days). High inventory levels relative to buyer demand drive these longer timelines. See our home selling statistics for more detail.

Which state has the shortest average days on market?

Massachusetts at just 22 median days, followed by Nebraska (24 days) and Washington (25 days). Tight inventory under 2.1 months of supply keeps buyer competition high in these states.

What does days on market mean in real estate?

Days on market (DOM) counts the days between when a property is listed and when it goes under contract. It does not include the 30 to 45 day closing period. Lower DOM indicates a seller's market. Higher DOM indicates a buyer's market.

How do I reduce days on market when selling my home?

Price competitively from day one, list during spring or early summer, use professional photography, stage the home, address repairs beforehand, and work with an experienced local agent. Overpriced homes sit three times longer.

Is a high days on market a red flag?

It depends on context. A home sitting above the local median DOM may signal overpricing, condition issues, or poor marketing. But some markets naturally have longer timelines. Compare a listing's DOM to local averages rather than national figures.

Methodology and Sources

This resource compiles data from multiple authoritative sources to provide the most comprehensive picture of U.S. days on market trends. We pull from the Realtor.com real estate data library (via FRED), Redfin's downloadable housing data, and NAR reports.

Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED): Monthly national median days on market from Realtor.com Housing Inventory Core Metrics (series MEDDAYONMARUS). Data range: July 2016 to January 2026.
Clever Real Estate: State-level and metro-level analysis using Redfin, Realtor.com, and U.S. Census Bureau data. Published March 2025 with 2024 annual data.
Redfin: Housing market data center with downloadable state and metro level data. Year-in-review reports for 2025.
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR): Existing Home Sales reports, including national and regional DOM, inventory, and pricing data.
Real Estate Staging Association: Data on staging impact on selling speed and price outcomes.

Days on market figures use median values unless otherwise noted. State-level data reflects 2024 annual median. Historical trends use annual averages of monthly FRED data. Last updated: February 2026.

Cite This Research

If you use data from this page, please cite it as:

"Average Days on Market by State: 2026 Data for All 50 States." Real Estate Agent Near Me, February 2026, realestateagentnearme.com/average-days-on-market-by-state/.

Feel free to reference our data with a link back to this page.

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