If selling your house is on your calendar for 2027, you may be thinking you've got plenty of time. Maybe you're aiming for January. Maybe you're waiting for spring. Either way, next year probably feels far enough away that getting ready can wait, too. 

But waiting until 2027 to sell doesn't mean waiting until 2027 to get started.

Today's buyers have more homes to choose from than they've had in years. So, if you want your house to stand out when it's time to list, a little preparation now can make a big difference later.

How Early Should You Start Getting Ready?

As a general rule of thumb, Zillow recommends giving yourself about 2-3 months to get your house ready to list. And that makes sense when you consider that the vast majority of sellers (78%) did at least one home improvement project before their house hit the market. 

That gives you plenty of time to decide what to fix, find contractors, get on their schedules, actually make the updates, and get everything ready for photos and showings. 

But don’t worry - that doesn’t mean every seller had some big to-do. The most common? Interior painting (see graph below):

That certainly doesn't mean you need to tackle everything on this list. You may not need to do any of it. But odds are there’s at least one project you’ll want to do. And starting that conversation now gives you a leg up before next year. 

Here’s how to tackle it.

1. Talk to an Agent Before Starting Any Projects

While you might have a long list of things you think need updating, that doesn't mean they're all worth the time, effort, or money. 

An agent will help you figure out which projects deserve a spot on your to-do list based on what buyers want most and what other sellers are doing. That way, you're not investing in updates that won't make much of a difference when you sell.

2. Get Ahead with a Pre-Listing Inspection

One thing your agent may recommend today is that you go ahead and get a pre-listing inspection. It’s basically your cheatsheet to what a buyer’s inspection may turn up later on. 

And now that buyers have more options, they’re pickier – and you don’t want anything popping up in an inspection that could put them off.

For example, you know that HVAC system you've been hoping will make it through one more season? Now's a good time to give it some attention – along with anything else you know needs a little TLC. That way a repair you could've handled months ago won’t become a surprise in the middle of your sale. 

According to Angi, a pre-listing inspection typically costs $300-600 and that can be money well spent. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.”

The advantage isn’t just knowing what may come up, but being able to get ahead of it and space out the projects on your own schedule. So you don’t feel stressed during go-time. 

3. Save the Final Touches for Closer to Listing Day

But remember, not everything needs to happen right away. Some things are better saved for when you're closer to listing.

Think deep cleaning, staging, touching up paint, and tidying up the landscaping. Those are the finishing touches that'll help your house look its best when buyers walk through the door.

But there's one thing you can start anytime: decluttering. Go ahead and tackle the closets, garage, or storage room you've been avoiding. Future you will appreciate having a few less boxes to pack.

The idea isn't to get everything done today. It's to spread the work out so you're not scrambling when listing day arrives. As Redfin puts it:

“Smart preparation leads to a smoother sale, stronger offers, and fewer surprises during closing. . . Homes that are clean, well-staged, priced right, and professionally photographed tend to sell quickly.”

Bottom Line

You don't need to spend the rest of the year renovating your house or packing up your life. But you can start making a plan.

The earlier you figure out what needs to be done, the more time you'll have to do it right. And that means less rushing, fewer last-minute surprises, and a better chance to make a great first impression when you're ready to sell.

Thinking about selling in 2027? Get a local agent’s opinion on what your house needs, what it doesn't, and how to get everything ready on your timeline.