Thinking of selling your house this Spring? Here’s When to Start Getting Your Home Ready

Selling in the spring can be a huge win… if you time it right and prep the right way. As a Realtor, I’ve seen sellers leave money on the table simply because they started too late, tackled the wrong projects, or underestimated what it takes to truly stand out once the spring inventory hits.

Here’s what we recommend—and why having an agent in your corner makes the whole process easier, smoother, and more profitable.

When Should You Start Getting Your House Ready for the Spring Market?

If you’re aiming for the spring market, the best rule of thumb is to begin prep 6–10 weeks before you plan to list.

That means if you want to list:

• Early March: start in early–mid January

• Late March: start in early February

• April: start in mid–late February

Spring buyers move fast—but they’re also picky. Homes that are clean, bright, and well-prepped typically attract stronger offers and fewer headaches during inspection.

Why Hiring an Agent Matters Before You Even List

Most people think a Realtor’s job starts when the sign goes in the yard. In reality, one of the biggest advantages of hiring an agent is what happens before your home ever hits the market.

A good agent helps you:

• Prioritize updates that actually pay off (and avoid the ones that don’t)

• Create a realistic timeline so you’re not scrambling last-minute

• Coordinate trusted vendors (painters, cleaners, handymen, roofers, landscapers—you name it)

• Prep for photos and showings so your home shows its best from day one

• Price strategically based on current market activity—not guesswork

The goal isn’t to “fix everything.” The goal is to make your home look its best to the buyers who are willing to pay top dollar.

A Simple Spring Listing Timeline We Use With Sellers

Here’s the general plan we walk our sellers through:

8–10 Weeks Before Listing: The Game Plan

This is the strategy phase.

• Walk through the home like a buyer (we do this with you)

• Identify what needs attention vs. what can stay as-is

• Start getting bids and scheduling vendors (spring calendars fill up quickly)

  
  

6–8 Weeks Before Listing: High-Impact Updates

This is where the biggest wins happen.

• Touch-up paint, patching, caulking, small repairs

• Fix the “little things” buyers notice immediately (doors, handles, leaks, squeaks)

• Start decluttering early—especially closets, counters, and the garage

  
  

3–5 Weeks Before Listing: Make It Shine

This is about presentation.

• Deep clean (then deep clean again)

• Carpet cleaning or floor refresh if needed

• Simple curb appeal: trim, edge, weed, and add mulch if it needs it

  
  

1–2 Weeks Before Listing: Photo Ready

This is the final polish.

• Light staging or finishing touches

• Brighter bulbs, fresh linens, simple decor

• Final clean and “showing-ready” setup

  
  

If You Don’t Want to Do Everything—Do These Four Things

If time or budget is tight, these usually give the best return:

1. Declutter + depersonalize

2. Paint touch-ups / neutral paint

3. Deep clean

4. Curb appeal basics (front door area, landscaping clean-up)

These are the items that help your home look well cared for—and that translates directly into buyer confidence.

The Bottom Line: Spring Rewards the Prepared

Spring is one of the busiest seasons in real estate, but more competition means you can’t rely on “good enough.” The homes that sell quickly and for strong terms are the ones that feel move-in ready, photograph beautifully, and are priced and marketed correctly from the start.

That’s exactly what we help our sellers do.

If you’re thinking about selling this spring, we’d be happy to help you build a plan and timeline that fits your schedule—and makes the most of the market when the time is right.