January has a bad reputation in real estate. It sounds early. It’s cold and gray, and sometimes we don’t feel like dealing with it. It might seem premature to reach out to a realtor but I am here to tell you, it’s exactly the right time to reach out to me.
Here’s the truth no one tells you: the homes that shine in the spring didn’t wake up cute in April, they quietly got their act together in January. I like this movie analogy: January for houses is like Anne Hathaway in the beginning of the Princess Diaries, then with a thoughtful team surrounding her, she blooms to her full potential. Just like creating your team for your house now, we help it bloom in the spring. 

Think of this month as the “no pressure prep season.” No photographers yet. No signs in the yard. Just smart moves that make your future self very grateful.

Here are the Top 5 Things Sellers Can Do in January to Win Spring without losing their sanity.

1. Add a Realtor to Your Home Team (Hi, It’s Me 👋)

Before you touch a paintbrush or buy a single storage bin, this is the move. A bit about me you might not know yet, I love a plan and a bullet list, I have a team of house professionals that you get too and I approach every situation with a positive attitude plus a side of humor. I’m a details girl with a serious follow thru nature, you can set me to work for you. 

Meeting with a Realtor early helps you:

• Focus on updates that actually bring a return (not the random ones TikTok suggests)
  
• Create a realistic timeline that works with your life
  
• Avoid overspending or under prepping
  
• Walk into spring confident instead of scrambling
  

I like to think of myself as your calm project manager who knows the market, the buyers, and when not to bother clearing out that back closet. 

This step alone can save you time, money, and a whole lot of second guessing.

2. Declutter Like You’re Moving (Because You Kind of Are)

Decluttering isn’t about being minimalist, it’s about letting buyers see the house, not your stuff. A clean and clear house helps a buyer picture their stuff, and that’s your goal. Help buyers create a positive emotional response to your house while they are picturing it to be their next home. 

Homes that feel open and organized:

• Photograph better
  
• Feel larger
  
• Help buyers emotionally picture themselves living there
  

Market data consistently shows that decluttered homes sell faster and often for more because buyers aren’t distracted. Translation: fewer “what is that?” moments and more “we need this house” feelings.

January is perfect for this because:

• You can do it slowly
  
• You’re not rushed by showings
  
• You’ll eventually need to pack anyway
  

Future you says thank you.

3. Fresh Paint = Fresh Start (Yes, It Matters)

Paint is the overachiever of home prep. It makes a room brighter and seem bigger all while creating a neutral decor. Fresh paint is also something most people can do themselves, making it the best budget friendly way to update your house.

Neutral, fresh paint:

• Makes rooms feel cleaner and brighter
  
• Helps homes sell faster
  
• Often delivers one of the highest returns for the lowest investment
  

Buyers love a home that feels move in ready. They don’t want projects, they want peace. A fresh coat of paint quietly tells them, “This house has been cared for.”

Bonus: January painting means no humidity drama and no last minute chaos.

4. Start Thinking About Curb Appeal (Even if It’s Cold)

First impressions don’t wait for spring flowers. I know it’s winter in the midwest but on those random 50* days, trimming back the overgrowth will save you so much time when spring hits. It’s a good time to make a front door flower plan and a curb appeal budget. When spring hits, you might consider hiring a crew to edge your lawn, trim the bushes and lay down fresh mulch, then it’s much easier for you to maintain during the selling season. 

January curb appeal prep looks like:

• Cleaning up landscaping beds
  
• Trimming back overgrowth
  
• Power washing when weather allows
  
• Planning spring plantings now
  

Homes with strong curb appeal sell faster and attract more buyers, period. When buyers fall in love before they even walk inside, you’re already winning.

5. Make a Plan (So Spring Feels Easy, Not Panicked)

This is where everything comes together. This is where having a team work with you equals real results. Have I mentioned how much I love a good plan? 

When we meet early, we:

• Decide what matters and what doesn’t
  
• Build a prep list that fits your budget and energy
  
• Create a calm, clear path to listing
  

Selling doesn’t have to feel like a whirlwind. It can feel intentional, organized, and even empowering. It’s also a good time to start thinking about selling strategy, I come with a team and we are here to help you stress free succeed. 

And yes, January is how that happens.

Thinking about selling this spring?
Let’s talk now, no pressure, no overwhelm, no to do list thrown at your head. Just clarity, strategy, and a plan that works for you.