We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver our services. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies.More info
Kevin Owens + The Owens Collective | SERHANT.Kevin Owens + The Owens Collective | SERHANT.
Call Us:

480.217.9184

Message Us:

[email protected]

  • Meet Your Team
  • Buyers
  • Sellers
  • Meet Your Team
  • Trending Neighborhoods
  • Client Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • The Collective Blog
  • Call Us:

    480.217.9184

  • Message Us:

    [email protected]

Featured Image

Why Your First Week on the Market Is Crucial in the Valley of the Sun

  • Kevin Owens
  • April 29th, 2025
  • 0 min read

There’s a unique moment of anticipation that hits when your home goes live in the Valley of the Sun. The listing is active, the professional photos are in place, and the open house is scheduled. For many sellers, this is when the journey really begins.

How your home performs during that first week can shape the entire trajectory of your sale. It might sound a bit dramatic, but it’s true. The first seven days carry more weight than most people realize—because that’s when your listing is at its freshest, your potential buyer pool is at its peak, and your pricing strategy faces its first real test.

Let’s take a closer look at why those early days are so significant—and how you can set yourself up for success even before the countdown begins.

You’re Competing With Every “Saved Search” Notification

In the Valley of the Sun, most serious buyers have set up instant alerts. They receive notifications the moment a new home in their price range hits the MLS. In a market where nearly 70% of homes that sell do so within 14 days (according to Redfin's Q1 2025 report), that early exposure is more important than ever.

Buyers don’t just browse—they take action quickly. Fresh listings always generate the most buzz and interest. After about ten days, buyer interest typically drops off significantly unless there’s a price change or the listing is relisted.

This means you have approximately one week to capture attention while your listing is at the top of every buyer's feed. For example, homes in neighborhoods like Arcadia or Scottsdale often see multiple showings in the first few days, while listings that linger too long might not attract the same level of enthusiasm.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

In the current Valley of the Sun market, pricing your home correctly from day one is crucial. The 2024 Seller Report from Zillow indicates that 84% of sellers who had to reduce their price after listing felt regret—most commonly because it led to lower offers and extended time on the market.

When a home is priced right from the start, it doesn’t just attract attention—it creates competition. Buyers know a well-priced home won’t be available for long, which can lead to stronger offers and better terms.

On the other hand, price your home too high, and you risk having to lower it later, which often sends the wrong message. Many buyers interpret price drops as a sign that something’s off—even if there’s nothing wrong with the home. You also run the risk of coming off as desperate to make a sale, which could lead to lower offers.

The key takeaway? The longer your home sits without an offer, the more likely you are to accept less than you could’ve received with a better launch strategy.

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home hits the market at a fair, data-backed price—and it shows beautifully—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 three offers, including one that waives contingencies and offers flexibility on closing. In 2025, we’re looking at a market where interest rates hover between 6.2% and 6.5%, according to Forbes. While buyers are more selective than they were during the ultra-low rate era, they’re still out there—and when they find the right home, they act fast.

If you can generate that sense of urgency early, you’ll be in a strong position.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

A successful first week isn’t just about luck. It’s about preparation. That includes:

  • Professional staging or styling advice
  • Crisp, high-resolution photography and video
  • An engaging listing description
  • A smart digital marketing plan that reaches buyers where they are—Instagram, email, Facebook, and more

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

This early activity also builds social proof. When buyers see other people touring the home or asking questions, it reinforces the idea that this is a property worth acting on quickly. In neighborhoods like Tempe or Chandler, homes that generate buzz early tend to sell for higher prices.

Your Best Offer Might Come First

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

Buyers making early offers are typically the most qualified and motivated. They’ve been watching, waiting, and are ready to act decisively. If you hesitate or hold out too long, you risk missing the window—and falling into the “stale listings” category that buyers begin to ignore.

The Bottom Line

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

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

Think of week one 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 thing you can do is talk with a real estate agent who has in-depth knowledge of the Valley of the Sun market and is skilled at maximizing those first critical days. The right guidance can make all the difference—not just in how fast your home sells, but in how much you ultimately walk away with.

Author Photo
About the author

Kevin Owens

480.217.9184
  • facebook
  • X
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • youtube

Similar posts like this

The Truth About Price Reductions: When (and When Not) to Lower Your Price in the Valley of the Sun

Before you cut your list price, here’s what you need to know. Learn when a price reduction helps your sale—and when it c...
Read more

Adaptable Homes: Designing for Multi-Functionality in the Valley of the Sun

In 2025, buyers in the Valley of the Sun want flexible, multifunctional homes. Discover which features sell—and how to d...
Read more

House Hunting Fatigue? Here’s How to Stay Focused in the Valley of the Sun

Feeling overwhelmed by your home search? Discover 7 smart strategies to stay focused, avoid house hunting fatigue, and f...
Read more
Kevin Owens + The Owens Collective | SERHANT.

Kevin Owens + The Owens Collective | SERHANT.

16220 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 365, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

16220 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 365, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Call Us:

480.217.9184

Message Us:

[email protected]

Footer Links

  • Meet Your Team
  • Trending Neighborhoods
  • Client Testimonials
  • The Collective Blog
  • Selling Experience
  • Get Your Property Value
  • Buying Experience
  • Home Search
  • Schedule a Call
Privacy Policy

Kevin Owens + The Owens Collective | SERHANT. © 2025

Powered by