If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, what you do now could make all the difference. Whether you’re in Richmond, Chesterfield, or Henrico, early preparation can turn a stressful rush into a confident, well-planned sale.

According to Realtor.com,

“If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing, especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.”

Spring is typically the busiest time of year for real estate. Homes show better, buyers are more active, and well-prepared listings tend to sell faster and for more. Starting now gives you the chance to tackle the updates, touch-ups, and decluttering that will make your home stand out when it hits the market.

Why Starting Now Matters

Talk to any experienced agent and they’ll tell you that in today’s market, presentation is everything. With more homes available than in previous years, buyers have choices, and that means your home needs to shine from day one.

That doesn’t mean a full renovation. But it does mean taking care of the small things that add up such as fresh paint, curb appeal, minor repairs, and smart cosmetic updates.

If you start preparing now, you can:

✅ Spread projects out over time
✅ Avoid paying premium prices for rushed work
✅ Hire quality contractors at fair rates
✅ Enter 2026 with a move-in-ready listing buyers will love

Even simple steps like fixing a leaky faucet, repainting the front door, or updating lighting can make a big difference in how your home feels to buyers.

Before you dive into repairs or upgrades, check out this quick video from Don Reid Properties for expert advice on how to prepare your home for the market:

👉 Watch Now on YouTube

This short video walks you through what to focus on first, how to time your updates, and simple ways to make your home stand out when buyer activity surges in spring 2026.

Get Expert Guidance Early

One of the best moves you can make is to connect with a local real estate professional early. A knowledgeable agent can tell you exactly what updates are worth your time and money and what can wait.

As Realtor.com explains:

“Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”

An experienced local agent, like our team at Don Reid Properties, can help you:

• Identify updates that deliver the best ROI

• Recommend trusted local contractors and stagers

• Analyze comparable sales in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico

• Build a timeline and marketing plan that positions your home for top value

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the most common updates sellers are focusing on include:

• Fresh interior paint

• Minor kitchen upgrades

• Landscaping and exterior improvements

• Flooring updates

• Light fixture replacements

Keep in mind that what’s “worth updating” depends on the local competition. In some neighborhoods, simple cosmetic fixes may be enough. In others, you might need to take on slightly bigger updates to make your home stand out.

Your agent will walk you through exactly what your home needs for your specific market, helping you prioritize time and budget effectively.

Bottom Line

If selling in 2026 is part of your plan, the time to start is now. Preparing early means you’ll hit the market ready, confident, and ahead of other sellers who waited until the last minute.

Want to know which updates bring the highest return on investment in the Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico markets?

📲 Let’s connect today and build your 2026 game plan together.

www.donreidproperties.com