Updated October 2026
Short answer: Start 6 months out by bringing in a quality local agent to walk the house and build a plan. Reconnect one month out to finalize prep, pricing and marketing. Then re-check the comparable sales the week of listing, because one new sale can change your price.
6 months out: bring in a quality agent early
The best thing you can do six months before selling is have a quality real estate agent walk through your home. I say quality on purpose: there are plenty of agents out there, but not all of them will give you the time and honest advice this stage needs. (Not sure how to tell the difference? We'll cover how to choose an agent in an upcoming post, or reach out and we'll walk you through it.)
That early visit is about you, not the listing. It's when we learn your wants, your needs and your timeline: where you're going next, when you need to be there, and what you need to walk away with.
From there, we put together a plan to get the most money out of your home. This is where an early visit pays off. Many sellers have a list of repairs or renovations in mind that won't move the needle much on price, while a few smaller fixes they never thought of will. Six months gives you time to do the right projects, skip the wrong ones, and avoid spending money you won't get back.
As a husband and wife team, Justin and Alicia, you get two experienced agents looking at your home for the cost of one. Two sets of eyes catch more.
1 month out: final adjustments, marketing and pricing
About a month before listing, we reconnect at the house to:
- Walk through everything again and make final adjustments
- Review the marketing plan: photos, timing, and how we'll reach the right buyers
- Discuss pricing based on the latest sales and active competition
- Check for market changes since our first meeting, such as rates, inventory and buyer demand
By the end of this visit, you should know exactly what's left to do and what to expect once you're on the market.
The week of listing: re-check the comps
This step is the one most often skipped, and it can cost sellers real money.
In the days leading up to going live, we re-run the pricing. The market keeps moving, and a single new comparable sale can change the picture. We've raised a list price at the last minute because one comp changed, which meant more money for our seller. That's why we look at comparables as close to listing day as possible, so we don't miss an opportunity.
Quick checklist
- 6 months out: Meet with a quality agent, set your goals and timeline, and plan which repairs are worth it
- 1 month out: Final walkthrough and adjustments, marketing plan, pricing and market review
- Week of listing: Re-check comparable sales and fine-tune the price
Frequently asked questions
When should I contact a real estate agent before selling?
About six months before you plan to list. That gives you time to plan, make the improvements that matter most, and time the market, without rushing.
Should I renovate before selling my house in Worcester County?
Not always. Some projects return more than they cost and others don't. A walkthrough with a local agent will tell you which ones are worth doing for your home and your market.
Why does pricing change right before listing?
New sales close every week. One fresh comparable sale can justify a higher (or lower) price, so we re-check the comps the week of listing.
Thinking about selling?
We help sellers across Worcester County and Central Massachusetts plan their sale and get top dollar. Get your free home valuation or contact us to set up a no-pressure walkthrough.