Thinking About Selling in 2026? It’s Time To Get Ready.
You’ve got big goals for 2026 — but what you do this year can make or break your selling experience. If you’re planning to list next spring (the busiest season in real estate), now’s the time to start preparing.
As Realtor.com notes:
“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.”
From small repairs and touch-ups to decluttering, starting early makes everything smoother — and ensures your home shines when it hits the market.
Why Starting Early Matters
Ask any top agent — skipping repairs isn’t an option in today’s market. With more homes for sale than we’ve seen in years, buyers have choices. That means your home needs to be in top shape to stand out and capture attention.
That doesn’t mean you need to take on a full renovation. But it does mean tackling a few key projects before you list. The truth is, your home will sell faster — and for more — if it’s properly prepped.
Starting now gives you a major advantage: you can spread out repairs and upgrades on your own schedule. More time, less stress, and no last-minute scramble when spring arrives.
Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, giving your front door a fresh coat of paint, or replacing the roof, starting now lets you do it right. You’ll have the time to compare bids, hire quality contractors, and avoid paying extra for last-minute work.
Get Expert Guidance Early
To know which projects will actually boost your home’s value, it pays to connect with a local agent early. They’ll help you focus your time and money on improvements that matter most in your market. As Realtor.com points out:
“Most buyers and sellers agree — starting early leads to a smoother, more successful experience. For sellers, involving an agent sooner can make a major difference in results.”
A great agent can help you pinpoint exactly where to focus your time and budget. They’ll tell you:
- What buyers in your area are looking for
- Which repairs or updates matter most before listing
- How to prioritize projects if you can’t do them all
- Which trusted local contractors can get the job done
Having that guidance upfront is a total game changer.
To give you an idea of what those conversations often cover, here are some of the most common updates agents are recommending right now — based on National Association of Realtors (NAR) research.
Your agent will walk you through what you need to do for your specific house and market. And that’s expertise that’ll really pay off.
Keep in mind that what’s worth updating depends on the competition in your local market. In some areas with limited inventory, a few simple touch-ups might be all you need. But in markets with more listings, you may have to go a bit further to make your home stand out. Your agent will help you identify what matters most for your specific property — and that insight can make a big difference in your final sale price.
Bottom Line
If 2026 is your year to sell, now’s the time to get started. Putting in the prep work early means you’ll enter the market confident, ready, and ahead of the sellers who waited until the new year.
Curious which projects bring the best return in your area? Connect with a local agent today and step into next spring with a clear, strategic game plan.
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