You’ve got big goals for 2026 — but what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth, easy sale and a stressful one. If selling next spring is part of your plan (which happens to be the busiest time in real estate), the smartest thing you can do right now is start preparing early. As Realtor.com says:
“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.”
The truth is, whether it’s small repairs, paint touch-ups, or decluttering, the earlier you begin, the easier things will be when it’s time to list — and the better your home will look when it hits the market.
Why Starting Now Matters
Any good agent will tell you — skipping repairs in today’s market isn’t an option. There are more homes for sale right now than we’ve seen in years, and with buyers having more choices, your home needs to stand out to grab attention.
That doesn’t mean you need to do a full renovation. But it does mean taking care of some projects before you sell. When your home is prepped properly, it sells faster — and you’ll save yourself from the stress of rushing to finish everything in the spring.
The big advantage of starting now? You can spread out your projects at your own pace. More time, less pressure, and no last-minute panic.
Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, painting the front door, or finally replacing the roof, you’ll have the time to do things right — and the flexibility to find good contractors without overpaying for rushed jobs.
Get an Agent’s Advice Early
If you want to know what’s really worth doing (and what’s not), talk to a local agent early in the process. That way, you’ll make smart decisions and avoid wasting time or money on projects that won’t move the needle. As Realtor.com explains:
“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 great agent can help you:
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Understand what buyers in your area are looking for
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Identify which repairs or updates matter most
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Prioritize your projects if you can’t do them all at once
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Recommend reliable local contractors
Having that kind of guidance upfront is a total game changer.
According to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the most common updates agents are recommending right now include simple cosmetic improvements, exterior refreshes, and strategic upgrades that boost curb appeal.
But remember — what’s worth doing really depends on your local market. If inventory is tight, smaller updates might be enough. In areas with more listings, you might need to do a bit more to make your home stand out.
Your agent will help you decide what’s best for your specific home and neighborhood — and that expert insight is worth every bit of it.
Bottom Line
If selling in 2026 is part of your plan, it’s time to get serious now. Putting in the effort early means you’ll enter the market confident, prepared, and ahead of other sellers who wait until January to start.
Want to find out which home projects are giving the best return in our market right now? Let’s connect — and set you up with a smart strategy for a strong start next spring.
