How Early Planning Sets Your Home Sale Up for Success in 2025

By Misty Darling

Professional service with an emphasis on guidance, planning, and dedication to my clients’ needs are my top priority.

Selling a home is a big decision, and rushing into it usually leads to unnecessary stress. That’s why you need to be prepared before you list. For example, one couple planning their new year just called us recently. They weren’t sure if they were ready to sell yet but wanted some advice. That one call set them on a path to turn what could’ve been an overwhelming process into a smooth, well-thought-out plan. Here’s how it went down:

Setting clear expectations. After meeting with the couple, we discussed their ideal timeline, which was sometime between June and September 2025. I visited their home and promised to send a market analysis. We planned to meet again in early January to review what the market looked like in the fall of 2024 and set realistic expectations based on trends.

By March, we would schedule pre-inspections and a meeting with a stager. The pre-inspection would uncover any issues early, and the stager would suggest ways to improve both the interior and exterior of the home. This would give them enough time to make changes without feeling rushed.

Monitoring the market. I would send market reports twice a month to keep the couple updated. These reports would include sales of comparable homes, trends in their neighborhood, and any shifts in home values. Staying informed would allow us to adjust the plan if needed.

Handling unexpected issues. A pre-inspection can identify problems like hail damage that may not be obvious to homeowners. Finding these issues early allows the couple to fix them before they become major problems. This also keeps them in control of the selling process and reduces surprises.

Why early planning means less stress. For this couple, being planners made the process feel less overwhelming. Instead of rushing in, we created a clear, step-by-step plan that made everything easier to handle. While not everyone has the luxury of planning ahead, starting early gives a less stressful experience and a better outcome.

If you’re thinking about moving in 2025, it’s never too soon to start the conversation. Even if your plans might change down the road, beginning the process early gives you clarity and options. You can contact me at (515) 414-0059 or send an email to misty@mistysold.com. Let’s plan ahead and set you up for success.