Why Your First Week on the Market in Greater Ann Arbor Matters Most

When your home listing goes live, there’s a unique moment of anticipation. The listing is up, the photos are taken, and the open house is scheduled. For many sellers in the Greater Ann Arbor area, this is the point when the journey transforms from an idea into reality.

But here’s the crucial part: how your home performs during that first week can set the tone for the entire selling process.

This might sound a bit intense, but it’s true. The first seven days hold more significance than many realize—because that’s when your listing is fresh, your buyer pool is at its peak, and your pricing strategy faces its first significant scrutiny.

Let’s explore why these early days are so important—and how you can prepare to make the most of them before you even hit the market.

You’re Competing With Every “Saved Search” Notification

Most serious buyers in the Greater Ann Arbor area are already set up with alerts. They receive notifications the moment a new home in their price range hits the market. With the local market showing that approximately 65% of homes go under contract in 14 days or less (Redfin, Q1 2025), that early exposure is crucial.

Buyers don’t just browse listings—they take action quickly. Fresh listings generate the most buzz and interest. After about 10 days, buyer interest tends to drop significantly unless there’s a price adjustment or it’s relisted.

This means you have roughly one week to capture attention while your listing is at the forefront of every buyer’s search.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

In the current market, pricing your home correctly from day one is essential. As per Zillow’s 2024 Seller Report, 84% of sellers who had to lower their price after listing expressed regret—often because it led to lower offers and extended time on the market.

When a home is priced accurately from the get-go, it doesn't just attract attention—it fosters competition. Buyers recognize that a well-priced home won’t last long, which can lead to stronger offers and better terms.

However, if you price your home too high, you risk having to reduce it later, sending the wrong message. Many buyers interpret price reductions as a red flag—even if nothing is actually wrong. You also risk appearing desperate to sell, potentially leading to lowball offers.

The takeaway? The longer your home stays on the market without an offer, the more likely you are to accept less than you could have achieved with a more effective launch strategy.

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home enters the market at a fair, data-driven price—and it shows well—you’re not only attracting buyers. You’re creating a sense of competition.

This distinction can mean the difference between receiving one offer at list price and three offers, with one potentially waiving contingencies and offering flexibility on closing dates.

As we navigate the strategic but sensitive market of 2025, interest rates are hovering between 6.2% and 6.5%. Buyers are more selective compared to the ultra-low rate era, but they’re still actively searching. When they find the right home, they tend to move fast.

If you can generate urgency early on, you’re setting yourself up for success.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

A successful first week is rarely just luck; it’s about preparation. This includes:

• Professional staging or styling advice to enhance your home’s appeal
• High-resolution photography and video that truly showcase your property
• A compelling listing description that highlights your home’s best features
• A strategic digital marketing plan that targets buyers on platforms like Instagram, email, Facebook, and more

Why is all this important? The broader your exposure in that first week, the better your chances of attracting serious buyers. Each showing, inquiry, and conversation in those initial days increases your odds of receiving a strong offer.

This early activity also builds social proof. When potential buyers see others touring the home or asking questions, it reinforces the idea that this is a property worth considering seriously.

Your Best Offer Might Come First

There’s a common misconception that you should wait to see what comes in “next week.” However, in this market, your strongest offer often comes within the first 3 to 7 days.

Buyers making early offers are typically the most qualified and motivated. They’ve been watching the market closely and are ready to act decisively.

If you hesitate or hold out too long, you risk missing the opportunity and falling into the “stale listings” category that buyers tend to overlook.

The Bottom Line

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

This doesn’t mean you should rush to market before you’re prepared. It does mean you need to be thoughtful about your strategy. When your home hits the market, it should do so with a competitive price, professional marketing, and a clear plan.

Think of week one as your launch window. The more intentional you are in your preparation, the more successful that launch is likely to be.

If you’re considering selling your home in the Greater Ann Arbor area, the best thing you can do is consult with a real estate agent who understands the local market nuances and knows how to maximize those critical first days. The right guidance can significantly impact not just how quickly your home sells, but also how much you ultimately walk away with.