You’ve got big goals for 2026, and if selling your home is one of them, the work starts this year. What you do today could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of listing your home next spring, which is typically the busiest season in real estate, the smartest move is to begin your prep now.
As Realtor.com explains:
“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.”
Starting early gives you time to make small repairs, do touch-ups, and declutter your home at your own pace. The sooner you begin, the better your house will look when it’s ready to hit the market.
Why Starting Now Matters
Any experienced real estate agent will tell you that skipping repairs isn’t an option in today’s competitive market. With more homes for sale than we’ve seen in recent years, buyers have plenty of choices. That means your home needs to stand out and make a strong impression from the start.
You don’t need a full renovation to attract buyers, but tackling key projects ahead of time can make all the difference. By starting early, you can spread out your upgrades and improvements, giving yourself more time and less stress.
Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or replacing your roof, you’ll have the flexibility to get the work done right. You’ll also have more time to find reliable contractors without overspending or rushing to meet deadlines.
Get an Agent’s Advice Early
If you want to know which updates will really pay off in your market, talk to a local real estate agent as soon as possible. The right agent can save you time and money by helping you focus only on improvements that truly boost your home’s value.
Realtor.com notes:
“Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”
A knowledgeable agent can help you understand:
- What buyers in your area are looking for
- Which repairs or updates to complete before listing
- How to prioritize projects if you can’t do them all at once
- Which local contractors can help you get the job done
This insight can completely change your selling experience.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), some of the most common updates agents recommend today include refreshing paint, improving curb appeal, updating lighting, and making small kitchen or bathroom upgrades.
Still, what’s worth updating depends on your specific market. In some areas with limited inventory, small fixes may be enough. In others where there’s more competition, you might need to do a bit more to make your home stand out.
Your agent will guide you through what makes the most sense for your property, ensuring your time and money are well spent.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning to sell in 2026, now’s the time to get serious about preparation. By starting early, you’ll be ready to hit the 2026 market with confidence and stay ahead of sellers who wait until the last minute.
Want to know which updates are delivering the best return on investment in your area? Let’s connect and create a strategy to help you step into next spring fully prepared.
