Are you seeing some Franklin homes sell in a weekend while others sit for weeks and wondering what that means for you? You’re not alone. When you understand Days on Market and price reductions, you can read the market’s pace and make smarter decisions. This guide breaks down what DOM is, how it signals supply and demand in Franklin, and how to use it whether you’re buying or selling. Let’s dive in.
Days on Market basics
Days on Market (DOM) is the number of days a property is listed from its start date until it goes under contract. It is a quick way to read listing age and market speed.
Know the common variants:
- MLS DOM: The standard number your MLS records from list date to contract date. Some MLSs reset DOM if a listing is withdrawn and re-listed.
- Cumulative DOM (CDOM): Adds up all listing periods for the same property across re-lists and withdrawals, if your MLS tracks it.
- Portal time-on-market: Sites can show a different clock that reflects only the time they displayed the listing, not the MLS history.
Why it matters: Short DOM tends to signal strong buyer demand or tight supply. Longer DOM suggests weaker demand, more inventory, or a pricing or condition mismatch.
How DOM reflects supply and demand
DOM is most useful when you view it with a few companion metrics:
- Active listings (inventory) and closed sales to see absorption.
- Months of inventory: active listings divided by monthly sales.
- Sale-to-list price ratio: how close closed prices are to asking prices.
Rules of thumb for context:
- Less than about 1 to 3 months of inventory plus short DOM often signals a seller’s market where well-priced homes move fast.
- Around 4 to 6 months looks more balanced.
- More than 6 months, paired with higher DOM, leans toward a buyer’s market.
For timing cues: very low median DOM, like under two to three weeks, suggests rapid turnover. Medians of 60 days or more point to a slower market. Local norms vary by price point and property type, so always compare like with like.
Franklin context and seasonality
Franklin sits along the Dayton–Cincinnati corridor, where commuting patterns, new development in Warren County, and regional employment shifts influence demand. In Ohio, you typically see:
- Seasonality: More listings and faster sales in spring and early summer. DOM often lengthens in late fall and winter.
- Property-type differences: Entry-level homes and move-in-ready properties tend to have shorter DOM than unique or high-end homes.
- Neighborhood variation: Areas near amenities may move quicker than rural pockets. Compare DOM at the neighborhood level before drawing conclusions.
When you review any Franklin numbers, make sure the source is clear and whether it is MLS DOM or CDOM. Portal clocks can tell a different story than the MLS record.
Reading price reductions
Price reductions and DOM move together. They tell you about initial pricing and buyer response.
What reductions suggest
- No change or a single small cut (about 1 to 3 percent): Often a tactical tweak based on early feedback.
- Multiple small cuts over time: A sign the home likely started too high and is being walked down to find the market.
- A larger single cut (about 5 to 10 percent or more): A reset to current market reality or response to new information.
Size and timing rules of thumb
- Early reductions within 2 to 4 weeks: Usually indicate the initial price overshot active demand.
- Later reductions after 30 to 60 days: May reflect seasonality, condition, or limited buyer interest.
Local sensitivity matters. In fast pockets of Warren County, even a 2 percent cut can unlock traffic. In slower pockets, it may take more to re-engage buyers.
Buyer and seller takeaways
- Sellers: Long DOM with repeated reductions chips at perceived value. If showings lag, consider a strategic revision rather than a slow drip of minor cuts. Improve presentation, marketing, or access to showings before shaving price.
- Buyers: Long DOM plus multiple reductions can increase leverage. Always verify the “why” behind the linger, including condition and history, before negotiating.
What to check before acting
Ask for a simple, local snapshot before you price or write an offer:
- Median DOM for the last 30, 90, and 365 days
- Active vs pending vs closed counts
- Months of inventory by price band
- Median list price, median sale price, and sale-to-list ratio
- Share of listings with price reductions and average reduction percent
- Days between list and first price reduction
- Neighborhood-level DOM for your short list
Always label the source and date on any stat and note if it uses MLS DOM or CDOM.
For sellers: use DOM to price right
Your best window is the first 2 to 3 weeks. Use DOM signals to protect that window.
- Price to the market you have, not the one you hope for. Review DOM and months of inventory for your exact segment.
- Watch early traffic and feedback. If you miss your first two weekends, consider a targeted reposition rather than waiting.
- Upgrade marketing. High-quality photos, staging basics, open houses, and premium portal exposure can cut DOM.
- Avoid chasing the market down. One well-planned adjustment often beats several tiny drops.
Meghan’s approach focuses on speed and visibility: professional photography and staging guidance, MLS syndication with premium portal features, open houses, and responsive follow-up that turns interest into offers.
For buyers: use DOM to compete or negotiate
DOM can help you time your move and set strategy.
- Low DOM and fresh listings: Be ready. Strong terms, clean contingencies, and quick response times can win.
- Rising DOM and price cuts: Pull comps, examine the price history, and tailor your offer around condition and seller priorities.
- Check the clock: Verify whether DOM reflects a relist. Some MLSs reset on re-entry, while CDOM can show the full time on market.
- Focus by segment: Entry-level homes may still fly even when the broader market slows. Target your strategy to your price band.
A simple DOM graphic for clarity
A quick visual makes trends easier to read. A helpful chart compares monthly median DOM for the last 12 months against active listings. Keep it simple and label the source and date.
Suggested caption: “Median Days on Market vs active listings in Franklin — Source: local MLS, last 12 months.”
Get a custom Franklin market briefing
If you want numbers tailored to your home or search, request a custom briefing. You will get:
- Median DOM for the last 12 months and last 90 days
- Active vs pending vs closed counts
- Months of inventory and absorption rate
- Sale-to-list ratio and pricing trends
- Top 5 comparable sales with DOM and price-change history
- Price-reduction summary for similar listings
Every stat will include the source, date, and whether it uses MLS DOM or CDOM so you can make confident decisions.
Ready to see how DOM and reductions affect your plan? Reach out for a streamlined, data-backed strategy that fits your timing and goals.
Meghan Dwyer can prepare your custom Franklin market briefing and help you move with confidence.
FAQs
Does a high Days on Market mean a bad investment in Franklin?
- Not necessarily. High DOM flags slower buyer interest, but you should review condition, comparable sales, and neighborhood trends before deciding.
How soon should a Franklin seller consider a price reduction?
- Many sellers review results after 14 to 21 days. If showings and feedback are weak, a strategic adjustment or marketing upgrade is often wise.
Will relisting a Franklin home reset DOM?
- It can. Some MLSs reset DOM on relist, while CDOM can track the full history. Verify the local MLS rules before you rely on the number.
How do I tell if a price reduction signals negotiation room?
- Look at size and timing. Multiple cuts and long DOM often mean more leverage. A single small reduction can be tactical rather than a major shift.
Should a seller accept slightly below list price or wait?
- It depends on market speed, inventory, and priorities. In low DOM segments, waiting can bring more offers. In higher DOM conditions, quicker negotiations can preserve momentum.
