Are you wondering why some Great Falls homes go under contract in a weekend while others sit for weeks? You are not alone. Days on Market, often called DOM, is one of the simplest ways to read market speed, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. In this guide, you will learn what DOM actually measures, how seasonality in Cascade County changes it, and how to use it to make smarter decisions whether you are buying or selling. Let’s dive in.
What “Days on Market” means
DOM is the number of days a property is actively listed for sale in the MLS or on public listing sites. It is a quick snapshot of how fast homes are moving and it helps you compare listings, spot stale properties, and gauge negotiation leverage.
DOM usually counts from the day the listing goes live to the day a seller accepts a contract. It does not run through the closing date. Some MLS systems show DOM for the current listing only, while others track cumulative DOM that keeps counting through withdrawals and relists. Public portals can lag behind the MLS, show different DOM figures, or display outdated status. When accuracy matters, rely on the MLS and ask your agent to review the full listing history with you.
Great Falls context that shapes DOM
Great Falls is a smaller, regional market compared to major metro areas. That means typical DOM benchmarks look different here because there are fewer buyers and fewer comparable sales at any given time. Local demand is shaped by employment in health care, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and services, along with affordability compared to other Montana markets.
Military transfers tied to Malmstrom Air Force Base create periodic spikes in buyer activity. That added demand can shorten DOM around transfer windows. Inventory levels also matter. DOM should be read alongside months of inventory and active listing counts to understand how much choice buyers really have.
Seasonality in Cascade County
- Spring and early summer, March through July, usually bring more showings, faster turnover, and lower DOM.
- Late fall and winter, November through February, often slow down due to weather and holidays, which can lengthen DOM.
- Military PCS timing can concentrate demand in the summer, sometimes reducing DOM even further.
How to read DOM in Great Falls
Local norms matter more than national rules. Use current Great Falls median or average DOM from the local MLS to set your expectations. As a rough guide, many U.S. markets view under 30 days as quick, 30 to 90 days as moderate, and over 90 to 120 days as stale. Adjust those ranges to current Cascade County data.
Why short DOM happens
- Limited supply compared to qualified buyers.
- Accurate or proactive pricing.
- Strong presentation, including staging and quality photos.
- Property features that meet common needs, such as move-in ready condition or proximity to amenities and employment.
What it implies:
- Sellers often hold more leverage on price and terms.
- Buyers may need to move quickly and make competitive, clean offers.
Why long DOM happens
- Overpricing relative to recent sales and buyer expectations.
- Condition issues or deferred maintenance.
- Weak marketing or limited showing availability.
- Unique property type or zoning that narrows the buyer pool.
- Location-specific considerations, including nearby noise or use patterns that limit appeal.
What it implies:
- Sellers may need a price reduction or concessions to re-energize interest.
- Buyers can often negotiate on price, repairs, closing credits, or contingencies. Still, long DOM is a signal to investigate, not a guarantee of a bargain.
When DOM can be misleading
Relisted properties, temporary withdrawals, or reactivated listings can distort DOM. A low DOM might reflect a bidding environment where offers rise above list price. A longer DOM could be a well-priced niche property waiting for the right buyer. Public sites can also show different DOM than the MLS. Always review listing history and confirm details with your agent.
Use DOM to negotiate smarter
If you are buying
- When DOM is long:
- Consider a lower initial offer or request seller concessions, while still conducting full inspections.
- Review price reduction history, days since the last change, and feedback from prior showings before you write.
- When DOM is short:
- Expect competition. Strong offers can include escalation language, higher earnest money, or shorter inspection periods if you are comfortable with the risk.
- Validate value with recent comparable sales and consider appraisal risk before stretching.
- Always verify status, DOM, and history through the MLS to avoid acting on outdated portal information.
If you are selling
- First impressions count:
- Price competitively for the first two to four weeks, the period when most buyer activity occurs.
- Invest in curb appeal, staging, and professional photography to reduce DOM.
- If DOM runs long:
- Reassess your strategy by weeks four to six if showings are light. Track showings per week, feedback themes, and number of offers.
- Consider targeted outreach, such as channels that reach military relocations, regional buyers, or rental investors when the local pool is small.
- Avoid repeated relisting just to reset the clock. Buyers and agents can see the history and may question what is being hidden if the price or condition has not changed.
Appraisal and financing considerations
High DOM does not automatically block financing. Still, shifting conditions can create appraisal gaps. If comparable sales closed months earlier and the market has cooled since listing, a contract above list price may not appraise, which can affect buyer financing. Lenders do not use DOM as a direct approval metric, but it is a sign of marketability and price support.
Get current Great Falls DOM stats
DOM is time sensitive. For a clear picture, ask for the latest median and average DOM for the past 3, 6, and 12 months, along with months of inventory, sale-to-list price ratio, the share of listings with price reductions, and monthly totals of active and closed listings. Cross-check year over year for seasonality.
Local MLS data and reports from the regional association provide the most accurate numbers. Statewide context from professional associations and local economic reports can help explain shifts driven by employment or military transfers. A knowledgeable local agent can assemble these metrics quickly and explain what they mean for your property type.
Quick checklists
For Great Falls buyers
- Verify DOM with the MLS listing history, not only public portals.
- Compare a home’s DOM to current Great Falls medians, not national averages.
- For long-DOM homes, ask about showing feedback, price changes, and known issues before assuming the price is the only factor.
- For short-DOM homes, be ready to act quickly with a clean, competitive offer if the home fits.
For Great Falls sellers
- Price for the local market and season. The first few weeks are critical.
- Use high-quality photography, staging, and targeted marketing, including channels that reach military relocations when relevant.
- Track showings, feedback, and inquiries. If activity is low after several weeks, adjust price or marketing instead of relisting without changes.
- Keep a clear listing history. Avoid tactics that reset DOM without addressing price or condition.
When you want straight answers on how DOM should guide your timing, pricing, or offer strategy, connect with a local advisor who pairs data with on-the-ground insight. If you are preparing to buy or sell in Great Falls or across Central and Western Montana, we are ready to help. Schedule a Free Consultation with Hibbard Realty to get current numbers and a plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
What does Days on Market actually measure?
- DOM counts the days from when a home is listed to when the seller accepts a contract, not through the closing date.
Do public real estate portals show the same DOM as the MLS?
- Not always. Public sites can lag, show different DOM figures, or display outdated status. The MLS is the most reliable source.
How long do homes in Great Falls typically stay on the market?
- It varies by season and inventory. Ask for the latest Great Falls median and average DOM for the past 3, 6, and 12 months to set expectations.
When should a seller lower the price based on DOM?
- If showings and inquiries are light by weeks four to six, reassess price and marketing using feedback, activity data, and recent comparable sales.
Is a long DOM always a signal to offer well below list?
- Not necessarily. Long DOM can reflect pricing, condition, or a niche property. Investigate history and marketability before writing a low offer.
How do Malmstrom AFB transfers affect DOM in Great Falls?
- Military PCS cycles can concentrate buyer demand in summer months, which often reduces DOM for well-priced homes near that timing.
Can relisting reset DOM, and what should buyers take from that?
- In some systems a relist or major price change can reset DOM, while others track cumulative days. Review full listing history for context before deciding on value.
