The DOM Dilemma: Why Resetting Days on Market to Zero Is a Must for Portland & Vancouver Sellers

When a home first hits the market in Portland or Vancouver, it has a window of opportunity. During those early days, buyers are alert, agents are watching, and activity is at its peak. But when that window stretches too long, the Days on Market (DOM) clock keeps ticking - and that number becomes its own story. Buyers notice it, agents talk about it, and suddenly a home that looked promising begins to feel overlooked.

This is what we call the DOM Dilemma. The longer your home sits without an accepted offer, the harder it becomes to attract serious buyers without price adjustments. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to relaunch your listing and reset the DOM to zero.

Why High Days on Market Hurt Sellers

1. Buyer Perception Shifts

In real estate, perception shapes value. When buyers see a home that has lingered for 60, to 90 days or more (markets fluctuate and these may be within average DOM), the first question is often: "What’s wrong with it?" Even if the home itself is in excellent condition, the assumption is that it’s overpriced, has hidden flaws, or simply isn’t desirable.

2. Pricing Power Erodes

The longer a listing sits, the less leverage a seller has at the negotiating table. Buyers expect price reductions on high-DOM homes and are more likely to submit low offers. What starts as a small delay can ultimately translate into thousands of dollars lost.

3. The Missed First Impression Window

A listing is “new” only once. In the Portland/Vancouver market, buyers tend to act quickly on fresh listings. Once a home becomes seen as “stale,” regaining attention is significantly harder, no matter how strong the property’s features may be.

The Strategy Behind Resetting DOM

When a listing isn’t moving, simply waiting longer rarely solves the issue. A thoughtful reset can bring the property back to life. Here’s how:

Cancel and Relist Properly

Depending on MLS rules, cancelling and relisting a home may reset its DOM counter. The key is to follow the correct procedure to ensure the new listing is recognized as “fresh” by both buyers and agents. In Oregon’s RMLS, for instance, a listing must be in “cancelled” status for a minimum of 31 consecutive days to reset DOM if relisted with the same agent- without qualifying alterations or changes to the property. (this is not true if relisting with another agent)

Refresh the Marketing

A stale listing often suffers from stale presentation. Updated professional photography, fresh staging, and improved listing descriptions can dramatically change buyer interest. Today’s buyers shop visually first—your online presence must capture attention instantly.

Revisit Pricing Strategy

Often, the DOM problem begins with price. If the home was initially listed above market value, resetting provides an opportunity to adjust to a more strategic range. Correct pricing not only resets perception but also positions the home to attract competitive offers.

Time the Relaunch Wisely

Not all seasons in real estate are equal. Aligning a relaunch with peak buyer activity - spring for families, fall for relocations - can make the fresh start even more effective.

Why This Matters in Portland & Vancouver

The Portland/Vancouver MSA has its own rhythms. Inventory can be tight in some neighborhoods and more forgiving in others, but across the board, high DOM tends to send the wrong message. In a market where well-priced homes in desirable areas can receive multiple offers within days, an extended DOM stands out.

By resetting your listing, you’re not “tricking” the market - you’re reintroducing your home with clarity, presence, and strategy. Sellers who take this step often see renewed showings, stronger offers, and shorter timelines.

Key Takeaways for Sellers

• Buyers equate high DOM with problems, even if none exist.

• The longer a home sits, the more negotiating power shifts away from the seller.

• A relaunch strategy - refresh, reprice, and/or canceling and relisting - can restore momentum.

• Local timing and market awareness matter in Portland/Vancouver.

Closing Insight

Some sellers hesitate to relist because it feels like starting over. In reality, it’s often the smartest way to protect your equity and move forward.

I’m keeping an eye on Portland and Vancouver trends where DOM can make or break a listing. If helpful, I’d be glad to share specific insights about your neighborhood or walk you through what a reset strategy could look like for your home - when the time’s right.