Should You Wait to Sell? What a 47-Day Average Time-on-Market Really Means

"Should I wait?" It's the single most common question I get from sellers this year — and it usually comes from somewhere reasonable: friends or neighbors who sold in 2021 or 2022 in a matter of days, and a nagging worry that today's market means something has gone wrong.

It hasn't. It's just different. Here's what the actual numbers say, and how to think about your own timing.

What 47 Days on Market Actually Means

Homes across Central Ohio are currently averaging around 47 days on the market before going under contract — up from the 2021–2022 era when well-priced homes routinely went under contract within a week. That shift can feel alarming if you're only comparing it to the height of the pandemic market, but it's worth putting in context: 47 days is still a healthy, active pace. It simply means buyers have room to make a considered decision instead of an emotional, pressured one.

For comparison, a genuinely slow or "buyer's" market often sees average days-on-market climb well past 90 days, alongside significant price reductions. We are not there. Homes are still selling for close to 98.5% of asking price on average — a strong number that tells you buyers aren't lowballing sellers, they're just taking their time to get there.

Why This Shift Happened

Inventory has grown roughly 7% year-over-year across the region, giving buyers more homes to compare before making an offer. More options naturally means more time spent shopping — that's not a red flag, it's just basic supply and demand working the way it's supposed to.

What This Means If You're Deciding Whether to List Now

Waiting for a return to 2021 conditions is not a strategy. That market was a product of historically low interest rates and severely constrained inventory — a combination that isn't coming back on any predictable timeline. Basing your selling decision on those conditions returning means potentially waiting years for a scenario that may not repeat.

Your reason for selling matters more than market timing. If you need to move for a job, growing family, or lifestyle change, the current market still supports a strong sale — it just requires realistic pricing and patience measured in weeks, not days.

Pricing accuracy matters more now than it did in 2022. In a market where buyers have choices, an overpriced listing doesn't just sit — it actively signals to buyers that something's off, even if the price eventually comes down. Homes priced right from day one are still moving in well under the 47-day average.

"On market longer" doesn't mean "something's wrong." Buyers today are doing more research, touring more homes, and taking more time before writing an offer. A home sitting for three or four weeks is often just experiencing a normal buyer decision cycle, not a rejection.

How to Sell Faster Than the Average

A few things consistently separate homes that sell in two weeks from homes that sell in two months, regardless of overall market conditions:

• Price to the current comps, not last year's comps. Your neighbor's 2023 sale price is no longer the market.
• Handle the obvious objections before listing. Minor repairs, decluttering, and fresh paint remove reasons for buyers to hesitate or negotiate.
• Professional photography and a strong first weekend of showings matter more than ever, since buyers are comparing more listings side by side than they were two years ago.
• Be realistic about your negotiating room going in, so a reasonable offer doesn't feel like a loss.

The Bottom Line

A 47-day average isn't a warning sign — it's simply today's market rhythm. Sellers who price accurately and prepare their home well are still selling at strong prices, just on a slightly longer, more normal timeline than the frenzy of a few years ago. If you're weighing whether now is the right time for you, let's look at what's actually happening in your specific neighborhood — not just the regional average.

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