Planning To Sell in 2026? Here’s Why You Should Start Preparing Now

You’ve got big plans for 2026 but what you do right now could be the difference between a smooth home sale and a stressful one.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Connecticut next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now.

As Realtor.com puts it:

“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.”

In other words, early prep pays off. From small repairs to deep cleaning, the more time you give yourself, the stronger your listing will perform when it hits the market.

As Joseph Malerba Realtor with eXp Realty, here’s my professional breakdown of why getting started now is your competitive advantage.

Why Starting Now Matters

Talk to any experienced Realtor in Connecticut, and they’ll tell you: you can’t afford to skip repairs or updates in today’s market.

There are more homes for sale now than there have been in years, and that means buyers have options. To stand out, your house needs to look and feel move-in ready.

That doesn’t mean you need a full remodel. But it does mean tackling key projects now, so you’re not scrambling come spring.

Here’s the real advantage:
When you start prepping months ahead, you can spread out costs, avoid rushed jobs, and choose the right contractors without paying premium prices.

Think of it like this:

• Repaint your front door this fall.

• Fix the leaky faucet before the holidays.

• Refresh your landscaping in early spring.

You’ll feel less stress, and your home will show beautifully when the 2026 market heats up.

Get an Agent’s Advice Early

Before you pick up a paintbrush or call a contractor, get a professional opinion from a trusted Realtor, early.

That’s where Joseph Malerba Real Estate, eXp Realty comes in. With over 22 years of experience in the Connecticut housing market, I help sellers prioritize updates that actually increase value, not waste time or money on unnecessary upgrades.

According to Realtor.com:

“Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. Bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”

A skilled agent will help you identify:

• What local buyers are currently looking for

• Which repairs or upgrades will boost your home’s selling price

• How to prioritize your projects

• The best local contractors for the job

This early strategy session can make or break your listing’s success in 2026.

The Most Common Pre-Sale Updates Right Now

According to recent research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), these are the top updates agents are recommending before listing:

• 🎨 50% – Paint the Entire Home

• 🏠 41% – Paint an Interior Room

• 🛠️ 37% – Replace the Roof

• 🍽️ 30% – Upgrade the Kitchen

• 🚿 24% – Renovate the Bathroom

What’s worth updating will depend on your specific market. In areas of Connecticut with limited inventory, small cosmetic updates may be all you need. But in more competitive neighborhoods, larger improvements might be necessary to make your property stand out.

That’s why personalized local advice from Joseph Malerba Real Estate is so valuable, it’s tailored to your exact home, neighborhood, and market conditions.

Why 2026 Could Be a Strong Year to Sell

Market experts predict that as mortgage rates begin to stabilize and buyer confidence increases, 2026 could see a fresh wave of activity.

That means homeowners who start preparing now will be perfectly positioned to capitalize on spring’s high demand while latecomers scramble to catch up.

Bottom Line

If your goal is to sell your home in 2026, the time to get serious is now.
Starting early gives you:
✅ More time to complete updates
✅ Less stress when listing season arrives
✅ A stronger, more competitive listing

Want to know which projects deliver the biggest return on investment in your local market?

Let’s connect.
I’ll help you create a personalized plan that ensures your home stands out and sells fast when 2026 arrives.

Contact Joseph Malerba Real Estate, eXp Realty, your trusted Realtor in Connecticut and start preparing for your 2026 home sale today!