If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, the best time to start preparing isn’t next year.
It’s right now.
The spring market has always been the busiest time for buyers, and while demand is expected to rise again as the weather warms, today’s market looks different than it did even a few years ago.
Starting early could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one.
Why timing matters more than you think
The typical homeowner expects it will take about 10 months from the decision to sell until closing. Baby boomers are a bit more optimistic, estimating closer to six months.
Either way, that timeline means homeowners hoping to sell in the spring of 2026 need to start preparing now.
Nationally, the number of homes for sale has climbed back to pre-pandemic levels.
In some regions, like the South and West, inventory is now higher than before 2020, while the Midwest and Northeast are still running at a deficit.
For sellers here in Massachusetts, market conditions market conditions favor sellers. Here’s why:
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There is very low months of supply in many areas: some reports indicate around 1.8 months of supply statewide for single-family homes.
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Homes are still moving reasonably fast: the average “days on market” in Massachusetts is about 41 days across the state. In Boston, it’s shorter (≈ 33 days), in Worcester somewhat longer.
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Median single-family home price in Massachusetts is now around $665,000 (as of July/August 2025) — roughly 2.3-4% higher year-over-year depending on month.
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The listing price vs sale price ratio remains strong in many towns – many homes are still selling at or above list when well-prepared. (While I don’t have a perfect statewide percent, local data shows many homes get competitive offers if priced & staged correctly.)
Starting early pays off
A recent survey found that sellers who brought an agent into the process sooner reported clear benefits:
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36.1% said their agent gave them better access to market information.
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37.1% said their agent provided more insight, helped set realistic pricing, and streamlined the process.
That’s a big deal when you consider how much the market has changed.
Home prices nationwide have tripled since 2000, rising from $145,000 to $435,300 in 2025. Median household incomes, meanwhile, haven’t kept pace, climbing from $42,000 to just under $80,000.
Affordability challenges mean buyers are more selective today than they were during the frenzy of 2021.
For Massachusetts, the median home price is roughly $665,000 for single family homes, and even with the recent drop below 6.3%, buyers here are balancing those prices against higher mortgage rates.
Sellers who prepare early have the advantage of pricing strategically and making the right updates before hitting the market.
What to do now
Getting your home ready for 2026 isn’t about overhauling everything at once. It’s about creating a clear plan. Here are the steps I recommend:
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Interview multiple agents: Don’t just go with the first one you meet. Every agent has a different approach, and finding the right fit is critical.
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Assess your home’s value and equity position: Longtime homeowners are often surprised at how much equity they’ve built. If you bought your home before 2005, your value may have nearly doubled.
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Identify needed updates or repairs: Even small improvements like fresh paint or landscaping can make a difference.
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Plan your listing timeline: Work backward from your target sale date in spring 2026 to figure out when to list, when to complete repairs, and when to finalize your marketing strategy.
If you want to take advantage of peak buyer demand next spring, now is the time to begin. By preparing early, you give yourself the flexibility to make improvements, choose the right agent, and position your home to sell competitively.
The market may look different than when you bought your home, but that can work in your favor. Starting now ensures you’ll be ready when buyers come out in force. If you're thinking of making a move or curious about your home's updated value, let's chat today. Feel free to call, text, or email any time 508-365-7036 or [email protected]
