If you're planning to list your home in the new year, the upcoming holiday break presents a perfect opportunity to get a head start. According to a report by Ottawa journalist Adam Beauchemin, there are several straightforward tasks prospective sellers can handle during the festive season to ensure their property is market-ready for 2026.
Maximizing Downtime for Home Sales Success
The quiet period between Christmas and New Year's often provides a rare pause in daily routines. This time can be strategically used for home preparation without the usual time pressures. Starting early is crucial to avoid a last-minute rush when you decide to list, allowing you to address items at a manageable pace. A well-prepared home often spends less time on the market and can attract more competitive offers.
Actionable Tasks for the Holiday Break
Focus on decluttering first. Go through rooms, closets, and storage areas to remove unnecessary items. This not only makes spaces appear larger but also simplifies future staging and moving. Consider donating gently used goods to local charities, a fitting activity for the season.
Next, tackle minor repairs. Walk through your home with a critical eye, noting any small issues you've learned to ignore. This list might include:
- Fixing leaky faucets or loose door handles.
- Replacing burnt-out light bulbs with bright, consistent LEDs.
- Patching small holes in walls and touching up paint.
- Deep cleaning carpets or refreshing grout lines.
These small fixes contribute significantly to a home's overall impression of being well-maintained.
Planning for a Spring Listing
Use the indoor time to research and plan. Beauchemin's report, published on December 21, 2025, emphasizes that preparation is key for a successful sale. Start gathering important documents, such as warranties for appliances or recent inspection reports. Research local Ottawa real estate agents if you haven't already chosen one, and begin thinking about your ideal timeline for listing, perhaps aiming for the active spring market.
By dedicating a few hours over the holidays to these preparatory steps, Ottawa homeowners can enter the new year feeling organized and confident, turning the goal of selling in 2026 into a well-executed plan.
