Planning to Sell Your House in 2025? Get a Head Start Now

If selling your home in 2025 is part of your plan, now is the perfect time to start getting prepared. Even though it might feel like you have plenty of time, the sooner you start, the smoother the process will be. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“Now is the time to begin thinking about your next steps in preparing to list your home... Survey data shows that 47% of sellers take more than a month to get their home ready for the market. Starting the process early gives you more flexibility.”

Beginning your preparations now will help ensure your home is in top shape when it’s time to sell. Plus, working with a trusted real estate agent early on will provide expert guidance on which repairs and updates make the most sense for your market.

Why Early Preparation Is Essential

To secure the best price and sell your home quickly, it needs to shine. That means taking care of necessary repairs, decluttering, and possibly making value-adding improvements. By starting early, you’ll have the time to do it all without feeling rushed.

Take things one step at a time—whether it's fixing that leaky faucet, updating your landscaping, or repainting a room. If you wait too long, your to-do list can get overwhelming. Realtor.com advises:

“Don’t rush to get your home listed without addressing key repairs... Skipping important renovations could end up costing you more time and money in the long run.”

What Should You Focus On?

Feeling eager to start but unsure where to begin? Here’s a list of common improvements sellers are making today, and they might give you a few ideas: (see graph below):

However, these should be tailored to your local market, and that’s where a knowledgeable real estate agent comes in.

Why Working with a Local Agent Matters

While the data above offers a general starting point, only a local real estate expert can tell you what buyers are looking for in your specific area. For instance, if updated bathrooms are driving fast sales locally, your agent might suggest investing there rather than in other areas.

They’ll also help you determine whether larger updates, like replacing a roof or upgrading HVAC systems, are worth the investment based on the performance of comparable homes in your neighborhood. As real estate experts at Point note:

“Not all home renovations offer the same return on investment, and focusing on the right upgrades is critical to boosting your home’s value.”

Your agent will also guide you on small but impactful changes—like tidying up your yard, adding new mulch, or painting your front door—ensuring your home makes the best first impression.

Bottom Line

Planning to sell in 2025? Don’t wait until the last minute to get your home ready. Start prepping now to ensure everything is in place by the time you're ready to list. If you need expert advice on where to start, let’s connect and get the process moving!