Planning To Sell in 2026? Start the Prep Now
Top Projects Massachusetts Agents Recommend Before Selling
You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling next spring (the busiest 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.
Why Starting Now Matters
Talk to any good agent and they’ll tell you.... 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 needs to look its best to stand out and get the attention it deserves.
That doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you’ll want to tackle some projects before you sell. Your house will sell if it’s prepped right and you don’t want to be scrambling in the spring to get the work done.
Start now, and you’ll be able to space those updates out however you want:
✅ More time.
✅ Less stress.
✅ No racing the clock.
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 and take your time finding great contractors without paying rush fees.
Get an Agent’s Advice Early
To figure out what’s worth doing (and what’s not) in your market, talk to a local agent early. That way you’re not wasting 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.”
A skilled agent can tell you:
- What buyers in your local area are looking for
- The repairs or updates you need to do before you list
- How to prioritize projects if you can’t do them all
- Which local contractors can get it done right
Having that insight early is a game changer.
What Agents Are Recommending Most
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), here are the top projects agents recommend before selling:
Top Projects Agents Recommend Before Selling
- Paint the Entire Home – 50%
- Paint an Interior Room – 41%
- Replace the Roof – 37%
- Upgrade the Kitchen – 30%
- Renovate the Bathroom – 24%
Image credit: NAR
Keep in mind, what’s worth updating depends on your specific market. Some homes only need light refreshes; others may need a few bigger updates to compete.
Bottom Line
If your plan is to sell in 2026, it’s time to get serious. Taking some time to prep means you’ll hit the market confident, ready, and ahead of other sellers who waited until January to start.
Want to know which projects are getting the best return in Walpole, West Roxbury, Dedham, or your neighborhood? Let’s connect so you can head into next spring with a solid game plan.
© 2022 Coldwell Banker Realty
©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
