Sellers often want to know the best month to put a house on the market.

My answer: "The first week it is on the market."

Sellers have an advantage when the house is new on the market.

When buyers view a "new" listing and like it, there is a sense of urgency to get a "good" offer submitted quickly so they do not lose it to another buyer.

This is the seller's best chance to get the most money. If a buyer makes a low offer, a counteroffer from the seller will be more likely accepted by the buyer, when the house is still "new" on the market.

After a week a house is no longer "new on the market." The property becomes "stale" and there is a lack of urgency from the buyers. Sellers should price the house competitively from the first day it is put on the market to get the most money. Pricing the house high with the thought "I can always come down" will usually result in a lower eventual price.