Planning To Sell Your House in 2025? Start Prepping Now

A happy couple smiles at each other while sitting on the floor of their home under renovation. They are holding paint supplies and look excited to start their home improvement project.

If you’re planning to sell your house in 2025, the time to start preparing is now. While it might seem like there’s plenty of time, getting an early start on updates and repairs can help you sell faster and for top dollar. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

"Now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list… We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell."

By starting your preparations now, you’ll have plenty of time to make necessary improvements and ensure your home is market-ready when you’re ready to sell. But before you dive into repairs and updates, it’s crucial to connect with a local real estate agent who can provide expert guidance based on your area’s market trends.

Why Starting Early Is Key

To get the best price and sell your home quickly, making sure your home looks its best is essential. That means tackling necessary repairs, decluttering, and making strategic updates that could increase your home’s value. Starting these projects early gives you the flexibility to take your time, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure each task is done correctly.

Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, improving curb appeal, or refreshing your interiors with a new coat of paint, giving yourself a head start can help prevent tasks from piling up. As Realtor.com advises:

“There are some important repairs to make before selling a house, so don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your home listed… If you move too fast, buyers may notice skipped renovations, which can end up costing you time and money.”

Where To Start: Common Home Improvements Sellers Are Making

Not sure where to begin? Many sellers focus on common home improvements that help attract buyers. Some of the most impactful changes include:

  • Updating kitchens or bathrooms

  • Repairing or replacing worn-out flooring

  • Boosting curb appeal with landscaping improvements

  • Freshening up paint or exterior finishes

While this list provides a good starting point, your local real estate agent can offer tailored advice specific to your market and buyer preferences.

chart showing the most common home seller improvements, according to Zillow. The top improvement is painting the interior of the home, at 46%. Other popular improvements include bathroom updates, kitchen upgrades, landscaping, and replacing carpets

The Value of Working with a Local Agent

Each housing market is unique, and buyer preferences can vary by region. That’s why partnering with a local real estate agent is essential. They’ll help you identify which updates will provide the highest return on investment and which areas of your home may need attention to compete in your local market.

For example, if homes in your area are selling faster with upgraded kitchens, your agent might recommend focusing on minor kitchen improvements rather than other updates. They can also advise whether larger projects like replacing your roof or upgrading HVAC systems are worth the investment. As Point.com notes:

"Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home's value is key."

Even small changes, like fresh mulch, tidying up the yard, or painting the front door, can significantly influence a buyer’s first impression of your home. Your agent will guide you through these details to ensure your home stands out and appeals to buyers.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2025, don’t wait until the last minute to start prepping. By beginning the process now, you can ensure your house is in top condition when it’s time to list.

Need personalized advice on what to tackle first? Let’s connect and create a plan to maximize your home’s market appeal and value.

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