Thinking About Selling in 2026? Here’s Why You Should Start Prepping Now

Thinking About Selling in 2026? Here’s Why You Should Start Prepping Now!

You’ve got big plans for 2026 — maybe a move, a new chapter, or just a shift in scenery. But if selling your home is on that list, what you do this year could make all the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one.

If you’re aiming to sell next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest thing you can do is start your prep work now. Realtor.com says 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.”

Because the truth is, the earlier you start — even with small repairs, decluttering, or paint touch-ups — the easier things will feel when it’s time to list. And the better your home will look to buyers when it hits the market.

Why Starting Early Matters

Talk to any experienced agent and they’ll tell you: skipping repairs or updates just doesn’t fly in today’s market. Inventory has grown, which means buyers have more options. If you want your home to catch their eye, it has to shine from day one.

That doesn’t mean you need to remodel your kitchen or redo every bathroom. But it does mean getting ahead of the small stuff now — so you’re not rushing later.

Here’s the advantage of starting in 2025:

• You can spread out projects instead of doing them all at once.
• You’ll have time to find trusted contractors (and avoid “rush job” pricing).
• You’ll go into spring feeling calm, confident, and ready.

So whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, replacing worn carpet, or finally taking care of that roof repair — spacing things out now means less chaos later.

Get Expert Advice Before You Spend a Dime

One of the best moves you can make right now? Connect with a local agent before you start tackling your list. A good agent will help you focus on the projects that actually matter to buyers in your price point and neighborhood.

Realtor.com explains it like this:

“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.”

When you bring your agent in early, they can help you:

• Identify what today’s buyers are prioritizing
• Recommend updates that will bring the best return
• Prioritize what to fix and what to skip
• Connect you with reliable local pros who can help

That kind of guidance saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

What Sellers Are Focusing on Right Now

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), these are some of the most common updates agents are recommending:

• Fresh paint (especially neutral tones)
• Landscaping clean-up and curb appeal refresh
• Updated lighting fixtures
• Kitchen and bathroom touch-ups
• Flooring updates where needed

Of course, every home and every neighborhood is different — and that’s exactly where an agent’s market knowledge comes in. What works in one area may not be necessary in another.

Bottom Line

If selling in 2026 is part of your plan, now is the time to get ready. Starting early means you’ll be ahead of other sellers, have time to make thoughtful improvements, and walk into the market confident and prepared.

Curious which projects bring the biggest bang for your buck in the Colorado Springs area? Let’s connect — Derek and I would love to help you create a step-by-step plan to get your home ready for a successful (and stress-free) 2026 sale.