05/22/2026
As an agent who works with many buyers and sellers, I hear feedback firsthand about what matters to buyers in today’s market. Believe it or not, it’s very different in 2026 than it was in 2023, or even last year.
Buyers today are much more sensitive to deferred maintenance. During COVID, homes practically sold themselves. Today, buyers want homes that feel move-in ready, with minimal updates needed.
That furnace you replaced? The oil tank? The roof? Those are all important and valuable upgrades, but they typically aren’t adding value above market. They’re considered expected maintenance. If those items haven’t been addressed, that’s often a conversation about lowering value rather than raising it.
Deep cleaning, depersonalizing, and decluttering are a great place to start. And no, your home does not need to look like a magazine or be perfectly staged to sell. That’s not realistic for most families who are actually living in their homes. We can absolutely sell a home without perfection.
Curb appeal and outdoor spaces matter more than people think. Buyers start forming opinions the moment they pull in the driveway. Clean up leaves, add fresh mulch, touch up paint, and try walking into your own home with buyer goggles on.
And finally, buyers want a deal. They are price-sensitive, and the gap between what sellers hope to get and what buyers are willing to pay can sometimes be wide. Pricing strategically matters more than ever if your goal is to attract attention, create competition, and ultimately get the highest possible price.
As always, my door is always open for a conversation whether you are buying or selling!
