Thinking of Listing in 2026? Three Things to Do Before the Spring Rush
We know that we just passed the holidays, but spring will be here before we know it, and with it will come one of the busiest seasons in the Portland market. We fondly call it the spring rush, as the market is truly buzzing with opportunities, as well as competition. It’s never too soon to gameplan, and there’s truly no downside to planning early. Most sellers typically won’t even think about selling until the winter thaws, so our early planners have a real opportunity to get a jump on things.
Big decisions can (and should!) take time, so we’re here to help you figure out how to sell in 2026, starting now. This blog will cover our top three ways to prepare to sell in 2026, for anyone who wants to avoid last minute stress, and make smart decisions in the long-run.
Get Clear on Your Timeline & Goals
Goals
The decision to list your home is a big decision in more ways than one – there’s the logistics, there’s the emotions, and there's figuring out what’s next. There are so many different reasons to sell a home, no two sellers, timelines, and goal sets are identical.
Before selling, it’s important to get clear on what matters the most to you. Are you hoping to move closer to family, or perhaps upgrade your home size to make room for a growing family of your own? Are you interested in a new neighborhood, better access to your community, or proximity to your favorite hobbies? Maybe you’re excited about finding a fixer, or maybe you just fell in love with another home and want to sell yours as fast as possible.
Whatever your reason, it’s valid, and it’s crucial to hold near and dear as you embark on your selling journey.
Timeline
Just like goals, your timeline has to work for you and your unique situation. There is no “right” timeline, only the right timeline for you. A trusted agent (hi, that’s us!) will help you understand the ins and outs of the market, as well as the pros and cons of selling at different times throughout the year.
Whether you’re prepping to get ahead of the spring rush, or prepping to figure out the best timing for you – you’re already ahead of the game, and you’ll be able to choose whatever option works the best for you.
Tackle High-Impact Prep Early
Another benefit of early planning is having ample time to check things off of a to-do list. When it comes to selling, there are a handful of things you’ll want to make sure are in good shape on your home to make it as marketable as possible. These things can be low-hanging fruit, like fixing a creaky hinge or replacing a burnt out bulb, or they can be bigger, like bringing in a plumber to figure out why the sink isn’t draining properly.
If you’re planning to sell in 2026, now is a great time to sit down and make a list of all the things that you need to fix, and want to fix. The biggest benefit to building a list now is that you’ll have time on your side – you can spread out tasks over a longer period of time, and budget any bigger costs across months rather than weeks.
Here is an example of a typical selling prep list our buyers will use:
Need to Fix:
Burnt out bulbs
Major carpet stains
Creaky doors
Dripping faucets
Drafty windows
Damage to walls/pain
Weeds in yard
Want to Fix:
Replace outdated fixtures
Remove outdated wallpaper
Fill in landscaping
What items fall on your “need” list, versus your “want” list, are going to be totally individual, and up to you, your timeline, and your budget. When in doubt, check in with your agent, as they are going to be your go-to resource for what will make your house the most marketable.
Stay Aware of the Market
Our first two tips – getting clear on your goals, and starting your prep early – focus on ensuring your home is ready to list whenever you are. So how will you know when it’s the right time to list your home?
The most important factor is the timeline you’ve set for yourself, but the second-most important factor is the state of the market. For example, let’s say you know you want to sell over spring to allow for a smooth move over summer, to get your kids settled before they start school in the fall. In this case, the timeline to get your kids settled before school starts is the most important factor, and one that doesn’t have a ton of flexibility. But keeping an eye on the market can help inform if you’ll get the most for your home selling at the start of spring, or towards the end.
Let us be clear: we do not expect you to know everything about the real estate market. You shouldn’t have to, it’s not your job. In fact, it’s ours! The best way you can stay aware of the market is to get connected with an agent early, and there is no such thing as “too early”. A good agent will be respectful and considerate of whatever timeline makes sense for you, and keep their eye on the market to keep you informed.
Getting clear on your goals and knocking out that prep work is the best way you can get your house ready to sell, and connecting with an agent who can keep you informed about the market is the best way you can make sure your selling timeline will meet your goals.
Final Thoughts
The biggest decisions are best made slow and steady, with plenty of time to prepare. Selling a home is no different – given the sheer amount of thoughtfulness and planning needed, it is truly never too early to start.
Our recommendation is that you spend some time getting clear on your goals and timeline first, as this will inform the entire process. From there, you can prioritize and budget any fixes your home might need to make it its most marketable. While you’re working on that list, it’s always a good idea to get connected or reconnected with a trusted agent who can support you along the way, and keep you connected to the market as it changes throughout the year.
If you’re planning on selling in 2026, we’d love to connect. We’re here to help in any way we can, on any timeline that makes sense for you.