Why Your First Week on the Market Is Crucial in Coto to the Coast

When your home goes live on the market, there’s a unique blend of excitement and nerves that fills the air. The listing is posted, the photos are taken, and the open house is scheduled. For many sellers, this is the moment when the journey from “thinking about selling” to “actually selling” feels real.

But here’s the reality: how your home performs in that first week can significantly influence the entire selling process.

This might sound a bit dramatic, but it’s absolutely true. The first seven days are crucial because that’s when your listing is fresh, your potential buyers are most active, and your pricing strategy gets its first real workout.

Let’s unpack why those early days are so important—and how you can set yourself up for success before the clock starts ticking.

You're Competing With Every Saved Search Notification

In the Coto to the Coast area, serious buyers often have instant alerts set up. They get notified the moment a new home in their price range hits the market. In a local market where around 65% of homes sell within two weeks (based on recent data from local real estate platforms), capturing that initial attention is essential.

Buyers aren’t just browsing casually—they’re ready to act. Fresh listings generate the most buzz, and after about ten days, interest tends to taper off unless there’s a price adjustment or if the property is relisted. This means you have a tight window of about a week to catch their eye while your home is at the top of their search results.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

Setting the right price from day one is vital in our current market. A recent report by Zillow noted that 84% of sellers who had to drop their price after listing felt regret—often because it led to lower offers and extended time on the market.

When a home is priced correctly from the start, it doesn’t just attract attention; it creates a sense of competition among buyers. They know that a well-priced home won’t last long, which can lead to multiple offers and potentially better terms.

On the flip side, if you price your home too high, you risk having to cut the price later, which can send the wrong message. Many buyers interpret price drops as a sign that something’s not right—even if everything is perfectly fine. You might also give the impression that you’re desperate to sell, which can invite lowball offers.

The key takeaway? The longer your home sits on the market without an offer, the more likely you are to end up accepting less than what you could have achieved with a better launch strategy.

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home hits the market at a fair, data-supported price—and looks good doing it—you’re not just attracting buyers; you’re creating a competitive environment.

This is the difference between receiving one offer at the asking price and getting three offers, one of which waives contingencies and offers flexibility on closing dates.

In 2025, we’re operating in a strategic but cautious market. Interest rates are hovering between 6.2% and 6.5%, which means buyers are more selective than they were during the era of ultra-low rates. But they’re still out there, and when they find the right home, they tend to act fast.

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

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

A successful first week isn’t just left to chance. It requires thoughtful preparation. This includes:

• Hiring a professional stager or getting styling advice
• Using high-resolution photography and video that showcase your home
• Writing an engaging listing description that highlights your home’s best features
• Implementing a digital marketing strategy that reaches buyers where they spend their time—Instagram, Facebook, and more

Why does all this matter? The broader your exposure during that first week, the better your chances of attracting serious buyers. Every showing, inquiry, and conversation in that initial week 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 acting on quickly.

Your Best Offer Might Come First

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

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

If you hesitate or wait too long, you risk missing that window 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, and in real estate, that chance is typically within the first week.

That doesn’t mean you should rush to market before you’re ready. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of being deliberate in your preparation. When your home hits the market, it should do so with a competitive price, professional marketing, and a clear strategy.

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

If you’re considering selling, the best step is to consult with a real estate agent who knows the Coto to the Coast market inside and out. The right guidance can make a significant difference—not just in how quickly your home sells, but in how much you ultimately walk away with.