Good morning Keith, great question.

It's absolutely one of the most important things a buyer needs to know - DOM (days on the market)

It can make all the difference in the world as far as price is concerned .... here's some reasons why:

This little "smoke and mirrors" routine is called - re-listing...
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laland/2007/07/days-on-marke…

Some realtors can use this as a way of concealing information and making their listing a "refresh" by not disclosing the exact DOM (days on the market) ...
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/Story?id=4316775&page=1

The agenda is simple, show a false listing and raise or lower the price without much notice ... most consumers fall into the trap .. but for the savvy ones like yourself that have been watching and tracking that market for the last 3 or 6+ months, they can catch the masquerade and usually save themselves thousands..
http://ezinearticles.com/?Warning-to-Homebuyers---Some-Realt…

Many states are now trying to ban this scenario, but because of the MLS situation it won't happen tomorrow.

This also gives you an opportunity to show the the previous printouts, the MLS #'s and the pictures from 6 months ago or even 2 years ago ... it doubles your bargaining power as a buyer.

Good luck and happy hunting.

I must speak up for Joshua Jarvis - he is one of the most professional hard work honest agents, his integrity is head and shoulders above others. Joshua has always conducted himself as a professional in every aspect of the word. And the information he provides here and in Active Rain comes from a depth of knowledge and experience and a desire to help others
Heck Joshua this of Joshua as big competition in our market area. Good old healthy free market competition.

Keith,

When I answered your question I had the wrong information. A special "thank you" to the Owen's, because they showed (in a very rude e-mail) me a tool I didn't know about to look up information on the MLS.

For those interested:
" Instead of using this forum to in a positive manner to answer questions and provide information, you have used it to undermine another agent's answer and hold yourself out as being more knowledgeable, when, in fact, YOU are incorrect.
Using the Archive search function in FMLS, you can see the date and time each listing was entered into the system, the same for each price change, expiration, withdrawal, under contract, back on the market, and closed.
I expect you see your correction of your answer shortly, with proper credit given. If not, I will correct your misinformation myself."

I stand corrected! It is exactly as posted. Just for clarification, my answer are NEVER to undermine other answers... in fact, I rarely read the answer of anyone except the most recent one.

So to answer your question, Keith - Talk to a good Realtor - might i suggest the Owen Family.

=p

Keith,

Try contacting real estate professional in the area in which the home is located. I'm sure they will provide the information you are looking for.

Good luck,
The "Eckler Team"

Keith this information is not readly available to the public as it could influences the sellers ability to get the highest and best offer... erg if you know a home was on the market for 4 - 5 months would you offer be different the if you knew it just came on the market.. I would bet you said yes. That is why it is not readily available. However a good agent (like me) has a few tricks to look behind the listing history and tell you when it was listed and at what point price changes occurred.
Also you could just ask the seller. . If you have buyer questions give me a call I have a team of agents that work only with buyers and would be happy to work with you. and put all our skills and tricks to work for you

Keith,
We can provide you with this information and more, including the date the home was listed, the date and amount of any interim price changes, and date and back-on-market date if it was previously under contract, plus similar information on any expired or withdrawn listing on this or any other home (still in the system). Call us at 770-722-0099 anytime. We'll be glad to help.
Karen and Warren Owen
RE/MAX Communities
Marietta GA

Hi Keith,

I can search the Realtors First MLS (FMLS) for this information. Can you provide the address of the home?
Thanks Valerie :) 770-262-8480