What Does Days on Market Mean on Zillow and Why It Matters

Days on market is how long a home has been listed for sale. On Zillow, it's shown as the time the listing has been on Zillow. A low number usually means strong interest; a high one can mean room to negotiate, or a problem.

Where to find it

On a Zillow listing, look near the top of the details for how long it has been on Zillow, along with views and saves. Scroll to Price history for the full story: when it was listed, price cuts, and any earlier listings or sales.

Why the number can be misleading

• It can reset. If a home is taken off the market and listed again, the count may start over. Check the price history for an earlier listing that ended without a sale.
• Different sources, different counts. Agents use the MLS, which tracks both days on market for the current listing and cumulative days across relistings. Zillow's figure may not match.
• Pending sales that fell through come back with a longer history. Ask why the deal failed: it could be financing or an inspection problem.

Reading a high or low number

• Compare with the local market. "Long" depends on the area and season. Look at similar homes nearby; Zillow's market pages and your agent can give typical figures.
• Low days on market: expect competition, possibly multiple offers. Decide your limit before you see the home.
• High days on market: the seller may be more flexible on price or terms. But find out why it hasn't sold: price, condition, location, or poor photos.
• Price cuts plus a long listing: often a seller adjusting to the market, and a good moment to ask questions.

Check the price, not just the time

A long listing may just be overpriced. Compare its price per square foot with recent sales of similar homes nearby. Zillow Price/SqFt shows that figure on every listing card in Zillow search results, so an outlier stands out. For one-off math, use the price per square foot calculator.

Using it in an offer

• With a long-listed home, your agent can ask the listing agent about the seller's timeline and past offers.
• You may be able to ask for repairs, closing cost help or a flexible closing date rather than only a lower price.
• Don't assume a long listing means a desperate seller. Some sellers are simply willing to wait.

For more, see how to run your own comps and Zillow filters agents use.