Dear Dave,

We’re thinking of selling our home in 2026—but with so many moving parts, we’re not sure when to start preparing or what steps we should take now to set ourselves up for success. What should we be doing this year so that when we go to sell, everything goes smoothly?

— Sarah & Tom, Grand Junction

Dear Sarah & Tom,

Great question—and smart thinking. If 2026 is your target year, then believe me when I say: the time to prepare is now. The groundwork you lay this year can make all the difference later—both for your stress level and your sale outcome. Let’s break down the three key areas to focus on:

1. Start with the Right Agent and the Right Advice

Working with a local real estate agent early is a game-changer. The market is evolving, and your home will be judged on today’s standards when you list next year. An experienced agent can help you understand exactly what buyers in the Grand Valley are looking for, what updates move the needle, and which ones won’t. Armed with that insight, you can prioritize wisely—not waste money or time on fixes that don’t matter.  I call it spending "smart money".

2. Tackle Repairs and Upkeep Sooner Rather Than Later

Now’s the chance to spread out the workload and cost instead of the mad scramble right before you list. With more homes for sale, you’ll need to stand out....and stand out in a good way! Whether it’s fixing a leaking faucet, repainting the front door, or replacing a worn roof, doing smaller updates now pays dividends later. You’ll also have more time to find quality contractors and avoid last-minute rush jobs.

3. Get Strategic About Timing, Presentation & Your Move

Spring remains a strong season for listing—but being ready earlier gives you flexibility. Decluttering, staging, landscaping, gathering paperwork—all of these steps don’t have to start the week you list. By prepping this year, your home will be “show ready” and you’ll reduce the stress and risk of feeling rushed or missing opportunities.

What This Means for You

• Begin with a critical walk-through of your home this fall....look at your home objectively through the eyes of a buyer.  What needs tender loving care? What have you been postponing?
• Meet with a local agent as soon as possible—even if your listing isn’t for 12 months. Get a market snapshot, ask what’s driving buyer demand, and build a prep plan together.
• Create a timeline for updates. Spread improvements (interior, exterior, maintenance) over the next 6 months.
• Stay organized: collect warranties, utility bills, maintenance records—buyers and agents love that kind of transparency.  It shows you are thorough and care for you home.
• Visualize your move: if you’re listing in spring, calendar the launch, photo-shoots, staging, showings—and plan for your next step too (buying, renting, relocating).

Bottom Line:
Selling in 2026 doesn’t mean you wait to do the work. The smart move is to start now. The earlier you begin preparing, the less stress you will face—and the stronger your position when your home hits the market. Whether your goal is to move or simply to be ready, this is your time to build momentum.

Wishing you a smooth and successful selling journey in the year ahead!

Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team – RE/MAX 4000

Have a question? Ask Dave!
 dave@thekimbroughteam.com