Why Sellers Should Start Preparing Now for the Spring Market

The Spring Market Myth

Most homeowners believe the spring market begins in March or April when the flowers bloom. In reality, many of the homes closing in those months actually went under contract weeks to months earlier in January or February.

If your goal is to sell in the “spring market,” waiting until March to start preparing may mean you have already missed the strongest window of opportunity. To position your home for success, you need to be ready before the new year begins.

Why January Matters for Sellers

The spring real estate market is not defined by the calendar, it is driven by contracts. A home that closes in April was likely under contract in February. A March closing most likely came from a January offer. That is why January is the true start of spring for real estate along the North Shore of Chicago and in the city of Chicago.

Selling earlier in the season gives you several key advantages:

• Less competition: Inventory is lower in January, so buyers focus on the homes available.
  

• Serious buyers: People shopping in the middle of winter are highly motivated, often due to job relocations, school schedules, or family needs.

• Pricing momentum: The first wave of sales often sets the tone for the rest of the spring, meaning early sellers benefit from stronger positioning.
  

Step 1: Use Fall to Get Market-Ready

Chicagoland’s fall season is the perfect time to prepare your home. The weather is comfortable and with the change of the seasons and colorful leaves, your home’s exterior looks vibrant which makes it a great time to take photos, and we’ll get to that in step 2.

Start with simple steps that make a big impact:

• Enhance curb appeal: Rake leaves, plant seasonal flowers like mums, and ensure your landscaping looks neat and cared for. Touch up any exterior paint that is peeling and make sure exterior lights are clean and in working condition.

• Declutter and depersonalize: Remove excess belongings and personal photos so buyers can imagine themselves in your home.

• Address maintenance items: Fix leaky faucets, patch small holes in walls, and update outdated light fixtures.
  

Step 2: Photograph While Your Home Is at Its Best

Nearly every buyer begins their search online, which makes your listing photos critical. Professional photography is a must, and timing matters. If you wait until January, your yard may be covered in snow, the skies gray, and the landscaping bare.

In the Chicagoland area, fall provides one of the most beautiful backdrops of the year. The trees change color, creating a mix of rich reds, oranges, and golds that make for stunning, vibrant exterior photos. By scheduling photography during this season, you capture your home at its most attractive. Those images will showcase your property beautifully in the winter months and help your listing stand out against competing homes.

Step 3: Elevate, Don’t Overhaul

When you showcase your home’s best features, it helps buyers visualize how they could live in your home. Some simple tweaks can have a big impact, and well prepared homes consistently sell faster and often for more money.

The goal is not to completely redecorate, but to highlight your home’s best features. Neutral tones, good lighting, and furniture arranged for flow can make rooms appear larger and more inviting. I frequently advise sellers on ways we make sure their home appeals to the broadest pool of buyers possible.

Step 4: Get Pricing Right from the Start

Your pricing strategy is just as important as your preparation. Overpricing is one of the biggest mistakes a seller can make. Today’s buyers are savvy, they know when a home is priced too high and often will not bother scheduling a showing.

Step 5: Take Advantage of January Buyer Energy

It may feel counterintuitive to list a home in January when the weather is cold and snowy, but serious buyers do not take the winter off. In fact, many have strong motivations such as new jobs, family changes, or relocation deadlines that make them eager to purchase quickly.

The holidays also play a big role. During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, buyers often have more time away from work and daily routines like commuting, carpooling, and housework. This slower pace gives them the chance to think about their hopes and dreams. Conversations naturally happen around the dinner table or while visiting family. Maybe they fall in love with the space at a relative’s house compared to their own condo, or they realize they want a different style of home in the same town. By the time January arrives, many buyers come back from the holidays with a clear plan to move forward, and they are ready to start looking seriously.

Listing early means your home stands out. By the time March arrives, the number of homes on the market will increase, and buyers will have more options. Getting ahead of that wave gives you a competitive advantage.

Marketing That Maximizes Your Sale

The days of relying on a sign in the yard are long gone. To stand out, your home needs exposure on multiple platforms.

When you list your home with me, your property receives:

• Global reach: Access to Engel & Völkers international network of buyers.
  

• Targeted digital campaigns: Professional marketing across email, social media, and search platforms.
  

• Lifestyle storytelling: Showcasing not just your home, but the lifestyle it offers such as walkability in Wilmette, excellent schools in Deerfield, or lake access in Lake Forest.
  

Final Word: Do Not Wait for the Flowers

The spring market does not begin when the tulips bloom. It begins when buyers start writing contracts, and that happens in January.

By preparing this fall, photographing your home while it looks its best, staging thoughtfully, and pricing strategically, you will be ready to capture motivated buyers when demand is highest. Waiting until March could mean blending into a crowded market.

If you are considering selling in 2026, the time to prepare is now. With the right strategy in place, you will be positioned for success when the spring market truly begins.

HELPING YOU MOVE FORWARD®