If selling your home in 2026 is on your radar, now is the time to think about maintenance. One of the most common regrets sellers share after a sale is waiting too long to address repairs and updates.
Deferred maintenance often feels more manageable while you are living at home. Then, just before listing, many sellers rush to complete improvements. While these updates usually help sell your home, sellers rarely get to enjoy them while they are living there and often wish they had acted sooner.
Buyer Expectations
Today’s buyers are careful and detail-focused!
In a market where buyers have choices, condition matters. Homes showing signs of deferred maintenance attract more scrutiny.
When buyers see unfinished repairs or aging systems, they feel justified asking for a price adjustment. Addressing maintenance early is more cost-effective than negotiating it later.
Last Minute Updates
Many sellers spend money shortly before listing by painting, updating fixtures, replacing flooring, or refreshing kitchens and bathrooms. These improvements are worthwhile but enjoyed only briefly, often just during the closing period.
Planning ahead allows you to spread out costs, reduce stress, and enjoy the updates while you still live in the home.
Looking Ahead
If a 2026 sale is your goal, early preparation puts you in a stronger position. Ongoing maintenance helps protect your home’s value and makes the selling process smoother.
2026 Home Preparation Checklist:
12 to 18 Months Before Selling
- Walk through the home and note needed repairs
- Service heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and attic and clean accordingly
- Review plumbing and electrical components
3 to 6 Months Before Selling
- Paint interior walls in light, neutral colours
- Update lighting and hardware
- Replace outdated window coverings
- Improve landscaping and curb appeal
- Power wash exterior surfaces
6 to 12 Months Before Selling
- Update kitchen and bathroom fixtures
- Regrout or repair tile
- Fix doors, windows, and trim
- Repair or replace worn flooring
Final Preparation
- Declutter and depersonalize
- Deep clean the home
- Complete minor touch ups
- Prepare for professional photography
Final Thoughts
Well maintained homes sell more smoothly and with fewer surprises for both sellers and buyers.
If a move in 2026 is part of your plan, preparing now helps avoid last-minute decisions and allows you to enjoy the improvements along the way.
If you would like help prioritizing updates or creating a clear preparation plan, reach out to the Lome Irwin Team at clientcare@lomeirwin.com