Selling Your Home in 2026? The Prep Starts Now.
If you’re planning to sell your home in 2026, don’t wait until next year to start thinking about it.
The spring market is traditionally the busiest season for buyers—and while demand will likely rise again as the weather warms, today’s real estate market looks a lot different than it did just a few years ago. Starting the process early could make the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a stressful one.
Why timing matters more than you think
According to Realtor.com, most sellers expect it to take close to 10 months from the moment they decide to sell until the closing table. Baby boomers tend to be more optimistic, estimating six months.
Whichever estimate you go with, if you’re aiming for a spring 2026 sale, the timeline points to one thing—you need to start preparing now.
Across the country, housing inventory has climbed back to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, parts of the South and West now have more homes on the market than before 2020, while the Midwest and Northeast are still lagging behind.
Here in Oklahoma City, the market is currently leaning balanced. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening right now:
- Oklahoma City has 3.8 months of housing supply
- 33.5% of local home sales involve price reductions
- Homes are spending about 38 days on the market
Why getting a head start pays off
A recent survey found that sellers who brought in an agent early saw real benefits:
- 36% said they had better access to market data.
- 37% said their agent gave them more guidance, realistic pricing, and a streamlined process.
That guidance is more important than ever.
Consider this: Since 2000, national home prices have nearly tripled, jumping from $145,000 to $435,300 in 2025. Household incomes haven’t kept pace, climbing from $42,000 to just under $80,000.
That gap means today’s buyers are more selective than they were during the hot market of 2021.
Here in Oklahoma City, the median home price is around $272,500. Even with mortgage rates dipping below 6.3%, buyers are carefully weighing affordability before making offers.
That’s why sellers who prepare in advance—pricing strategically and making smart updates—are better positioned to stand out.
What you should be doing now
Getting ready for spring 2026 doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It’s about building a plan. Here’s where to start:
- Interview multiple agents: Each one brings a different strategy. Choose the one who aligns with your goals.
- Review your home’s value and equity: Many longtime owners are surprised at how much wealth they’ve built—especially those who bought before 2005.
- Identify updates or repairs: Small things like paint, lighting, or landscaping can add noticeable appeal.
- Map out your timeline: Work backward from your spring target date to decide when to complete updates, launch marketing, and list.
The bottom line
If you want to capture the peak pool of buyers in spring 2026, the time to act is now. Starting early gives you breathing room to make improvements, select the right agent, and set yourself up for a competitive sale.
The market may not look like it did when you bought your home—but that can work in your favor. Preparing now ensures you’ll be ready when buyers are out in full force.
Luxury Specialist at McGraw Realtors
With a diverse background, including a career as an Air Force fighter pilot and entrepreneurship, Bill transitioned to real estate in 1995. Co-founding Paradigm Realty with his wife, Charlene, he quickly rose to prominence in Oklahoma City’s luxury real estate scene. Now, as one of the top agents with annual sales surpassing $20 million, Bill’s dedication to exceptional service remains unparalleled. With a legacy spanning over two decades in the industry, Bill’s expertise and commitment make him a trusted name in luxury real estate.