When you’re buying a home in the competitive Arlington VA real estate market, it’s easy to focus on the big numbers—price, square footage, bedrooms, and location. But in 2025, savvy buyers across the DMV (including Alexandria, Falls Church, and Washington D.C.) are paying close attention to another metric that can reveal more than you think: Days on Market, or DOM.

DOM has always mattered, but shifting market conditions, fluctuating interest rates, and new buyer behavior trends have made it a critical negotiation tool—especially in the fast-moving Northern Virginia and D.C. markets. Understanding how DOM works can help you spot opportunities, avoid overpaying, and move with confidence.

Whether you’re just starting your search or browsing homes on our Search All Homes page, this guide will help you understand why DOM is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—stats in real estate today.

What Is DOM and Why Does It Matter in the 2025 DMV Market?

DOM stands for Days on Market, which reflects how long a home has been listed before going under contract. While it seems straightforward, DOM can reveal:

• How the seller is feeling (motivated? frustrated?)

• Whether the listing was priced correctly

• If competition is cooling down

• When it’s time to make a strong offer—or negotiate hard
  
  

In 2025, as interest rates stabilize and inventory slowly expands in pockets across Arlington, Alexandria, and DC, DOM helps buyers separate hot homes from hidden bargains.

What Does a Low DOM Mean in Arlington, VA?

In neighborhoods like Clarendon, Ballston, Courthouse, and Lyon Village, homes with a low DOM often signal:

• High demand

• Accurate pricing

• Desirable location or renovations

• Multiple-offer potential
  
  

Low DOM homes in Arlington are often receiving offers within the first weekend. If you’re buying in these competitive communities, you may need a strong offer strategy, which is exactly what the KS Team provides.

If you're browsing active listings now, you can explore homes with the newest DOM updates on our Search All Homes tool.

What Does a High DOM Mean in Alexandria or Washington D.C.?

Contrary to popular belief, a higher DOM is not always a red flag. In fact, in cities like Alexandria, Falls Church, and D.C., high DOM may signal:

1. A pricing mistake that you can leverage

Some homes simply start too high. After several weeks on the market, sellers become significantly more open to price conversations.

2. Seasonal slowdowns

Winter listings or holiday timing often result in higher DOM—even for great homes.

3. A lack of exposure

Not all agents use professional marketing, and poor photos or staging can slow momentum.

4. Renovation potential

A high DOM home needing cosmetic updates can be a fantastic opportunity for buyers wanting instant equity.

The KS Team specializes in identifying which high-DOM homes are undervalued—and which ones are overpriced for a reason.

How Is the DMV Housing Market Changing in 2025?

The 2025 real estate market across the DMV is experiencing a unique shift:

• Interest rates are leveling out, encouraging more buyers back into the market.
  
  

• Inventory remains limited, but new sellers are entering the market earlier in the year.
  
  

• Bidding wars are selective, not universal—especially in neighborhoods where DOM has recently increased.
  
  

• Buyers are more data-driven, paying closer attention to neighborhood trends.
  
  

This is why partnering with experienced KS Team real estate experts makes such a difference: our team tracks hyper-local DOM patterns down to the ZIP code and provides guidance tailored to your budget and goals.

Is DOM the Same in Every Northern Virginia Neighborhood?

Not at all. DOM is neighborhood-specific—even street-specific in some Arlington areas.

Here’s what this means for you:

Arlington, VA

• Hot neighborhoods like Clarendon or Ballston may see DOM under 7 days.

• Single-family homes in North Arlington often move faster than condos.
  
  

Alexandria, VA

• Old Town may show higher DOM due to luxury price points.

• Del Ray has low DOM thanks to strong buyer demand and walkability.
  
  

Falls Church

• Small inventory but fast-moving when priced right.
  
  

Washington D.C.

• Condo-heavy neighborhoods may experience longer DOM.

• Turnkey rowhomes in NW DC often fly off the market.
  
  

Your agent should be comparing micro-market DOM trends, not just citywide averages. That’s where the KS Team stands out.

How Can Buyers Use DOM to Make a Strong Offer?

DOM gives you a strategic edge—if you know how to interpret it:

1. When DOM is low:

Make your strongest offer early. Move fast, tighten contingencies, and prepare for competition.

2. When DOM is moderate:

Request seller disclosures, analyze comparable sales, and offer slightly under list price if warranted.

3. When DOM is high:

Negotiate! You may be able to:

• Ask for seller credits

• Reduce purchase price
  Add inspection contingencies

• Request closing-cost assistance
  
  

The KS Team’s Buyer Guarantee also gives buyers peace of mind—no matter what the DOM says.

Do Sellers Care About DOM?

Absolutely. For sellers across Arlington, Alexandria, and DC, DOM affects:

• Perceived property value

• How buyers negotiate

• Whether price adjustments are necessary

• Online visibility and traffic
  
  

This is why the KS Team uses proven, repeatable systems to get homes sold faster—and why our Seller Guarantee gives homeowners confidence before listing.

If you're thinking of selling, get your property’s value instantly with our Free Home Valuation tool.

FAQ: Common Questions Buyers Ask About DOM

What’s considered a “good” DOM in the DMV?

In 2025, a good DOM in Arlington or Alexandria is typically under 10–14 days, depending on property type and location.

Do price reductions affect DOM?

Yes—multiple price drops often indicate mispricing, which can create negotiation opportunities for buyers.

Is a high DOM always bad?

No. Many high-DOM homes are hidden gems. KS Team can help you evaluate whether the property is mispriced or simply overlooked.

Can DOM be reset?

Some agents relist properties to reset DOM. KS Team reviews full listing history so buyers always have accurate information.

How KS Team Helps Buyers Interpret DOM and Win in 2025

What sets the KS Team apart is our data-driven yet human-centered approach. We analyze:

• Neighborhood-specific DOM trends

• Seasonal buyer demand

• Comparable home sales
  Pricing patterns

• Seller motivation
  
  

And we use this information to help you craft a winning offer—whether the home has been listed for 2 days or 62.

You can browse all available homes with real-time DOM updates here: 👉 Search All Homes

Conclusion: DOM Is Your Secret Weapon in 2025 — Use It Wisely

In today’s evolving DMV real estate market, understanding DOM can unlock opportunities, save you thousands, and help you move with confidence toward the right home. Whether you’re buying in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, or Washington D.C., knowing how to interpret DOM—and having the right agent in your corner—makes all the difference.

Ready to take the next step toward your Arlington VA home?
The KS Team is here to guide you. Schedule a free buyer consultation or get your home’s value instantly with our free valuation tool: 👉 https://kerishull.com/home-valuation/

Don’t forget — our Buyer Guarantee and Seller Guarantee give you total peace of mind in any market:

Or reach out directly here: 👉 https://kerishull.com/contact-us/

Your next home in the DMV is waiting — and KS Team will help you get it.