Why Your First Week on the Market Is the Most Important in Southwest Washington

The moment your home goes live, there's a unique kind of excitement in the air. The listing is active, the photos are polished, and the open house is scheduled. For many sellers, this is when the whole process shifts from just an idea to a tangible reality.

But here's the deal: how your home performs during its first week can set the tone for the entire selling experience.

It may sound a bit dramatic, but it’s true. The first seven days are crucial—this is when your listing is brand new, your buyer pool is at its largest, and your pricing strategy faces its first real test.

Let’s take a closer look at why those early days are so important and how you can position yourself for success even before the countdown begins.

You're Competing With Every "Saved Search" Notification

Most serious buyers are already signed up for alerts. They receive notifications the moment a new home in their price range hits the MLS. In Southwest Washington's competitive real estate market, where homes typically go under contract within 15 days, making a strong impression during the first week is crucial to attract serious buyers and achieve a swift sale.

Buyers don’t just browse—they act quickly. Fresh listings get the most attention and interest. After about ten days, buyer interest usually drops off significantly unless there’s a price adjustment or the property is relisted.

This gives you approximately a one-week window to grab attention while your listing is at the top of every buyer’s feed.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

In today’s market, pricing correctly from day one is essential. A recent report from Zillow shows that 82% of sellers who had to lower their price after listing wished they hadn’t—mostly because it led to lower offers and extended time on the market.

When a home is priced right from the start, it doesn’t just attract interest—it fosters competition. Buyers know that a well-priced home won’t be available for long, which can lead to stronger offers with better terms.

On the flip side, if you price your home too high, you may find yourself reducing it later, which often sends the wrong signal. Many buyers see price drops as a red flag—even if nothing has changed with the property. You also risk appearing desperate to sell, which could lead to lowball offers.

The bottom line? The longer your home sits without an offer, the more likely you are to accept less than you could’ve received with a better launch strategy.

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home hits the market at a fair, data-driven price—and looks great—you’re not just drawing in buyers. You’re creating a sense of competition.

This distinction can mean the difference between getting one offer at list price and receiving multiple offers, including one that waives contingencies and provides flexibility on closing.

We’re navigating a strategic yet sensitive market in 2025. According to recent reports from Forbes, mortgage rates are hovering around 6.2% to 6.5%. While buyers are more selective than they were during the ultra-low rate era, they’re still out there. When they find a home that fits their needs, they tend to act quickly.

If you can create that sense of urgency early, you’re in a great position.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

A successful first week isn’t just about luck. It’s all about preparation. This includes:

• Professional staging or styling advice
• Crisp, high-resolution photography and video
• An engaging listing description that tells your home’s story
• A targeted marketing plan that reaches buyers where they are—think Instagram, email, Facebook, and other platforms

Why is all of this important? The broader the exposure during that first week, the better your chances of attracting serious buyers. Every showing, inquiry, and conversation that happens in that initial week increases your odds of receiving an offer—and a solid one at that.

This early activity also builds social proof. When buyers see others touring the home or asking questions, it reinforces the notion that this is a property worth acting on quickly.

Your Best Offer Might Come First

There’s a common belief that you should wait to see what offers come in "next week." But in this market, your strongest offer often arrives within the first three to seven days.

Buyers who make early offers are typically the most qualified and motivated. They’ve been watching and waiting, ready to act decisively.

If you hesitate or hold out too long, you risk missing the window and entering the realm of “stale listings” that buyers tend to overlook.

The Bottom Line

You only get one chance to make a great first impression. And in real estate, that chance lasts about a week.

This doesn’t mean you need to rush into the market before you’re ready. But it does mean you should be strategic about your preparation. When your home hits the market, it should do so with a competitive price, professional marketing, and a clear plan in place.

Think of that first week as your launch window. The more intentional you are before listing, the more successful that launch will be.

If you're considering selling, the best course of action is to connect with a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the Southwest Washington market. The right guidance can significantly influence not only how fast your home sells but also how much you ultimately walk away with.