If I Were Selling My Home in 2026: How I’d Get the Most Money

Selling a home isn’t just about putting a sign on the lawn and hoping for the best. Markets change, buyer behavior evolves, and the homes that perform the best are almost always the ones backed by a clear plan.

If I were selling my home in 2026, here’s exactly what I’d do to maximize value and put myself in the strongest possible position.

1. I’d Start Prepping Early

Preparation is one of the most underestimated parts of selling — and one of the most powerful.

Before listing, I’d take care of the things buyers notice right away:

• Decluttering to make spaces feel larger and more inviting

• Touching up paint and finishes

• Handling small repairs before they become negotiating points

• Staging where it truly matters

Anything a buyer could mentally “ding” the home for, I’d aim to address ahead of time. Preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive, but it almost always pays off in stronger interest and better offers.

2. I’d Price Based on Today, Not Yesterday

Pricing is where strategy really matters.

Instead of relying only on recent closed sales, I’d look closely at the current market:

• What homes are active right now?

• What are buyers comparing my home to today?

• Would my home help sell theirs — or would theirs help sell mine?

Buyers don’t shop based on what sold months ago. They compare what’s available right now. Smart pricing accounts for today’s competition and positions the home to stand out.

3. I’d Market Where Buyers Actually Are

More marketing doesn’t always mean better marketing.

I’d start by identifying the most likely buyer for my home:

• A first-time buyer

• A growing family

• A downsizer or retiree

• Someone upgrading to their next stage of life

Once the buyer is clear, the marketing plan becomes much more focused. The goal isn’t to reach the most people — it’s to reach the right people, in the places they’re already paying attention.

4. I’d Work With a True Local Expert

Finally, I’d make sure I was working with an agent who truly knows the area.

Someone who understands:

• The neighborhood nuances

• Local buyer behavior

• How to position a home so it stands out in that specific market

The right local expertise helps ensure the home isn’t just seen, but seen by the buyers who are most likely to act.

Thinking About Selling?

If selling has crossed your mind for this year — or even next year — January is one of the best times to start the conversation.

There’s no commitment and no pressure. Just a chance to build a clear plan so you’re not scrambling later.

If you’d like to talk through what this could look like for your home, feel free to reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help.

Want to keep an eye on your home’s value? Ask us about setting up automatic home value updates.

If you ever have questions about real estate, we’re always here. Here’s to a great year ahead.