If selling your home is part of your 2026 goals, the smartest thing you can do right now is start preparing. Waiting until the new year or next spring means you’ll be rushing—competing with everyone else who’s just starting to get ready. Starting early gives you more time, more options, and less stress.
As Realtor.com recently explained, “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.” That means getting ahead of repairs, decluttering, and polishing your home so it’s ready to shine when buyers are most active.
There are more homes for sale now than there have been in recent years, and that gives buyers more choices. When buyers can compare multiple listings side by side, your home needs to look its absolute best to stand out.
This doesn’t mean you need to take on a major renovation or spend thousands of dollars. But it does mean tackling smaller projects that make your home move-in ready and visually appealing. Think of it as setting the stage so buyers can picture themselves living there.
When you start now instead of next spring, you get two big advantages:
Less stress: You can space projects out over time and avoid last-minute pressure.
Better quality: You’ll have time to find the right contractors, compare prices, and make thoughtful design choices.
From fixing that squeaky door to repainting your front entry or replacing worn flooring, the extra time means you can do things right without rushing.
Here’s a simple checklist to get ahead of the curve:
Declutter and depersonalize: Start clearing out closets, cabinets, and rooms you don’t use often. The goal is to make your home look spacious and inviting.
Tackle repairs: Dripping faucet? Cracked tiles? Loose railing? Handle them now while contractors are less busy.
Add curb appeal: First impressions count. Trim bushes, repaint your front door, or upgrade lighting.
Freshen up paint: Neutral colors photograph better and make rooms look bigger and brighter.
Do a mini-inspection: Walk through your home as if you were a buyer. Make a list of what needs attention.
Little updates add up. The sooner you begin, the easier it’ll be to get your home showing-ready when it counts most.
You don’t have to figure out what’s worth updating on your own. A knowledgeable local real estate agent can tell you exactly which projects will make a difference in your market—and which ones won’t.
According to Realtor.com, sellers who involve an agent early have a smoother, more successful experience. The reason? Agents see what today’s buyers are looking for every single day.
A good agent can help you:
Identify which updates add the most value in your neighborhood
Prioritize your to-do list so you don’t overspend
Recommend trusted local contractors
Price your home strategically when the time comes
That kind of guidance can save you time, money, and headaches.
Every market is different, but according to research from the National Association of Realtors, some of the best-return projects include:
Kitchen updates: Fresh paint, new cabinet hardware, and modern light fixtures go a long way.
Bathroom refreshes: Regrouting tile, updating faucets, and adding better lighting.
Energy efficiency: New insulation or smart thermostats can appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
Curb appeal upgrades: Landscaping, exterior paint touch-ups, or even a new mailbox.
Again, you don’t have to tackle everything. Your agent can help you focus on what matters most where you live.
Spring may be the busiest selling season, but the real work starts months before your “For Sale” sign goes up. Homes that show well and are priced right tend to move faster and attract stronger offers.
By starting now, you’ll enter 2026 ready, confident, and ahead of the competition. You’ll have time to finish repairs, take professional photos, and launch your listing when buyer demand peaks.
If you plan to sell in 2026, don’t wait until January to get started. Use this time to prepare your home, plan your strategy, and connect with me. I can guide you step by step throughout the process.
The earlier you start, the more confident you’ll feel—and the smoother the entire selling process will be.
To connect with me directly, contact me at 917-254-2103.
For your FREE Home Evaluation to learn the value of your home, your Homeowner Resource Guide, or your Home Buying/Down Payment Assistance Guide, use this link: https://bit.ly/45URvuV
or text HomeswithJustin to 85377.
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a ho
Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s w
Looking for room to grow and the chance to generate rental income—all under one roof? Come visit us TODAY, Saturday, July 26th from 2 PM to 4 PM at 43 Elm Street, a fully detached multi-family gem in the heart of Mount Vernon! ✨ Property High
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a ho
Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s w