What to Expect During Your First Week on the Market (And How to Make It Count)

Your first week on the market isn’t just another seven days—it’s the most important seven days of your entire selling journey. In real estate, timing is everything. The early buzz brings in the most motivated buyers, creates competition, and sets the tone for the rest of your sale.

At The Jill Biggs Group, we’ve guided thousands of sellers through this exact process across Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, Union City, and beyond. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: when you nail week one, the rest falls into place.

Here’s what you can expect during your first week on the market—and how to make it count.

1. The Buzz is Real

The moment your listing goes live, things move fast. Buyers who’ve been endlessly refreshing Zillow and Realtor.com suddenly zero in on your home, and their agents rush to book showings.

What happens in week one:

• Immediate Showing Requests: Especially in hot markets like Hoboken and Jersey City, showing calendars fill up quickly.

• Digital Attention: Expect a spike in online activity, from Instagram saves to email inquiries. A strong listing can rack up hundreds of views in just 24 hours.

• Fast Feedback: Buyers won’t hold back on sharing thoughts about pricing or condition. This early intel is gold for sellers.

Seller Tip: Keep your schedule as open as possible. The buyers who want to see your home in the first few days are usually the most serious—and the most ready to make an offer.

2. Marketing Makes or Breaks You

Week one success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of marketing done right. This is where The Jill Biggs Group shines. We don’t just put your home online, we launch it like a brand.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Photography That Pops: Professional photos with the right lighting, angles, and staging to stop buyers mid-scroll.

• Cinematic Video Tours: Perfect for New York City buyers who want to explore Jersey City or Hoboken homes before hopping on the PATH train.

• Targeted Digital Ads: Paid campaigns across Instagram, Facebook, Google, and YouTube, designed to reach qualified buyers actively searching in Hudson County.

• Neighborhood Buzz: Email blasts to our client database, circle dialing to neighbors, and outreach to other top agents.

In a crowded market, it’s not enough to be listed. You need to be unforgettable.

3. The Open House is Your Premiere

Think of your first open house as your property’s premiere night. It’s the debut where your home either steals the spotlight—or blends into the background.

In Hudson County, open houses during that first weekend are critical because:

• Turnout is Highest: Buyers plan their weekends around new listings. A strong turnout sends a clear signal that your home is in demand.

• Competition Builds: Nothing fuels urgency like a crowded open house. If buyers see others circling, they’re more likely to act fast.

• Offers Can Follow: It’s not unusual for buyers to submit offers within hours of leaving an open house, especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Paulus Hook, The Heights, or uptown Hoboken.

Seller Tip: Presentation matters. Fresh flowers, natural light, and decluttered spaces help buyers imagine themselves living there—and that’s half the battle.

4. Offers Can Come Fast—Be Ready

Here’s the part many sellers don’t expect: offers often arrive in the first week. Sometimes in the first 48 hours.

That’s a good thing—but it’s also where strategy matters most.

• It’s Not Just About Price: The strongest offer balances price with clean terms, limited contingencies, and a timeline that works for you.

• Bidding Wars Are Real: In neighborhoods like Hoboken’s Brownstones or Jersey City’s waterfront condos, multiple offers aren’t the exception—they’re the rule.

• Your Agent’s Role: A seasoned agent doesn’t just present offers. They read between the lines, identify leverage points, and negotiate the outcome that serves you best.

Seller Tip: Don’t be blindsided. Before your listing goes live, talk with your agent about how you’ll handle multiple offers. That way, when the first one hits, you’re ready.

5. Why the First Week Sets the Tone

Buyers know this: the best homes go fast. If your property lingers past the first few weeks without strong interest, the market starts whispering, What’s wrong with it?

That’s why the first week is so critical. Price too high, and buyers move on. Skimp on marketing, and you lose your moment in the spotlight. But when you launch with the right price, the right strategy, and the right team? You create urgency. And urgency is what drives offers.

6. Extra Tips for Making Your First Week Count

Want to maximize your results? Here’s what separates sellers who thrive in week one from those who end up chasing the market:

• Stage Smartly: Whether it’s full staging or just strategic decluttering, presentation is everything. Buyers in Hoboken and Jersey City expect polished, move-in ready vibes.

• Stay Flexible: Showings can be inconvenient, but every buyer who walks through your door is a potential offer.

• Trust the Process: The first week can feel overwhelming—fast showings, constant feedback, sudden offers—but it’s all part of the momentum.

• Lean on Your Agent: A strong agent will guide you, filter the noise, and keep you focused on the bigger picture: securing the best possible deal.

Final Word: Make Your First Week Count

The first week on the market isn’t just important—it’s everything. With the #1 real estate team in Hudson County by your side, you’ll launch with maximum impact, attract the right buyers, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Ready to sell in Hoboken, Jersey City, or Northern New Jersey? Don’t just list your home—make it count.

Start with The Jill Biggs Group today.