Why Your First Week on the Market Matters in Ottawa

There’s a moment of excitement that hits the second your home goes live. The listing is active. The photos are polished. The open house is scheduled. For many sellers, this is when the whole process starts to feel real.

And here’s the reality: how your home performs during that first week on the market can influence the entire trajectory of your sale.

That might sound 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 buyer pool is at its peak, and your pricing strategy faces its initial test.

Let’s explore why those early days are so critical—and how to prepare yourself for success before the countdown even begins.

You’re Competing With Every “Saved Search” Notification

Most serious buyers in Ottawa are already set up with instant alerts. They get notifications the moment a new home in their price range hits the MLS. With recent data indicating that the average days on market for homes in Ottawa ranges between 30 to 48 days, it's evident that early exposure remains crucial. Homes that are well-priced and effectively marketed tend to attract serious buyers more quickly, underscoring the importance of making a strong first impression.

Buyers don’t just browse—they act quickly. Fresh listings generate the most buzz and interest. After about 10 days, buyer interest tends to decline significantly unless there’s a price adjustment or the property is relisted.

This means you have roughly a one-week window to capture attention while your listing is at the top of every buyer’s search results.

The First Price Is the Only Price That Matters

In Ottawa’s current market, pricing your home correctly from day one is essential. Homes that are accurately priced tend to attract more serious buyers quickly, reducing the likelihood of extended time on the market and potential price reductions.

When a home is priced appropriately from the start, it doesn’t just attract attention—it creates competition. Buyers understand that a well-priced home won’t last long, which can result in stronger offers and better terms.

However, if you price your home too high, you risk having to reduce it later, which can send the wrong message. Many buyers interpret price drops as a signal that something’s off—even if nothing has changed. You also run the risk of appearing eager to sell, which might lead to lower offers.

The takeaway? The longer your home remains on the market without an offer, the more likely you are to accept a lower price than you could have achieved with a better launch strategy.

Buyers Will Pay More When They Feel the Competition

When your home hits the market at a fair, data-driven price—and it looks great—you’re not just attracting buyers. You’re fostering competition.

That’s the difference between receiving one offer at list price… and getting three offers, including one that waives contingencies and offers flexibility on closing dates.

We’re in a strategic but cautious market in 2025. As of April 2025, Canadian mortgage rates are holding steady at higher levels, with many 5-year fixed rates hovering around 6.49%. Even the most competitive offers for high-ratio mortgages are closer to 4%. Although buyers are more selective than they were during the era of ultra-low rates, they’re still out there—and when they find the right home, they act decisively.

If you can generate that sense of urgency early, you’re in a good position.

The Right Prep = Maximum Leverage

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

• Professional staging or styling advice
• High-quality, crisp photography and video
• An engaging listing description
• A targeted digital marketing plan that reaches buyers on platforms like Instagram, email, Facebook, and more

Why does all of this matter? Because the broader the exposure during that first week, 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 notice 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

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

Buyers making early offers tend to be the most qualified and motivated. They’ve been watching the market, waiting for the right opportunity, and are ready to act decisively.

If you hesitate or hold out too long, you risk missing the window—and falling into the category of “stale listings” that buyers start to overlook.

The Bottom Line

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

This doesn’t mean you need to rush into the market before you’re ready. But it does mean you should be thoughtful about how you prepare. When your home hits the market, it should make a strong entrance—with a competitive price, professional marketing, and a clear plan in place.

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

If you’re thinking about selling, having a conversation with a local real estate agent who knows the Ottawa market inside and out can be invaluable. The right guidance can make a significant difference—not just in how quickly your home sells, but in how much you ultimately walk away with.