You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do now could be the difference between a smooth listing process and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling this spring (historically the busier season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now. 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.”
Because the reality is, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be when you’re ready to list. And, the better your house will look when it’s time for it to hit the market.
Talk to any good agent and they’ll tell you that you can’t afford to skip repairs in today’s market. There are more homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And since buyers have more to choose from, your house is going to need to look its best to stand out and get the attention it deserves. Here in Lancaster County, based on Bright MLS, there were 390 active listings in December 2022. 3 years later, in December 2025, there’s 517- a 33% increase.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you may want to tackle some projects before you sell. Your house will sell if it’s prepped right. And you don’t want to be left scrambling in the spring to get the work done.
Because here’s the advantage you have now: if you start now, you’ll be able to space those upgrades and fixes out however you want to. More time. Less stress.
Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or finally replacing your roof, you can do it right if you start now.
To figure out what’s worth doing and what’s not in your market, you need to talk to a local agent early. So, let’s meet now, no matter when you want to sell. That way you’re not wasting your time or money on something that won’t help your bottom line. 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.”
We can tell you:
And having that information up front is a game changer. If you’re in South Central PA, we’d be happy to help you! Give us a call or text at (717) 371-0557 !
Here are the most common updates agents are recommending today, according to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
Just remember, what’s worth updating really depends on the homes you’re competing with in your market. Some areas don’t have a ton of inventory, so little updates may be all you need to tackle. In other areas, there are far more homes for sale, so you may need to do a bit more to make your house stand out.
If your plan is to sell in 2026, it’s time to get started. Taking some time to prep means you’ll hit the market confident and ready ! Give us a call or text at (717) 371-0557 with any questions!
