Planning to Sell in 2026? Start to Prep NOW!
You've got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now.
If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing, especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.
Because the reality is, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be when you’re ready to list. And, the better your house will look when it’s time for it to hit the market.
Why Starting Now Matters
Talk to any good agent and they’ll tell you that you can’t afford to skip repairs in today’s market. There are more homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And since buyers have more to choose from, your house is going to need to look its very best to stand out and get the attention it deserves.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you’ll want to tackle a few projects before you sell. And you don’t want to be left scrambling in the spring to get the work done.
Here’s the advantage you have now. If you start this year, you’ll be able to space those upgrades and fixes out however you want to. More time = Less stress.
Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or finally replacing your roof, you can do it right if you start now. And you have the time to find great contractors without blowing your budget or paying extra for rushed jobs.
Get an Agent’s Advice Early
To figure out what’s worth doing and what’s not for YOUR market, we should chat soon. That way you’re not wasting your time or money on something that won’t help your bottom line.
I can advise you on:
- What buyers in your local area are looking for
- The repairs or updates you need to do before you list
- How to prioritize the projects, if you can’t do them all
- Skilled local contractors who can help you get the work done
Having that information up front, and early on in the process, is a game changer.
To give you a rough idea of what may come up in that conversation, here are the most common updates agents are recommending today:
- Paint the entire home
- Paint one room of the home
- Replace the roof
- Upgrade the kitchen
- Renovate bathroom(s)
Just remember, what’s worth updating really depends on the homes you’re competing with in your market. Some areas don’t have a ton of inventory, so little updates may be all you need to tackle. In other areas, there are far more homes for sale, so you may need to do a bit more to make your house stand out.
I’m happy to walk you through what you need to do for your specific house and market. And that’s expertise that’ll really pay off.
Bottom Line
If 2026 is your year to sell, the work starts now. Taking some time to prep means you’ll hit the market confident, ready, and ahead of other sellers who waited until January to get started.
Want to know which projects are getting the biggest return on their investment in your market? Connect with me today so we can head into next spring with a solid game plan.