Why Your First Week on the Market Is the Most Important in Ann Arbor

The moment your home listing goes live in Ann Arbor is filled with anticipation. The photos are posted, the open house is scheduled, and for many sellers, this is when it all begins to feel real.

How your home performs during that first week can truly shape the entire trajectory of your sale.

This might sound dramatic, but it’s absolutely true. Those initial seven days are crucial because that’s when your listing is at its freshest, your potential buyer pool is at its largest, and your pricing strategy faces its first significant test.

Let’s explore why those early days matter so much, and how you can set yourself up for success before the countdown even begins.

Competing with Instant Alerts

Most serious buyers in Ann Arbor have set up instant alerts for new listings. They receive notifications the moment a new home that fits their criteria hits the market. In Washtenaw County's current market, where just over half of homes sell within 30 days, early exposure is crucial. Strategic pricing and marketing can significantly impact the speed and success of your sale.

Buyers aren’t just browsing; they’re acting quickly. Fresh listings generate the most interest. After about ten days, buyer enthusiasm tends to drop off significantly unless there’s a price change or the property is relisted.

This means you essentially have a one-week window to capture attention while your listing is at the top of every buyer’s feed. It’s a narrow window, but it’s absolutely vital.

The Importance of Initial Pricing

In today’s Ann Arbor market, pricing your home correctly from day one is essential. According to Zillow’s 2024 Seller Report, around 84% of sellers who had to reduce their price after listing experienced regret—most often because it led to lower offers and extended time on the market.

When a home is priced appropriately from the start, it doesn’t just attract attention; it invites competition. Buyers are aware that a well-priced home won’t stay on the market for long, which can lead to stronger offers and better terms.

On the flip side, if you price your home too high, you might find yourself reducing the price later, which can send the wrong message. Many buyers interpret price drops as a signal that something’s wrong—even if it’s not. You also risk appearing desperate to sell, which could lead to lower offers.

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

Creating Competition

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

This is the difference between receiving one offer at list price and receiving multiple offers, including one that waives contingencies and offers flexibility on closing dates.

As we navigate the strategic but sensitive market of 2025, interest rates are hovering around 6.2% to 6.5%. While buyers are more selective than they were during the ultra-low rate period, they’re still out there, and when they find the right home, they act fast.

If you can generate that sense of urgency early on, you’ll have the upper hand.

Preparation Equals Success

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

• Professional staging or styling advice to make your home shine
• Crisp, high-resolution photography and videography to showcase your property
• An attention-grabbing listing description that highlights what makes your home special
• A strategic digital marketing plan that reaches buyers where they spend their time—Instagram, email, Facebook, and more

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

This early activity also builds social proof. When 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

A common misconception is that you should wait to see what comes in "next week." But in this market? Your strongest offer often comes within the first three to seven days.

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

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

The Bottom Line

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

This doesn’t mean you need to rush into the market before you’re ready. However, it does mean you need to be thoughtful about how you prepare. When your home finally 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 you list, the more successful that launch will be.

If you’re considering selling, the best thing you can do is talk with a real estate agent who knows the Ann Arbor market inside and out and is skilled at maximizing those first critical days. 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.