The Best Day to Put a Property on the MLS: Maximize Exposure and Sell for More

By Mark Spain Real Estate

The timing of putting a property on the MLS can substantially impact how quickly it sells and the final selling price. While location, condition, and market trends are crucial, selecting the right day to introduce your home to the market can significantly amplify these factors. In this guide, we delve into data-driven insights and expert advice to help you identify the best day to put your property on the MLS, giving you the highest chance of success. 

Contact us today to learn how we can help you list your home at the perfect time to maximize its value.

The Importance of Timing in Selling Your Home

Timing can be everything when putting a property on the MLS. The day you list your property can influence how many buyers see your home, how much interest it garners, and even how much money you ultimately earn. Understanding market dynamics and buyer behavior can be vital in choosing the optimal day. Even minor timing tweaks can yield a meaningful advantage in a competitive market.

Buyer Activity and Listing Impact

Buyer activity tends to peak at certain times of the week, and leveraging this trend can make your property more visible to potential buyers. Listing on the right day puts your home at the forefront when buyer interest is highest. It can also create a sense of urgency among potential buyers, fostering competition and leading to higher offers.

The Optimal Day to List Your Home

Why Thursday Is the Best Day to List

Research consistently shows that Thursday is optimal for listing your property on the MLS. Properties put on the MLS on Thursdays are generally the first properties prospective buyers see when planning their weekend tours. As buyers plan house hunting over the weekend, listing your property on the MLS on Thursday ensures that your property remains top-of-mind.

Benefits of Listing on Thursday

• Maximized Weekend Exposure: Putting your property on the MLS on Thursday positions it in front of buyers as they plan for the weekend—the peak time for open houses and viewings.

• Increased Buyer Competition: Putting your property on the MLS on Thursday creates a sense of urgency, as buyers are eager to view new homes that have just hit the market, increasing the chances of multiple offers.

• Higher Sale Prices: Statistics suggest that homes listed on Thursdays sell faster and for more money than those listed on other days.

According to a study by Zillow, properties put on the MLS on Thursdays tend to sell for approximately more than the listing price than those listed on other days. The exposure properties put on the MLS on Thursday receive heading into the weekend—a time when buyers can view multiple homes—is a crucial driver of these improved outcomes.

Avoiding Less Effective Listing Days

Putting a property on the MLS on Monday or Tuesday: A Common Pitfall

While Monday or Tuesday seem like reasonable options for listing, these days are often less effective. Buyer activity is typically lower earlier in the week, as many potential buyers are preoccupied with other commitments, such as returning to work and school routines. Listing on these days could mean your home is overlooked as buyers focus on weekend plans later in the week.

Weekends: Too Late to Gain Traction

Given the increased buyer activity, weekends may seem like a good time to list, but this is less advantageous. When a home is listed on Saturday or Sunday, many buyers have already made plans and selected properties to view. Your home may not receive the same immediate interest level, reducing visibility and fewer showings.

Best Practices for Listing Your Home

Preparing Your Home for a Thursday Listing

Preparation is critical to taking full advantage of putting your property on the MLS on an optimal day. Here are some critical steps to ensure your home shines when it hits the market:

• Professional Photography: High-quality photos are a must. They serve as the first impression, and putting your property on the MLS on a high-traffic day like Thursday makes it essential to showcase your property in the best possible light. Top Real Estate brokerages like Mark Spain Real Estate provide this, and many other add-ins for free to clients. 

• Accurate Pricing: Pricing your home correctly is crucial. Properties put on the MLS on Thursday benefit from heightened buyer interest, but only if they are competitively priced.

• Marketing Campaign: Coordinate a marketing campaign to coincide with putting your property on the MLS. Utilize social media, email alerts, and other platforms to maximize your property’s reach.

Crafting a Compelling Listing

When listing your property on the MLS, the description should be clear, concise, and compelling. Highlight the property’s best features, use attractive language, and ensure all relevant information is easy to find. Buyers often compare multiple properties; a well-written description can make your listing stand out.

The Role of Open Houses and Showings

Timing Open Houses for Maximum Impact

If you put your property on the MLS on a Thursday, aim to schedule open houses for the following Saturday or Sunday. These events can capitalize on the initial interest generated by the listing, allowing more buyers to view your property.

• Saturday Open House: Hosting an open house on Saturday allows interested buyers to visit quickly after seeing the property on the MLS. This timing can help sustain the momentum and generate multiple offers.

• Sunday Follow-Up: A second open house on Sunday can capture any buyers who could not attend on Saturday, increasing your chances of multiple bids.

Creating a Sense of Urgency

Holding open houses shortly after putting your property on the MLS creates urgency among buyers. Buyers who recognize the value of your home will be motivated to make a quick decision, knowing that other interested parties are viewing the property as well.

Choosing the right day to put your property on the MLS is critical to achieving the best outcome. Thursday is the optimal day for most sellers, allowing your home to garner attention when buyer activity is building towards its weekend peak. Coupled with adequate preparation, professional marketing, and competitive pricing, putting your property on the MLS on Thursday will maximize your exposure and increase the chances of a successful sale.

Take advantage of this insight into buyer behavior and market timing to get the best results when selling your home—because when it comes to selling property, every small detail counts. Ready to list your home? Contact us now for expert guidance and take the first step towards a successful sale.

Alternatively, you can opt for Mark Spain Real Estate’s Guaranteed Offer Program to eliminate the stress of putting your home on the market. Bypass the real estate market, skip showings, open houses, and all the stress, and sell your home fast!