The Secret To Selling This Spring: Start the Prep Work Now

Spring is the busiest season in the housing market.

Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. If you’ve already got a move on your mind, why not list this spring and take advantage of the added buyer demand?

Since spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house market-ready. You’ve got just over a month to do the prep work. And while that may sound like a decent amount of time, it’s going to go by quickly. And you won’t want to rush through this important task – especially this year.

The Right Repairs Will Matter More This Spring

Right now, two things are true. There are more homes on the market than there have been in years. And buyers are being extra selective. That combination means you need to invest some time and effort in making strategic repairs. And many homeowners already have a jump on this work.

In the 2025 Outlook for Home Remodeling, Carlos Martin, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard Universityexplains:

“. . . homeowners are slowly but surely expanding the pace and scope of projects compared to the last couple years.”

And the most common projects they’re tackling are replacing water heaters, HVAC units, and flooring. Energy efficiency is a key consideration too, based on home improvement data from the Census.

What To Prioritize as You Plan Ahead

But just because that’s what other homeowners are doing, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to tackle. Think about what you’d want to see if you were a buyer. Focus on quick wins that are easy to knock out with the time you have – but, don’t ignore key repairs, especially ones you think could turn off buyers.

While big-ticket items like replacing an old roof or outdated flooring may seem daunting, they can pay off – especially if you focus on projects with the best return on investment (ROI).

An agent’s expertise is key in narrowing down your list to what’s actually worth it. They know what buyers in your area want and they also have data like this report from Zonda to guide you on which updates have the best ROI (see green in the graph below):

A bar graph showing renovation projects with the highest ROI (job cost vs. return on investment, 2024 national average) | Garage door replacement (194%), steel door replacement (153%), Installing Manufactured Stone Veneer (97%), Grand Entrance Upscale Fiberglass (96%), Minor Kitchen Remodel (96%), Siding Replacement: Fiber-Cement (88%), Deck Addition: Wood (83%), Siding Replacement: Vinyl (80%), Bathroom Remodel Mid-Range (74%), and Deck Addition: Composite (68%)

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a local real estate agent before you dive into any repairs. Bankrate puts it best:

“As a seller, it’s smart to be prepared and control whatever factors you’re able to. Things like hiring a great real estate agent and maximizing your home’s online appeal can translate into a smoother sale — and more money in the bank.”

It’s not too early to partner with an agent. By starting now, you’ve still got time to space out the work and find any contractors you need to get the job done. If you wait until spring to roll up your sleeves, you risk running out of time – and that means your house may be overshadowed by others who are more buyer-ready.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell this spring, it’s time to start tackling your to-do list. But, before you get started, connect with an agent. That way you can make sure you’re spending your time and budget on projects that’ll pay off in the long run.

Send an agent a list of what’s on your to-do list, so you can prioritize them together.

About the Author
Ron Headshot v1web Square

My wife and I live in Donelson, where we both were raised and graduated from high school (DCA Classes of 1983 and 1984).  Our current home is on the Cumberland River, very close to my childhood home and the former homes of both my McDonald and Rice grandparents.

Our daughter and son are grown now, and our daughter, Stephanie Miller, is my real estate partner.  She lives in Lebanon with her husband and their two children.  While Stephanie and I specialize in the areas of Downtown Nashville, Donelson, Hermitage, Old Hickory, Mt. Juliet and Lebanon, we have and do serve clients all over Middle Tennessee.

As a Nashville native, I’ve spent a lifetime watching our city evolve, and I am enthusiastic about showcasing it to others and serving their real estate needs.

Services

1997 — 2000   Fleetwood HOA Board Officer

2013 — 2016   Rhythm at Music Row HOA Board Officer

2017   Greater Nashville Realtors: Housing Opportunities & Affordability Committee

2017 — 2018   St. Martin Square HOA Board Officer

2017 — 2019   Brentwood Photography Group Board

2018 — 2019   Senior Ride Nashville


Memberships

National Association of REALTORS®

Tennessee Association of REALTORS®

Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS®