You’ve got big plans for 2026 — but what you do now could make all the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking about selling your home in North County, San Diego next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping today.. As Realtor.com says:

“If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing, especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.” 

The reality is that, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be when you’re ready to list. And, the better your house will look when it’s time for it to hit the market.

Why Starting Now Matters

Talk to any Shafran Realty Group agent, and they’ll tell you — in today’s market, you can’t afford to skip repairs. With more homes for sale in North County San Diego than we’ve seen in years, buyers have plenty of options. That means your home needs to shine to stand out — and our team knows exactly how to help you get it market-ready and sold.

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you’ll want to tackle some projects before you sell. Your house will sell if it’s prepped right. And you don’t want to be left scrambling in the spring to get the work done.

Because here’s the advantage you have now. If you start this year, you’ll be able to space those upgrades and fixes out however you want to. More time. Less stress. No sense of being rushed or racing the clock.

Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or finally replacing your roof, you can do it right if you start now. And you have the time to find great contractors without blowing your budget or paying extra for rushed jobs.

Get an Agent’s Advice Early

To figure out what’s really worth doing — and what’s not — in today’s North County San Diego market, it pays to talk to a local expert early. The agents at Shafran Realty Group know which updates will actually move the needle and which ones won’t, so you don’t waste time or money on projects that don’t boost your bottom line. As Realtor.com explains, connecting with a knowledgeable agent early is key to a smooth and profitable sale.. As Realtor.com explains:

“Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”

A skilled Shafran Realty Group agent can help you every step of the way — including:

• Knowing what buyers want: We’ll show you exactly what today’s North County San Diego buyers are looking for.
  
  
• Identifying key updates: Get expert guidance on which repairs or upgrades to tackle before listing.
  
  
• Prioritizing projects: If you can’t do it all, we’ll help you focus on what adds the most value.
  
  
• Connecting you with pros: We’ll recommend trusted local contractors to get the job done right.

And having that information up front is a game-changer.

To give you a rough idea of what may come up in that conversation, here are the most common updates agents are recommending today, according to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

Just remember, what’s worth updating really depends on the homes you’re competing with in your market. Some areas don’t have a ton of inventory, so little updates may be all you need to tackle. In other areas, there are far more homes for sale, so you may need to do a bit more to make your house stand out.

Your Shafran Realty Group agent will guide you through exactly what your home needs to shine in the North County San Diego market. That kind of local expertise can make all the difference — and it truly pays off when it’s time to sell.

Bottom Line

If your plan is to sell in 2026, now’s the time to get serious. Putting in the prep work this year means you’ll hit the market confident, ready, and ahead of other sellers who waited until January to start.

Want to know which projects are delivering the best return in the North County San Diego market? Connect with Shafran Realty Group — we’ll help you create a smart game plan for a successful spring sale.