If you plan to sell your house in 2025, now is the time to begin preparations. While it may feel like there’s ample time until the new year, getting an early start on repairs or updates can make all the difference.
As Arbor Real Estate’s broker, Kristin Barry, advises:
“Now is the time to get your home ready to sell. Sellers often underestimate how long it can take to prepare a home for the market, so starting early gives you the flexibility to make the necessary changes.”
Starting prep work now provides you the time to get your house ready for the market without last-minute stress. Working with a qualified agent from the start ensures you have guidance on which repairs will bring the best return in your local market.
Why Starting Early Matters
To get the best price and a quicker sale, your home needs to look its best. This often involves making repairs, decluttering, and possibly investing in upgrades to maximize your home’s appeal. By beginning now, you can take your time and avoid being overwhelmed as the listing date approaches. There are important repairs to make before selling a house. Rushing can lead buyers to notice skipped or low-quality renovations, potentially costing them time and money in the long run.
Where to Focus
Ready to tackle your list but unsure where to start? Here are some of the most common improvements sellers are making today:
- Basic Repairs – Fix leaky faucets, broken tiles, and other visible maintenance issues.
Curb Appeal – Spruce up your landscaping, add mulch, and consider painting your front door.
Key Updates – Small kitchen and bathroom updates can often bring a great return.
The Value of Working With a Local Agent
Our agents at Arbor are local agents who bring insights into what buyers in our area value most. For example, if updated kitchens are in high demand, your agent might suggest focusing there.
Agents who are rooted in your neighborhood can also advise you on whether larger investments, like replacing a roof or HVAC system, will yield a good return based on recent sales. On top of that, they will provide recommendations and have relationships with vendors you will use during the process.
Remember, it’s not just big projects that matter—more minor touches, like tidying up the yard, can significantly impact a buyer’s impression.
