Why Your First Week on the Market Matters in Metro Detroit

There’s a certain buzz that comes when your home finally goes live. The listing is up, the photos look sharp, and the open house is on the calendar. For many sellers in Metro Detroit, this is when the whole process starts to feel real.

But here’s the deal: how your home performs during that first week can set the tone for the entire sale. It might sound a bit dramatic, but it’s the truth. The first seven days are more significant than most people think—this is when your listing is fresh, your buyer pool is at its peak, and your pricing strategy gets its first real test.

Let’s break down why those early days are so important and how you can prepare for success before the countdown even starts.

You’re Competing With Every “Saved Search” Notification

Most serious buyers in the Metro Detroit area have set up instant alerts. They get notifications the moment a new home in their price range hits the MLS. In a market where approximately two-thirds of homes sell within 14 days (according to Redfin’s Q1 2025 report), that early exposure is crucial.

Buyers don’t just browse; they act quickly. Fresh listings attract the most attention and interest. After about 10 days, you’ll notice a significant drop-off in buyer interest unless there's a price change or the home is relisted.

This means you have about a one-week window to capture attention while your listing is at the top of every buyer’s feed.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

In the current Metro Detroit market, pricing your home correctly from day one is essential. According to Zillow’s 2024 Seller Report, 84% of sellers who had to lower their price after listing reported feelings of 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 draw attention; it fosters competition. Buyers recognize that a well-priced home won’t last long, which can lead to stronger offers and better terms.

On the flip side, if you price your home too high, you risk having to lower it later. This often sends the wrong message. Many buyers interpret price drops as a red flag—even if nothing has changed. Plus, there’s a chance you might come off as desperate to sell, which could lead to lowball offers.

The takeaway? The longer your home sits without an offer, the more likely you are to accept less than you could have gotten 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 it’s presented well—you’re not just attracting buyers; you’re creating competition.

This is the difference between receiving one offer at list price and getting three offers, including one that waives contingencies and offers flexibility on closing. We’re in a strategic but sensitive market here in 2025. Per Forbes, mortgage rates are hovering between 6.2% and 6.5%. Buyers are being more selective than they were during the ultra-low rate era, but they’re still out there. When they find the right home, they act quickly.

If you can generate that sense of urgency early, you set yourself up for success.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

A successful first week isn’t just about luck; it’s about preparation. Here are some key steps:

• Consider professional staging or styling advice
• Invest in high-resolution photography and video
• Craft an attention-grabbing listing description
• Implement a strategic digital marketing plan that reaches buyers where they are—whether that's Instagram, email, Facebook, or other platforms

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

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

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

Buyers making early offers tend to be the most qualified and motivated. They’ve been monitoring the market, waiting for the right opportunity, and are ready to act decisively.

If you hesitate or wait too long, you risk missing your window and getting lumped into the “stale listings” category that buyers start to overlook.

The Bottom Line

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

That doesn’t mean you need to rush into the market before you’re ready. It does mean you should be thoughtful about how you prepare. 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 you list, the more successful that launch will be.

If you’re considering selling, the best move you can make is to talk with a real estate agent who understands the Metro Detroit market and knows how to make the most of those first critical days. The right guidance can significantly impact not just how fast your home sells, but also how much you ultimately walk away with.