Why Your First Week on the Market Is the Most Important in Greater Columbia

The moment your home is listed, there’s a mix of excitement and anxiety. The photos are ready, the open house is scheduled, and suddenly, it feels real. But here’s the kicker: how your home performs in that first week can set the tone for the entire sale process.

It might seem a bit dramatic to say the first seven days are crucial, but it's true. This is when your listing is fresh, your potential buyers are most active, and your pricing strategy gets its first real test.

Let’s explore why those early days are so pivotal, and how you can prepare to make the most of them right from the start.

You’re Competing With Every “Saved Search” Notification

These days, serious buyers have set up their alerts. They get a notification the moment a new listing pops up in their price range on the MLS. In Greater Columbia, where about 65% of homes are under contract within two weeks (as per the latest data from Redfin), that early exposure is crucial.

Buyers don’t just look; they act fast. Fresh listings generate the most buzz and interest. After about ten days, you’ll often see a noticeable drop in buyer interest unless there’s a price adjustment or the home is relisted.

This means you have roughly a week to capture attention while your listing is still fresh in buyers’ minds.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

Getting your price right from day one is essential. A recent report from Zillow indicates that 80% of sellers who had to drop their price after listing expressed regret, often because it led to lower offers and longer time on the market.

When your home is priced appropriately from the start, it doesn’t just attract interest; it creates a competitive environment. Buyers recognize that a well-priced home won’t last long, which can lead to stronger offers and more favorable terms.

On the flip side, pricing your home too high could lead to a price reduction later on, which often sends a red flag to buyers. Many see a price drop as a sign that something’s wrong, even if the home is perfectly fine. Plus, it can make you appear desperate to sell, resulting in lower offers.

The bottom line is this: the longer your home sits without an offer, the more likely you are to accept less than you could have with a better launch strategy.

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home hits the market at a competitive price and looks great, 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 getting multiple offers, including those that waive contingencies or offer flexibility on closing dates.

As of 2025, we’re looking at a strategic but sensitive market in Greater Columbia. Interest rates hover between 6.2% and 6.5%, which means buyers are more selective than during the ultra-low rate period. Yet, motivated buyers are still out there, ready to act quickly when they find the right home.

If you can spark that urgency early on, you’re in a strong position.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

A successful first week isn't just luck; it’s about preparation. Here’s what you should consider:

• Professional staging or styling advice tailored to the local market
• High-quality photography and video that highlight your home’s best features
• An engaging listing description that connects with buyers
• A strategic digital marketing plan that targets buyers through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook

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

Additionally, early activity builds social proof. When potential buyers see others touring the home or asking questions, it reinforces the idea that this is a home worth acting on quickly.

Your Best Offer Might Come First

There’s a common belief that you should wait to see what happens in the following week. But in this market, your strongest offers often come within those first 3 to 7 days.

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

If you hesitate or wait too long, you risk missing that window, and your listing could start to feel stale, which is something buyers tend to overlook.

The Bottom Line

You’ve only got one chance to make a first impression in real estate, and that chance lasts about a week.

That doesn’t mean you need to rush onto the market before you’re ready. But it does mean you should be strategic in how you prepare. When your home is ready to hit the market, it should do so with a competitive price, professional marketing, and a solid plan in place.

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

If you’re considering selling, having a real estate agent who understands the Greater Columbia market can make a significant difference. Their expertise can help you navigate those crucial first days, ensuring you not only sell quickly but also maximize your return.