Preparing Your Home for Sale in 2026: The Essential Things to Do Before Listing

Planning to sell your house within the next year? Real estate professionals agree that your success depends heavily on the groundwork you lay today. Rather than rushing to list when the time comes, the smartest sellers are already taking action. Here are the critical things to do before selling your house to maximize its appeal and selling price.

Understanding Your Property’s True Value

Before anything else, you need a clear picture of what your home is actually worth. Getting a professional appraisal isn’t just a formality—it’s your foundation for success. According to Dillon Cass, CEO of True Home Offers, knowing your neighborhood is the first crucial step for anyone considering putting their house on the market next year.

A proper appraisal does more than give you a number. It provides a detailed comparison of your property against recently sold homes in your area, helping you understand current market conditions. This professional valuation allows you to set a realistic asking price that aligns with what buyers in your region are actually paying. Without this knowledge, you risk either pricing yourself out of the market or leaving money on the table.

Building Your Team: Why the Right Realtor Matters Now

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is working with the wrong agent. Jennifer Long, a realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno, emphasizes that interviewing realtors early in the process is essential. The right professional will guide you through every decision—from which renovations are worth the investment to which projects will waste both time and money.

Your realtor becomes your strategic partner in preparation. They’ll help you create a timeline, identify what needs attention before listing, and establish realistic expectations for the renovation work ahead. Don’t settle for the first agent you meet. Instead, interview multiple candidates. As Scott Harris, founder of Magnetic, advises, “Ask them what they’d do if it were their house. You need to make sure they’re not just being nice, but telling you the truth!”

Learning from Your Competition

Taking time to visit open houses in your neighborhood provides invaluable insights. This isn’t about copying other homes—it’s about understanding what works in your market. Harris points out that buyers’ preferences can shift significantly over time, and what grabbed attention five years ago might not resonate today.

When you walk through homes for sale nearby, pay attention to what catches your eye. Notice the staging choices, the way spaces are organized, and how decluttering impacts the overall feel. These observations become your playbook. You may discover that simple adjustments—ones that won’t cost much but require planning—could add thousands to your final sale price.

Creating an Inviting Space Through Strategic Decluttering

Once you’ve gathered inspiration from other properties, it’s time to assess your own home with fresh eyes. Excessive clutter is one of the biggest obstacles to selling at your desired price. The things to do before selling your house include a thorough decluttering process, which serves double purposes: it makes your home more appealing to potential buyers and simplifies your eventual move.

Harris recommends bringing in honest friends—people who will tell you the truth, not just be polite. Have them spend an hour walking through your space and noting what stands out or feels overwhelming. If a room feels packed, the advice is simple: remove at least one piece of furniture. This creates breathing room that makes spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Starting Your Preparation Timeline Now

The overarching lesson from real estate experts is clear: don’t wait. The things to do before selling your house require time and thoughtful planning. By beginning your appraisal, finding your realtor, studying your local market, and decluttering your space now, you’re positioning yourself to move quickly and confidently when 2026 arrives.

Each step builds on the previous one. Your appraisal informs your realtor’s strategy. Your market research guides your staging decisions. Your decluttering creates the perfect canvas for buyers to envision themselves in your home. Taking action today means less scrambling later and a significantly better chance of achieving your target sale price.