The first week your property hits the market is the most critical time to attract buyers and generate interest.
The first week your property hits the market is the most critical time to attract buyers and generate interest. This initial launch period is when your property is at its most visible, drawing attention from serious buyers eager to secure a viewing. Missing the mark on pricing during this crucial time can mean losing momentum, reducing competition, and ultimately achieving less for your home.
Why the First Week Is So Important
- Maximum Exposure - When your property is first listed, it gets the most visibility. Serious buyers who are actively searching will receive instant notifications from property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as from our own buyer database. These alerts create a surge of interest, ensuring your home is seen by the widest audience possible.
- Serious Buyers Act Fast - The most motivated buyers are already in the market, watching for new listings that match their criteria. They’re the ones most likely to book viewings quickly, attend an open house, and potentially make offers.
- Open Day Potential - The buzz generated during the first week is the perfect time to host an open day or block viewings. This approach maximizes competition and creates a sense of urgency among buyers, helping you secure strong offers.
The Risk of Overpricing During the Launch
If your property is overpriced at launch, it risks missing out on the critical first wave of interest. Here’s why:
- Buyers may filter it out: Many buyers set price limits in their searches. If your home is priced too high, it won’t even appear in their results.
- Perception of value: If your property is perceived as overpriced compared to others, buyers may not feel it’s worth their time to view.
- Interest plummets: After the initial buzz, interest levels drop dramatically. From this point, you’re reliant on new buyers entering the market—a much smaller pool—to reignite demand.
The Consequences of a Missed Opportunity
After the first week, the momentum slows, and it becomes harder to attract buyers:
- Reduced competition: Fewer buyers viewing your property means less urgency and competition, which can lead to lower offers.
- Stagnation risk: Properties that stay on the market for too long can become “stale,” prompting buyers to wonder why they haven’t sold.
- Lower final price: If you have to reduce the price later to generate interest, you could ultimately achieve less than if you’d priced competitively from the start.
How to Get It Right the First Time
- Set a Competitive Price
- Work closely with your agent to determine the right price based on market conditions, comparable properties, and buyer demand. Pricing competitively from the outset maximizes visibility and ensures you capture the attention of serious buyers.
- Leverage the Initial Launch
- Use the first week to your advantage. With strong marketing materials—professional photos, a video tour, and social media promotion—you can drive interest and create a sense of urgency.
- Plan an Open Day
- Capitalize on the surge of interest by organizing an open day or block viewings in the first week.
This approach encourages multiple viewings, creates competition, and often leads to stronger offers.
Don’t Miss Your Window of Opportunity
The first week of marketing is your chance to make a lasting impression on the most motivated buyers. Pricing your property right from the start ensures maximum exposure, generates competition, and increases your chances of securing the best possible price.
Contact us today for expert advice on pricing and launching your property the right way.
Let’s get your home sold, starting with a strong first week!