Planning to Sell in 2026? Why December Is the Best Time to Start

As the holiday season winds down, most people turn their attention to New Year’s resolutions, travel plans, or enjoying a well-deserved break.

But if you’re even thinking about selling your home in 2026, December is one of the smartest times to start planning.

You don’t need to list during the holidays—but this is your golden window to get ahead of the competition, prep your home at your own pace, and line up a strategy before the spring rush hits.

Here’s why now is the perfect time to take that first step—and how I can help you make it seamless.

Why Waiting Until Spring Could Cost You

Many homeowners fall into the trap of waiting until March or April to even start thinking about selling.

Here’s the issue:

• Spring = more listings
• More listings = more competition
• More competition = smaller buyer pool and possible price pressure

By contrast, homeowners who start preparing in December or January often enjoy:

• First-mover advantage
• Motivated winter buyers (like relocators)
• More time to get their home in top shape
• Better access to contractors, stagers, and service providers
• Less stress and a stronger marketing plan

Meet the December Buyer: Serious, Focused, and Ready

If your home is already listed or close to listing in early January, you’ll be tapping into a very unique buyer profile.

These are high-intent buyers, often relocating for work, downsizing by year-end, or preparing to close before rates or life changes hit in Q1.

They’re not browsing—they’re buying.

And in areas like   Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Redwood City,San Carlos, Sunnyvale, Woodside, and Los Altos, we’re seeing this trend become more consistent every year. Tech workers are adjusting to hybrid schedules, schools are being chosen early, and buyers want to avoid spring bidding wars.

Here’s What You Can Do This Month

Let’s say you’re not ready to list until March or April—that’s totally okay. But what you do now will set the tone for a smoother, more profitable sale later.

Here’s your December seller to-do list:

1. Schedule a Walkthrough with Your Agent

I offer free consultations to help potential sellers understand what their home could list for, what updates matter, and what timeline makes sense.

Even a casual walk-through now can save you time, money, and stress come listing season.

2. Make a Mini Project List

Not every home needs a full renovation. But small, strategic updates make a big difference:

• Touch-up paint and baseboards
• Replace old light fixtures or faucets
• Declutter closets and storage
• Prep landscaping for new mulch or flowers in spring

You don’t need to spend thousands—just start early and pick high-impact areas.

3. Line Up Stagers and Vendors

In spring, good stagers and handymen are booked out weeks in advance. Beat the rush by reserving your staging and photography slots now, even if your go-live date is a few months away.

This is especially important in popular markets like Los Altos and Palo Alto, where presentation directly affects sale price.

4. Review Comps and Set a Strategy

As your local expert, I’ll walk you through recent sales data from your neighborhood. We’ll review how long homes took to sell, which features attracted buyers, and how pricing strategies impacted final offers.

We’ll also look at projections for early 2026 so you’re not guessing—we’re preparing.

Bonus Tip: Use the Holidays to Your Advantage

If you’re hosting events or decorating, keep your home show-ready by choosing neutral, minimal holiday decor. This keeps your home clean and welcoming for photography prep, quick vendor visits, or even a few off-market showings.

Your Pre-Listing Timeline (Starting Now)

Here’s a sample timeline I often use with December seller clients:

• December: Consultation, walkthrough, prep list
• January: Minor updates, cleaning, schedule vendors
• February: Professional photos, staging, off-market buzz
• March/April: Public launch with full exposure

This gives you plenty of time to make confident, cost-effective decisions without last-minute stress.

Where Are Sellers Gaining the Most?

In 2025, several neighborhoods in Silicon Valley saw significant equity gains—and seller satisfaction.

In particular, sellers in:

• Palo Alto – Averaged 10% YoY growth, thanks to top school zones and limited inventory
• Mountain View – Up 8.3%, driven by downtown revitalization and tech HQ proximity
• Los Altos – Consistently in-demand with luxury buyers and high sale-to-list ratios

If you live in these areas, you may be sitting on more equity than you realize. Let’s review your home value today.

Let’s Talk (No Pressure)

Whether you want to list in January or June, let’s start with a simple call or walk-through. I’ll provide a clear plan, updated comps, and no-obligation advice.

You’ll feel ahead of the game—and positioned for a winning sale.

Call Patrice Horvath at (650) 520-7675
Serving Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Los Altos
Illuminate Properties | Silicon Valley Real Estate Expert