Why Your First Week on the Market Is Crucial in the DMV

Once your home listing goes live, there’s a palpable moment of anticipation. The photos are polished, the open house is on the calendar, and you can finally see your property shining in the spotlight. For many sellers, this marks the moment when the journey becomes real.

But here’s the reality: how your home performs during that first week can influence the entire selling process. It might sound a bit dramatic, but it’s absolutely true. The first seven days carry more weight than most people realize. This is when your listing is fresh, your buyer pool is at its peak, and your pricing strategy faces its first real test.

Let’s break down why those early days are so critical and how you can set yourself up for a successful launch before the countdown even begins.

You’re Competing With Every “Saved Search” Notification

In the DMV, serious buyers are likely already set up with instant alerts. They’re notified the moment a new home in their price range hits the market. Given that approximately 70% of homes in this market go under contract within 14 days (based on recent trends), you’ll want to take full advantage of that early exposure.

Buyers aren’t just browsing; they’re ready to act quickly. Fresh listings create the most buzz, and after about ten days, interest tends to wane unless there’s a price adjustment or the property is relisted. This means you have a narrow window—roughly one week—to capture attention while your listing is at the top of buyers’ feeds.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

In this market, pricing your home correctly from day one is crucial. A recent report from Zillow highlights that 82% of sellers who had to reduce their price after listing often regretted it. This regret usually stems from the fact that lowering the price can lead to lower offers and extended time on the market.

When your home is priced right from the start, it doesn’t just draw attention; it creates 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, which can send the wrong message to potential buyers. Many interpret price drops as a sign that something isn’t quite right with the property—even if that’s not the case. You also run the risk of appearing desperate to sell, which can lead to lower offers.

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

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home hits the market at a fair price and shows beautifully, you’re not just attracting buyers; you’re fostering competition.

This is the difference between receiving one offer at list price and getting multiple offers, including one that waives contingencies and offers flexibility on closing. We’re currently in a strategic but cautious market in 2025. Interest rates are hovering between 6.2% and 6.5% in the DMV, with buyers becoming more selective compared to previous years when rates were significantly lower. However, motivated buyers are still out there, ready to act fast when they find the right home.

If you can create a sense of urgency early on, you’ve already won half the battle.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

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

• Professional staging or styling advice
• High-quality photography and video that captures your home’s best features
• An engaging listing description that draws buyers in
• A targeted digital marketing strategy that reaches buyers through platforms like Instagram, email, and Facebook

Why does all 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 takes place in those initial days boosts 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

Many sellers mistakenly think they should wait to see what offers come in "next week." But in the DMV market, your strongest offer often arrives within the first three to seven days.

Buyers making early offers are typically the most qualified and motivated. They’ve been watching and waiting, and they’re ready to act decisively. If you hesitate or hold out too long, you risk missing the opportunity and falling into the realm of “stale listings” that buyers tend to overlook.

The Bottom Line

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

This doesn’t mean you should rush to the market before you’re ready. However, it does mean you need to be strategic about your preparations. When your home hits the market, it should do so with a competitive price, professional marketing, and a clear plan in place.

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

If you’re considering selling your home in the DMV, the best thing you can do is connect with a real estate agent who knows the local market inside and out. Having someone skilled in maximizing those first critical days can make all the difference—not just in how quickly your home sells, but in how much you ultimately walk away with.