If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, the best time to start preparing isn’t next year.

It’s right now.

The spring market has always been the busiest time for buyers in the Triangle, and while demand is expected to rise again as the weather warms, today’s market looks different than it did just a few years ago.

Starting early could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

Most homeowners underestimate how long the selling process really takes. Surveys show that the typical homeowner expects it will take about 10 months from the decision to sell until closing. Baby boomers tend to be more optimistic, estimating closer to six months.

Either way, that timeline means homeowners hoping to sell in the spring of 2026 need to start preparing now.

Nationally, the number of homes for sale has climbed back to pre-pandemic levels. In some parts of the country, inventory has even surpassed those levels, especially across the South and West. Here in North Carolina’s Triangle region, market conditions still favor sellers, but not by much.

Here’s what’s happening locally:

• The Triangle currently has about 3.1 months of housing supply, which keeps the market slightly in the seller’s favor.

• Roughly 26% of home sales include price reductions, signaling that buyers are becoming more selective.

• Homes across Wake, Durham, and Chatham Counties spend an average of 33 days on the market, which is longer than in 2021 but still healthy.

That combination means sellers who prepare early will have the advantage of presenting their home in its best light, pricing it strategically, and attracting qualified buyers the moment the market heats up.

Why Starting Early Pays Off

A recent national survey found that homeowners who brought an agent into the process early saw clear benefits:

• 36% said their agent provided better access to real-time market data.

• 37% said their agent helped set realistic pricing and streamlined the process.

That kind of guidance can make a major difference, especially as the market continues to evolve.

Consider this: Home prices nationwide have tripled since 2000, rising from about $145,000 to $435,000 in 2025. Meanwhile, household incomes have not kept pace, which means today’s buyers are far more cautious about what they can afford.

In the Triangle, the median home price is roughly $470,000, and even with mortgage rates hovering near 6.1% as of the time this article was published, affordability remains a key concern. Sellers who prepare early can make small, smart updates that help their home stand out without overinvesting.

What You Can Do Now

Getting your home ready to sell in 2026 does not mean doing everything at once. It means having a plan. Here’s how to start:

1. Interview multiple agents
   Do not settle for the first one you meet. Every agent brings a different approach, and finding the right fit matters. Look for someone with deep local expertise and a proven marketing strategy.

2. Assess your home’s value and equity
   Many homeowners are surprised by how much equity they have gained, especially if they purchased their home before 2010. Understanding your equity can help you make smart decisions about pricing and timing.

3. Identify updates or repairs
   Even small improvements can go a long way. A fresh coat of paint, new mulch, or updated fixtures can help your home shine when buyers start comparing listings.

4. Plan your timeline
   Work backward from your ideal sale date in spring 2026. Decide when to complete repairs, when to stage and photograph the home, and when to list for maximum visibility.

The Bottom Line

If you want to take advantage of peak buyer demand next spring, now is the time to begin. By preparing early, you give yourself flexibility, reduce stress, and position your home to sell quickly and competitively.

The real estate market across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Pittsboro may look different than it did a few years ago, but that can work in your favor. Starting now ensures you’ll be ready when buyers come out in full force.

If you are thinking about selling in 2026 and want a head start, I would be happy to help you plan your next move. Connect directly with me here, and let's begin the process of putting together a plan to position you for success.

Thanks for reading!

Brandon Yopp