Clayton & Clayton Real Estate Blog

Are you thinking about selling your luxury home in one of New Jersey’s most sought-after coastal communities, like Bay Head, Mantoloking, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, or Point Pleasant? If your goal is to sell in 2025, the best time to start preparing is now. While it may feel like a long way off, getting a jump start on repairs and updates can make all the difference when you’re ready to list.

According to Realtor.com, nearly 47% of homeowners are taking longer than a month to get their house ready to sell. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, refresh your paint, or address minor repairs, the sooner you start, the better. Many sellers overlook the importance of preparation, but a little planning now can have a huge impact on your sale price later.

Common Seller Improvements

Before you dive into home improvements, it’s important to know what buyers in your area are looking for. Here are some of the most common updates homeowners make before listing their properties:

• Paint the interior of the home – 46%
• Improve the bathroom – 42%
• Improve the kitchen – 38%
• Landscape the yard – 35%
• Replace or repair carpet or flooring – 28%
• Paint the exterior of the home – 28%
• Replace or buy new appliances – 26%
• Replace or repair the roof – 22%
• Redecorate specific rooms – 20%
• Replace or buy new furnishings – 19%
• Other – 4%

While these projects can add significant value to your property, it’s essential to know where to focus your time and resources. Not all updates are created equal, and spending money on the wrong project could impact your bottom line.

Work with a Professional Agent Who Knows the Market

If you’re planning to sell in 2025, don’t wait until the last minute to figure out what needs to be done. A local agent like those at Clayton & Clayton Realtors can provide invaluable insight into what buyers are looking for in your area. Here’s how we can help:

• Small wins that make a big impact: Sometimes, minor updates—like fresh paint, landscaping, or updated fixtures—can completely transform the way buyers see your home. We’ll help you identify these small wins that can make a big impact.

• What buyers are looking for in your area: Different markets have different demands. Whether it’s the charm of a traditional beach house in Bay Head or the modern elegance of a luxury estate in Spring Lake, we know exactly what buyers in our market want.

• Which projects are worth your time and money: With years of experience in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, we’ll help you prioritize the updates that will yield the highest return on investment and appeal to the most buyers.

• How to highlight your updates in the listing: Whether you’ve added a new pool or updated your kitchen, we’ll help you showcase your home’s best features to attract the right buyers.

How to Get Started

If your goal is to sell your house next year, it’s a good idea to connect with us at Clayton & Clayton Realtors sooner rather than later. We can help you assess what needs to be done and create a plan to maximize your home’s value. Even if you're thinking of selling in 2025, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

• Plan your projects: We’ll help you determine which updates will give you the best return on investment.
• Schedule contractors and repairs: Start getting quotes for necessary work.
• Make a timeline: We’ll help you establish a timeline that ensures your home is in prime condition when you're ready to list.
• Stage your home: Staging can be a game changer, and we’ll help you showcase your home to its full potential.

Don’t Wait—Prepare Now!

Whether you’re selling in 2025 or beyond, working with an experienced local agent is crucial to making sure your home is ready for the market. At Clayton & Clayton Realtors, we know the local market inside and out, and we’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

If you’re thinking about selling your luxury property in Bay Head, Mantoloking, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Point Pleasant, or other nearby towns, now is the time to start preparing. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can help you get your home ready for a successful sale.