If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get a head start on any updates or repairs you want to make now. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“ . . . 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 your prep work early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to get your house market-ready by the end of the year. But be sure to partner with a great agent before you get started, so you have expert insight into what repairs are worth it based on your local market.

Why Starting Early Is Key

To get the best price and sell quickly, it’s important that your home looks its best. And that means it’s up to you to make the necessary repairs, declutter, and even consider updates that could add value as part of getting your house ready to list.

By starting now, you can tackle things one task at a time. Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, refreshing your landscaping, or painting a room, getting an early start gives you the flexibility to do the job right and with as little stress as possible. Because, if you wait to knock items off your list later on, they could quickly stack up and get overwhelming. As Realtor.com explains:

“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.”

What Should You Focus On?

Feeling motivated to start chipping away at that to-do list, but not sure where to start? Here’s a look at the most common improvements other sellers are making today (see graph below):

While that data provides a helpful starting point, it’s important to remember that it’s not a one-size-fits-all guide. What buyers are looking for in our area can vary, and with our deep understanding of the local market, we can help you focus on what really matters for your home.

For instance, if homes in your neighborhood are selling quickly due to updated kitchens, we might suggest minor kitchen improvements rather than spending on areas that may not offer as much return. We’ll also guide you in determining whether larger projects, like replacing your roof or upgrading your HVAC system, are worth the investment based on other recent sales in the area. As Point says:

“Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home's value is key.”

And remember, it’s not just big-ticket items that can have an impact. Your agent will also speak to some of the smaller details – like cleaning up your yard, adding fresh mulch, or painting your front door – to make a real difference in how buyers feel about your home. This type of expert eye is crucial to help your house sell fast and for top dollar.

Bottom Line:

Selling your home is about more than just getting it ready for the market—it's about making sure you have the time and space to focus on what truly matters in your life. The sooner you start preparing, the more flexibility you'll have to handle updates and avoid the last-minute rush. By getting a head start, you're setting yourself up for a smoother process and making sure your home shines when it's time to sell.

Our priority is to take the load off your shoulders, so you can focus on family, work, and your own priorities while we handle all the details. From deciding which updates will add the most value to guiding you through the market, we're here to make sure everything goes smoothly. Ready to start planning? Let’s connect and get things moving for a successful 2025 sale.

Individual Market Analysis for Eastside Cities (Live Statistics):

Sammamish:

• • • • Active Listings: Significant year-over-year increase in active listings.
      • New Listings: Higher number of new listings added in June 2024 compared to last year.
      • Pending Sales: Stable pending sales indicating steady buyer interest.

Redmond:

• • • • • Active Listings: Increase in the number of properties listed for sale.
        • New Listings: A notable rise in new listings, reflecting active seller participation.
        • Pending Sales: Slight decrease in pending sales, possibly due to fluctuating mortgage rates.

Bellevue:

• Active Listings: Substantial increase in active listings year-over-year.
• New Listings: A significant influx of new listings in June 2024.
• Pending Sales: Stable pending sales, showing consistent buyer interest.

Mercer Island:

• Active Listings: Increase in the number of active listings.
• New Listings: Higher number of new listings indicating seller confidence.
• Pending Sales: Slightly lower pending sales, influenced by market conditions.

Kirkland:

• • • • • • Active Listings: Growth in the number of active listings.
          • New Listings: Increase in new listings compared to last year.
          • Pending Sales: Stable pending sales, with consistent market activity.

Our Listing Process

Our Core Values:

• Loyalty: We are unwavering in our commitment to our clients, always putting their needs and interests first.
• Honesty: We operate with the highest level of integrity, providing truthful and transparent communication at every step.
• Confidentiality: We respect our clients' privacy and handle all transactions with the utmost discretion.

We are committed to staying ahead of market trends and continuously enhancing our skills and knowledge to deliver unparalleled results. Our goal is to make the real estate experience as smooth and rewarding as possible, ultimately helping our clients achieve their real estate dreams.