Brought to you by , Funkhouser Real Estate Group, , scott@HarrisonburgHousingToday.com
Thursday, December 4, 2025
If you are planning to sell your home this coming spring, you might be thinking that the best time to start getting ready is March or April. But a bit of planning and preparation now -- in December or January -- can save you quite a bit of time and stress down the road.
Let's plan a time to walk around and through your home together to discuss the kinds of things you can be doing now to get your house ready for the spring market.
1. Home Improvements or Repairs
Are there small repairs you've been putting off? A ceiling fan that stopped working, a few pieces of missing trim moulding that were never installed after you replaced the flooring a few years back, a high traffic area that could use a fresh coat of paint. Or perhaps there's a larger project -- like replacing some really older carpet or addressing an aging roof -- that you already know you'll need to tackle. Identifying those items now gives you the time to plan for the work and get the work scheduled.
2. Cosmetic Updates
Would your kitchen cabinets benefit from a fresh coat of paint? Are there a few light fixtures that could use an upgrade? Even minor cosmetic changes -- like updating hardware or switching out dated window treatments -- can make your home more appealing to buyers. Starting this process now gives you plenty of time to make the decision and put a plan into action.
3. Outdoor Clean Up
Let's take a look at your home's exterior. Could the siding or fencing use power washing? Are there landscaping areas that could be refreshed with mulch or trimmed back? Winter is a great time to plan for curb appeal improvements that will make a great first impression.
4. Decluttering and Organizing
This one takes time, and starting now is key. We will walk through each room and look at it from a buyer's perspective -- what feels cluttered, overly full, or disorganized? Begin simplifying closets, clearing off countertops, and reducing extra furniture. When it's time to do the final prep for listing photos, you'll be glad you tackled this part early.
Spending some time this winter looking at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer will set you up for a much smoother, less stressful home sale in the spring. If you'd like help figuring out what to tackle first -- or what matters most to buyers in today's market -- I'm happy to help.
Let's plan a time to walk around and through your home together to discuss the kinds of things you can be doing now to get your house ready for the spring market.
1. Home Improvements or Repairs
Are there small repairs you've been putting off? A ceiling fan that stopped working, a few pieces of missing trim moulding that were never installed after you replaced the flooring a few years back, a high traffic area that could use a fresh coat of paint. Or perhaps there's a larger project -- like replacing some really older carpet or addressing an aging roof -- that you already know you'll need to tackle. Identifying those items now gives you the time to plan for the work and get the work scheduled.
2. Cosmetic Updates
Would your kitchen cabinets benefit from a fresh coat of paint? Are there a few light fixtures that could use an upgrade? Even minor cosmetic changes -- like updating hardware or switching out dated window treatments -- can make your home more appealing to buyers. Starting this process now gives you plenty of time to make the decision and put a plan into action.
3. Outdoor Clean Up
Let's take a look at your home's exterior. Could the siding or fencing use power washing? Are there landscaping areas that could be refreshed with mulch or trimmed back? Winter is a great time to plan for curb appeal improvements that will make a great first impression.
4. Decluttering and Organizing
This one takes time, and starting now is key. We will walk through each room and look at it from a buyer's perspective -- what feels cluttered, overly full, or disorganized? Begin simplifying closets, clearing off countertops, and reducing extra furniture. When it's time to do the final prep for listing photos, you'll be glad you tackled this part early.
Spending some time this winter looking at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer will set you up for a much smoother, less stressful home sale in the spring. If you'd like help figuring out what to tackle first -- or what matters most to buyers in today's market -- I'm happy to help.
