Want to Sell Your Home? Start Early for Maximum Profit

If you have owned your home for a long time, you are likely sitting on record-high equity gains. That is excellent news, but in today’s shifting housing market, selling successfully requires more than just listing your property. It takes planning, timing, and strategy.

A recent Realtor.com report highlights that starting the process early, particularly before the peak spring season, can mean the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and missed opportunities.

Why Early Planning Matters

Nearly half of all U.S. homeowners (45.2%) have lived in their homes for more than 15 years. Among households aged 65 and older, 70% purchased before 2009, and nearly half bought before 2000. During that time, home values have tripled, climbing from $145,000 in 2000 to more than $435,000 in mid-2025, according to the National Association of Realtors.

That growth has created hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential equity. However, with higher interest rates, affordability challenges, and more inventory on the market, sellers today need to be more strategic than in the past.

The key is to start early. Identifying the right real estate professional, preparing the property, and setting the correct price for current conditions will create the best outcome.

The Equity Advantage

Homeowners who purchased in 2005 have seen values rise by about 90%, resulting in more than $200,000 in additional equity. Owners who purchased in the 1990s often have gained even more. This presents a significant opportunity, but only for those who approach the process strategically.

What Today’s Sellers Should Know

Preparation takes time. Surveys indicate it now takes an average of 10 months from the decision to sell through closing. Baby boomers tend to be more optimistic at six months, but either way, anyone targeting a spring 2026 sale should already be preparing.

The importance of working with a professional agent cannot be overstated. More than 36% of sellers reported that their agent gave them better access to market data, while 37% credited their agent with setting realistic pricing and timelines.

Seller regrets are also common. Nearly 80% of recent sellers wished they had listed sooner. One of the top regrets was not interviewing enough agents, which reinforces the importance of finding the right partner early in the process.

The Current Market Reality

The U.S. still faces a housing shortage of an estimated four million homes. Years of underbuilding following the 2006 to 2009 housing crash created lasting supply constraints. Pandemic-driven demand then pushed prices higher, while elevated mortgage rates in recent years have reduced buyer activity.

As a result, homes are taking longer to sell, buyers are more selective, and affordability challenges continue. Yet with 4.1 months of supply as of June 2025, sellers still hold an advantage compared with the late 1990s. Longtime homeowners, in particular, continue to benefit from decades of appreciation.

Key Strategies for Sellers

• Begin the process early by interviewing multiple agents, addressing necessary repairs, and preparing the home before peak selling season.
• Price with precision to attract serious buyers and avoid sitting on the market too long.
• Leverage equity to support your next chapter, whether downsizing, relocating, or reinvesting.

Final Takeaway

Today’s market does not reward procrastination. It rewards preparation. Homeowners who begin early and partner with the right agent can position their homes for maximum visibility, attract stronger offers, and secure higher profits.