Planning to Sell in 2026 (or Positioning for 2027)? Start Here

Earlier this week, we shared a blog outlining three things buyers should be doing if they’re planning to purchase in 2026. Today, I want to shift gears and talk about the seller side—specifically, what you should be doing now to make selling in 2026 (or even positioning for 2027) smoother, smarter, and more profitable.

1. Start Getting Your Home Market-Ready—Sooner Rather Than Later

This does not mean dumping $50,000 into renovations.

What it does mean is:

• Knocking out the minor repairs you’ve been putting off

• Addressing big-ticket items you already know buyers will question

• Decluttering areas of the home that feel tight or overly personal

Buyers today have options. Even when a home is priced well, many buyers will happily pay more for something that feels turnkey rather than like a project.

Small, visible issues often make buyers assume there are bigger problems they can’t see. Tackling these items early gives you time to do things the right way—without rushing or overpaying later.

2. Understand Your Competition (It Matters Again)

In most neighborhoods, homes aren’t flying off the shelves anymore. In fact, depending on where you’re located, we’re seeing some of the most competition in years.

That doesn’t mean your home won’t sell—but it does mean:

• Pricing matters

• Condition matters

• Presentation matters

Buyers are comparing your home to what they can buy right now, not what sold two years ago. If your home isn’t positioned correctly, it doesn’t get negotiated—it simply gets skipped.

3. Get Honest About Today’s Market

The late 2020 to early 2022 frenzy is gone.

Here’s what we’re seeing locally in Austin:

• Homes are averaging 70–80 days on market before receiving an acceptable offer

• Sellers are netting around 92% of list price, meaning negotiations are very much back

That’s not a bad thing—it just means expectations and strategy need to align with reality. Sellers who understand the current market are the ones who still win.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026—or you want to start positioning for 2027—now is the time to get informed and proactive.

Follow our page for more real estate insights, and if you have questions about your current or future real estate goals—whether buying, selling, or investing—send us a message. We’d love to chat and help you build a smart plan forward.