If you’re considering selling your home in 2025, now is the ideal time to start getting ready. Though the new year may feel far away, beginning your preparations early can set you up for a smooth and successful sale. At High Falls | Sotheby’s International Realty, we believe that with the right planning and guidance, you can maximize your home’s appeal, value, and selling potential.
The Advantage of Starting Early
Preparing your home now gives you the time to address any updates or repairs that will make it stand out in the market. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, advises:
“ . . . 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.”
By starting now, you’ll have ample time to ensure your home is ready by year’s end. With an experienced High Falls | Sotheby’s International Realty agent by your side, you can gain valuable insights on which repairs or updates are truly worthwhile in your local market.
Why Early Preparation Matters
To achieve the best price and a quicker sale, your home needs to be in top condition. Tackling any necessary repairs, decluttering, and considering updates that add value are all essential steps in preparing to list.
An early start allows you to complete these tasks gradually. Fixing a leaky faucet, refreshing landscaping, or repainting a room can be done without the stress of a tight timeline. If you wait until the last minute, these tasks can pile up, making the process overwhelming. As Realtor.com emphasizes:
“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.”
Focusing on the Right Improvements
When it comes to updates, it’s essential to understand which changes will make the biggest impact for buyers in your area. Here are some common improvements that can add value:
- Updated kitchens or bathrooms: Often popular, but their value varies by market.
- Fresh paint and landscaping: These small updates have significant curb appeal.
- Functional systems: HVAC upgrades or roof repairs can add buyer confidence.
However, our local agents know that each area has its own trends and buyer preferences. For example, if updated kitchens are highly sought-after in your neighborhood, a minor kitchen refresh might be more worthwhile than other renovations. Our agents at High Falls | Sotheby’s International Realty can help you determine whether tackling big projects, like a new roof or HVAC system, is likely to yield a high return based on comparable sales.
Even small details, such as fresh mulch in the yard or a new coat of paint on your front door, can shape buyers’ perceptions and create a positive first impression. As Point notes:
“Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home’s value is key.”
Why Working with High Falls | Sotheby’s International Realty Matters
Our team of agents bring a deep understanding of the local Rochester, New York market and can provide expert guidance on preparing your home effectively. We can help you determine the most impactful updates, so you’re investing time and money where it matters most. We also have a large network of trusted, local home improvement partners which allows us to point you in the best direction of where to start.
If selling your home in 2025 is your goal, don’t wait to start preparing. Early planning gives you the time and flexibility to ensure your home shines in the market. Need advice on what to focus on first? Connect with High Falls | Sotheby’s International Realty – we’re here to guide you through every step, helping you prepare with confidence.