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You might be thinking, “2026? That’s ages away!” But in real estate time, it’s closer than you think—especially if you want to sell for top dollar. Whether you’re eyeing a spring sale or just testing the market next year, the smartest sellers are already laying the groundwork now.
Why Prepping Early Is a Game Changer
Think of selling your home like running a marathon—you don’t start training the week before. Starting now gives you time to make the right updates, plan strategically, and reduce stress when the market heats up.
Realtor.com puts it best:
“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, buyers today have more options than they did a few years ago. That means your home has to stand out. Starting early lets you space out repairs, deep cleaning, and small upgrades—without rushing or overspending.
Smart Fixes That Add Major Value
No one’s saying you need to remodel your entire kitchen or install a pool (unless you really want to). But even simple updates—fresh paint, new light fixtures, or a modern front door—can go a long way in catching buyers’ eyes.
Think of it like dating: first impressions matter. A well-maintained, move-in-ready home gets more interest and stronger offers.
By starting early, you can:
✅ Budget for improvements instead of paying rush prices
✅ Schedule trusted contractors before they get booked up
✅ Enjoy a smoother, more organized prep process
Team Up with a Pro—Early
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make? Waiting too long to bring in an agent. A great Realtor can help you prioritize what really matters in your market—so you’re not wasting money on upgrades that won’t boost your sale price.
As Realtor.com explains:
“Bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”
Your agent can guide you through:
- Which repairs or updates buyers care about most
- What local buyers are willing to pay a premium for
- Who the best local contractors are to get it done right
To give you a snapshot of what might come up in that discussion, here are some of the top updates real estate agents are suggesting right now—based on insights from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
The Bottom Line
If 2026 is your year to sell, your prep starts today. Give yourself the gift of time—plan ahead, get advice from a trusted local expert, and you’ll step into next spring’s market ready to shine.