Still in love with your home or is it time to find a new home to love?

February often flies under the radar in real estate, but it’s actually one of the most strategic months of the year. Whether you’re thinking about making a move this spring or just staying on top of home maintenance, a little planning now can make a big difference later.

Thinking of Selling This Spring? Now Is the Time to Start

If you’re considering selling your home this spring, now is the time to start getting prepared. The most successful spring listings don’t happen overnight, they start with a clear plan well in advance.

Begin by making a list of everything that needs to be done before your home hits the market. This could include small repairs, decluttering, painting, or staging. Once you have your list, set up a realistic plan and timeline to get everything completed without stress.

This is also a great time to interview real estate agents to ensure you find the right fit for you and your specific selling needs. The right guidance early on can make a big difference in both your experience and your final results.

Another important decision to consider is whether you plan to sell first or buy first, and when you would ideally like to move. Knowing your target move date helps determine your ideal listing date and from there, you work backward.

Keep in mind:

• Preparing your home for sale can take one week, one month, or longer, depending on the work involved
• The current average time to sell a home is 30–45 days
• Closing periods typically range from 30, 60, to 90 days

When you factor all of this in, timing becomes key. For example, if you’re hoping to move in May, listing your home sometime this month may be the right move.

Planning ahead now can help ensure a smoother sale, better results, and far less pressure when the spring market heats up.

Set the Stage: How to Prepare Your Home for a Faster Sale

When getting your home ready to sell, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Start by thinking about what it was about the home that made you want to buy it in the first place and focus on highlighting that same appeal for today’s buyers.

Ask yourself whether the home needs a major repair or renovation, or if a fresh coat of paint on the walls and baseboards will do the trick. Most buyers are looking for move-in ready homes, and many aren’t eager to take on renovations right after they move in. The areas that typically make the biggest impact are the kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring.

Since you’ll need to pack before you move anyway, this is the perfect time to declutter. Creating a good flow throughout the home is important, so consider rearranging furniture or removing some pieces altogether. Too much furniture can make rooms feel smaller, and clearing it out now also makes packing later much easier.

Personal photos should be put away so buyers can imagine themselves living in the space. A deep clean is also essential, buyers seem to have radar vision when it comes to dust and dirt (LOL). I always encourage my clients to aim for a bright, clean, and clutter-free environment.

I know it can be difficult, but remember: you’re setting the stage for someone else to call this house home. All of these steps help buyers easily envision themselves living there and that can lead to a faster sale.

If you’re not sure where to start, booking a walkthrough with a local real estate agent can make all the difference. An experienced agent can view your home and provide a soft, personalized list of suggestions so you can focus on the updates that will have the biggest impact before listing.

If selling is on your mind, reach out anytime and we’ll take the first step together.

January Market Statistics

There were 3,082 home sales reported in January 2026, representing a 19.3% decrease compared to January 2025.

During the same period, 10,774 new listings were added to the MLS® System, down 13.3% year-over-year.

Pricing Trends

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite benchmark declined by 8% year-over-year in January 2026.

The average selling price was $973,289, a 6.5% decrease compared to January 2025.

Month-Over-Month Overview

On aseasonally adjusted basis:

• Home sales in January 2026 declined compared to December 2025
• New listings increased slightly month-over-month
• Both the MLS® HPI Composite and average selling price trended lower compared to December

January’s numbers reflect a slower start to the year, with fewer buyers and sellers active in the market. While prices and sales volumes declined year-over-year, this shift is creating a more balanced environment with increased opportunities for prepared buyers and strategic sellers. For those considering a move in 2026, understanding current market conditions and having a clear plan remains key.

For questions or anymore information contact me at

416-879-2767

bunnydenton@gmail.com