What Should I Do to Get My Home Ready to Sell in 2026?

By Shawn Hermosillo

Shawn Hermosillo, founder of Hermosillo Real Estate Group (HRE), is a Sonoma County native with deep roots in the community and a passion for real estate.

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2026, the steps you take before your listing goes live can directly impact how quickly it sells and the offers you receive. Buyers notice details, and careful preparation can help your home attract more showings, stronger offers, and a smoother sale. Here’s what you should focus on to get your home ready and appealing to buyers.

1. Start with a deep clean and declutter. A clean, organized home allows buyers to picture themselves living in the space rather than seeing someone else’s life. Remove personal photos, clear countertops, and organize closets so everything feels tidy and functional. Pay attention to areas buyers notice most, like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Curb appeal is just as important. The exterior is the first thing buyers see, and it sets expectations for the rest of the home. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, pressure wash walkways, and add fresh mulch or seasonal flowers. A well-kept exterior signals that the home is cared for and encourages buyers to step inside with a positive impression.

2. Make smart repairs and upgrades. Focus on improvements that have a visible impact on buyers’ perception. Fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out light bulbs, repair or touch up scuffed walls, and ensure all doors and cabinets function smoothly. These small repairs show that the home is well-maintained.

If your kitchen or bathroom feels outdated, you don’t need a full renovation to make a difference. Small upgrades like modern cabinet hardware, updated lighting, a fresh backsplash, or new faucets can give these spaces a more modern, appealing look. The goal is to make buyers feel the home is move-in ready and well cared for, which can justify a higher asking price and attract more serious offers.

3. Stage for the modern buyer. Staging is about helping buyers see the home’s potential and envision their own life there. Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow, and remove items that make rooms feel cramped or cluttered. Use neutral colors and warm lighting to create an inviting atmosphere without being overly personalized.

Professional guidance can be helpful. Most agents offer free or low-cost staging consultations and can suggest how to make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more appealing.

Keep in mind that most buyers start their search online. High-quality photos, 3D tours, and video walkthroughs are essential. Homes that are staged well and presented with strong visuals get more clicks online, more showings, and more interest from serious buyers.

4. Price it right from the start. Pricing is one of the most critical factors in selling a home quickly and successfully. In 2026, sellers are increasingly using a combination of AI tools and local agent expertise to determine a competitive listing price. Price too high, and your home may sit on the market longer than necessary. Price too low, and you leave potential value on the table.

A local agent can help by reviewing active listings, recent sales, buyer demand, and neighborhood trends. They can also advise on timing, market conditions, and pricing strategies that increase buyer interest. The right price generates urgency, attracts multiple offers, and often results in a faster sale at a stronger value.

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2026, don’t wait until the last minute. Give me a call, send a text, or drop me an email, and I’ll walk you through a customized plan to clean, stage, price, and launch your home effectively. By taking these steps upfront, I can help your home sell faster, attract motivated buyers, and achieve the best possible return.