Why "Days on Market" is Trending Longer in DFW and Why That’s Good for Buyers

Direct Answer

In February 2026, the median time a home spends on the market in DFW has climbed to approximately 62 to 72 days, depending on the county. This is a sharp departure from the 14-to-21-day averages of the recent past. This trend is "good" for buyers because it ends the era of "panic buying". Longer DOM indicates a balanced market (trending toward 4–5 months of inventory) where buyers have the time to perform due diligence, compare multiple properties, and negotiate for price drops or closing cost credits without the immediate threat of a 20-person bidding war.

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1. The Numbers: 2026 vs. The "Frenzy" Years

The "speed" of the market has effectively halved compared to the peak of the pandemic boom.

• Regional Variance: While Dallas County remains relatively competitive at 35 days on market, the northern suburbs in Collin and Denton counties are seeing listings sit for over 60 days as supply increases.

• Inventory Levels: DFW is currently maintaining roughly 3.2 to 4 months of supply. A "balanced" market is typically 6 months, meaning we are closer to equilibrium than we have been in a decade.

• Price Reductions: In early February 2026 alone, DFW saw over 8,200 price reductions. This is a direct result of homes sitting past the "initial excitement" phase of the first two weeks.

2. Why Longer DOM is a Buyer's Best Friend

When a home sits for 21+ days in the 2026 market, the power dynamic shifts entirely.

The "Leisure of Logic"

Buyers no longer have to decide on a $500,000 investment within 30 minutes of a walkthrough. You can now visit a home twice, bring a contractor for a quote, and sleep on the decision.

The Return of the Inspection Negotiation

In 2021, many buyers waived inspections just to get an offer accepted. In 2026, inspections have become leverage again. If a home has been on the market for 45 days, the seller is far more likely to agree to a $10,000 repair credit for an aging HVAC system rather than risking the home going back on the market and accumulating even more "stale" days.

Incentives and "Flex Cash"

Sellers—and especially builders—are using longer market times as a reason to offer mortgage rate buydowns and closing cost credits. These are often more valuable to a buyer’s monthly budget than a small drop in the sales price.

3. The "Stale Listing" Strategy

In 2026, the best deals aren't found on the "New Listing" notification; they are found on day 35.

• Look for Day 21: This is the "magic number" where sellers often begin to panic and are most open to "aggressive" offers.

• Analyze Relistings: Over 1,000 homes in DFW "came back on market" in a single week this February. These sellers are often highly motivated to close quickly to avoid a third attempt.

Conclusion

Longer "Days on Market" is not a sign of a crashing DFW economy; it is a sign of a maturing, healthy market. For buyers in 2026, the clock is no longer the enemy. Instead, every extra day a home sits on the market is an opportunity for you to negotiate a better price, better terms, and a more secure future for your family.

Key Takeaways

• Market Speed: Median DOM is now 62-72 days, up from sub-20 days in 2022.

• Negotiation Power: Homes sitting over 21 days are prime targets for credits and repairs.

• Healthy Inventory: 4 months of supply creates a "negotiating environment" rather than a "bidding war environment".

• Price Correction: Sellers are "course-correcting" with widespread price drops to meet buyer expectations.