The new year often sparks a desire for change — and for many homeowners, that might mean making a move. Whether you're seriously considering listing your home this spring or just starting to explore your options, there are a few intentional steps you can take now to set yourself up for a smoother sale later.

Here are four seller-savvy resolutions to help you prepare your home — and yourself — for a successful sale in 2026:

1. Start Decluttering and Depersonalizing

One of the easiest ways to begin prepping your home for sale is by removing items you no longer use or need. Go room by room and start decluttering — not just closets and drawers, but also surfaces, walls, and storage spaces.

Buyers want to envision themselves in your home, which can be hard to do when every wall is covered in personal photos or memorabilia. You don’t need to strip all personality, but simplifying your space now makes future staging a breeze.

Pro tip: If you know you’ll be moving in a few months, begin packing and labeling non-essentials. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Take Care of Repairs You’ve Been Putting Off

That leaky faucet, chipped paint, or finicky light switch might not seem like a big deal to you — but to a buyer, it can signal a lack of maintenance.

Start tackling small projects now so you’re not scrambling to get them done right before listing. If you’re unsure where to begin, ask your Realtor® or a home inspector to do a pre-listing walk-through and flag common buyer concerns.

3. Check in With a Real Estate Professional

Even if you’re not ready to list right away, connecting with a Realtor® early gives you access to valuable insight. They can:

• Provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to estimate your home’s value
• Offer guidance on which updates are worth making
• Help you understand current buyer trends in your area

Plus, if you’re planning to buy another home after you sell, they can help you start thinking through your next steps.

4. Understand Your Equity and Selling Costs

One of the most important — and overlooked — steps in selling a home is understanding your financial position. Many homeowners don’t realize how much equity they’ve built or what their net proceeds might look like after closing.

Ask your mortgage lender or Realtor® to help you run the numbers. Knowing how much you can expect to walk away with makes it easier to plan your next move — whether that’s upgrading, downsizing, or relocating.

A Little Prep Now = A Smoother Sale Later

Even if you're not 100% sure you'll sell this year, these simple resolutions can help you feel more confident and prepared — and give your future buyer the best possible first impression.

Sell Your Home with Clarity and Confidence

Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how to maximize your home’s value in today’s market. >> Explore Seller Resources