Planning To Sell Your House in 2025? Start Prepping Now

Planning To Sell Your House in 2025? Start Prepping Now

If you plan to sell your house in 2025, now is the perfect time to start preparing. While it might feel like you have plenty of time, getting ahead on any updates or repairs will put you in a better position. As 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, so getting them to start that process early can mean more flexibility.”

Starting your prep work early gives you ample time to get your house market-ready by year’s end. Make sure to partner with a trusted agent from the start to get expert advice on which repairs will add the most value in your local market.

Why Starting Early Is Key

To get top dollar and sell your home quickly, it needs to be in its best shape. That means handling repairs, decluttering, and making value-adding updates before listing.

Starting early allows you to take on tasks gradually—whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, sprucing up landscaping, or repainting a room. This approach gives you time to do the work properly and with less stress. Waiting until the last minute can cause tasks to pile up, leading to unnecessary overwhelm. As Realtor.com explains:

“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 see right through the fact that you skipped important home renovations. And this . . . might end up costing you time and money.”

What Should You Focus On?

Feeling motivated to tackle your to-do list but unsure where to begin? Take a look at the most common improvements sellers are focusing on today (see graph below):

The Importance of Working with a Local Agent

While that data provides a good starting point, it’s not a one-size-fits-all guide. Buyer preferences can vary by location, and only a *local agent* can offer insights tailored to your market.

For instance, if updated kitchens are driving quick sales in your area, your agent may recommend focusing on minor kitchen upgrades instead of spending on other improvements with less impact. They can also advise if bigger projects—like a roof replacement or HVAC upgrade—are worth the investment based on trends from recent sales. As Point explains:

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

And don’t forget, smaller updates can make a big impact too. Your agent might suggest simple touches like tidying up the yard, adding fresh mulch, or painting the front door to enhance your home’s curb appeal. These details can shape how buyers feel about your property, making expert guidance essential for selling quickly and at the best price.

Bottom Line

Planning to sell your house next year? Don’t leave it to the last minute to prepare. Starting early will help you ensure everything is ready by the time the new year arrives.

Need guidance on what to focus on first? Let’s connect!