Selling Your Home in 2026? It’s Not Too Early to Start Getting Ready

Thinking about selling your house in 2026? I know it sounds far away, but trust me—it’s not too early to start prepping. Even though the calendar says you’ve got plenty of time, getting a head start on repairs and updates can save you a lot of stress (and maybe even some money) down the road.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, puts it perfectly:

“Now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list… We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell, so getting them to start that process early can mean more flexibility.”

Translation? If you start now, you’re giving yourself breathing room—and that’s priceless when it comes time to put the “For Sale” sign in the yard. And before you pick up a paintbrush, connect with a great real estate agent. They’ll help you figure out which updates will actually pay off in your local market.

What Should You Focus On?
Feeling motivated to start chipping away at that to-do list, but not sure where to start? Here’s a look at the most common improvements other sellers are making today (see graph below):

Why Starting Early Makes Life So Much Easier

If you want to sell quickly and for top dollar, your home needs to look its best. That means handling repairs, decluttering, and maybe even adding a few upgrades to boost its value.

The beauty of starting early is you can tackle one thing at a time. Fix that leaky faucet this month, refresh your landscaping next month, and maybe paint the living room after that. No mad dash. No late-night panic.

Wait too long, though, and the list of “little things” can snowball fast. And if you rush to list without finishing key repairs, buyers will notice—and it could end up costing you time and money. Realtor.com says it best:

“Don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your home listed… if you move too fast, buyers see right through the fact that you skipped important home renovations. And this… might end up costing you time and money.”

Why a Local REALTOR Is Your Secret Weapon

Sure, general market data is a great starting point—but it’s not the whole story. What buyers want can vary a lot from one neighborhood to the next, and that’s where a local REALTOR becomes absolutely priceless.

A local pro knows what’s really moving homes in your area. Maybe updated kitchens are the hot ticket and buyers are willing to pay more for modern countertops and appliances. If that’s the case, your agent might recommend focusing on a few key kitchen upgrades instead of pouring money into projects that won’t bring much return.

They’ll also help you figure out whether bigger investments—like replacing your roof or upgrading your HVAC system—make sense based on what similar homes nearby have recently sold for. As Point puts it:

“Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home's value is key.”

And it’s not just about the big stuff. The little details matter, too. Your agent might suggest easy, high-impact touches like cleaning up the yard, adding fresh mulch, or painting your front door to boost curb appeal. These small changes can make buyers instantly feel more excited about your home.

 A great local REALTOR sees what you might miss. Their expert eye ensures every dollar and every effort you put into prepping your home actually pays off—helping you sell faster and for the best possible price.

Selling a house is a big project, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start now, pace yourself, and lean on a pro for guidance. By the time 2026 rolls around, you’ll be ready to hit the market with confidence—and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.

Jim Armstrong
Your Local Real Estate Expert
Armstrong Field Group
Aluxety Real Estate
978-394-6736
jarmstrong@armstrongfield.com