Why Your First Week on the Market Matters in Arizona

There’s nothing quite like the moment your home hits the market in Arizona. The professional photos are live, the marketing is in motion, and showings start rolling in. But what happens next—and how your home performs during that very first week—can set the tone for your entire sale.

Whether you're listing in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arcadia, or anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area, that first 7-day window is where all the momentum lives. Your listing is new, buyer interest is at its highest, and the pressure is on to make that initial impression count.

Here’s why those early days carry so much weight—and what you can do to set your home up for success right out of the gate.

Your Home Will Be Front and Center

Most serious buyers in Arizona have instant alerts set for new listings. That means the moment your home hits the MLS, it shows up in dozens (if not hundreds) of inboxes and phone notifications. The buzz is real—and short-lived.

According to Redfin’s Q1 2025 data, nearly 70% of homes in our region that go under contract do so within the first 14 days. That first week? It’s prime time.

In sought-after areas like North Scottsdale, Tempe, or Arcadia, it’s common to see a flurry of showing requests in the first few days. But if your home doesn’t attract attention during this golden window, it could quickly fall to the bottom of buyers’ lists.

Pricing It Right from the Start Is Everything

Pricing isn’t just a strategy—it’s a signal. The right price creates urgency and competition. Go too high, and you risk turning off qualified buyers. Go too low, and you leave money on the table.

Zillow’s 2024 Seller Report showed that 84% of sellers who dropped their price later regretted it, mainly because it dragged out their timeline and attracted lower offers.

In today’s market, where interest rates are holding between 6.2% and 6.5%, buyers are savvy. A fair, data-driven price backed by a strong launch strategy is your best chance to create that competitive edge.

The First Offer Might Be Your Best One

It’s tempting to wait and see what else might come in. But statistically speaking, your best offer often shows up within the first 3–7 days. Why? Because the buyers who come in early are usually the most serious—they’ve been watching the market and are ready to act.

If you hold out too long, you could miss that window. The listing starts to feel stale, and buyers begin to wonder why it hasn’t sold. Perception is everything.

Create a Sense of Competition

The right launch strategy doesn’t just attract buyers—it gets them to compete. Homes that are priced right and show well can generate multiple offers, leading to better terms and sometimes even waived contingencies.

In neighborhoods like Chandler, Gilbert, and Paradise Valley, we’ve seen this play out again and again: a strong first week can be the difference between average results and a record sale.

Success Comes from Preparation

That “perfect first week” doesn’t just happen—it’s built. Here’s what should be in place before you go live:

• Professional staging or styling guidance

• High-quality listing photos and video

• A compelling, strategic description

• A digital marketing plan that reaches buyers on every platform (Instagram, Facebook, email, and beyond)

The more exposure you have in that initial launch window, the higher your chances of receiving serious, well-positioned offers.

Final Thoughts

Your home’s debut is your one shot at making the strongest impression. And in this market, that moment lasts about a week.

Being intentional with your preparation, pricing, and presentation can give you an edge from day one. You don’t need to rush the process—but once you’re ready to list, every detail should be working toward that strong first-week performance.

If you’re thinking about selling in Arizona, let’s talk about how to set you up for success before your home ever hits the market. I’ll walk you through the strategy that’s helped sellers across Phoenix and Scottsdale achieve standout results—starting with that all-important first week.