If you’ve been waiting on the right moment to list your home (or find your next one), the wait is almost over. March is nearly here—and with it, one of the most balanced real estate markets we’ve seen in years. In 2026, the savviest moves aren’t just about timing, but about leveraging modern tools. From sellers partnering with low commission realtors to buyers utilizing a home buyer rebate to offset closing costs, the focus this spring is on keeping more of your hard-earned equity.
Unlike the frenzied bidding wars of years past, the 2026 market is defined by opportunity on both sides of the table. Mortgage rates have stabilized around 6.1%, inventory is up 20% from last year, and buyers and sellers alike are finding their footing. But “balanced” doesn’t mean “easy”; it means strategic.
At Trelora, we help you make the most of every opportunity the market offers. Here’s how to spend the next two weeks preparing.
For Sellers: The Spring Market Countdown
You don’t need a kitchen remodel to make your house stand out this spring. In 2026, buyers want move-in readiness—they’ll make their own upgrades once they’re in. Focus your energy where it counts instead of spending time and money needlessly.
Week 1: Create Digital Curb Appeal
In a world where AI tools help buyers filter and find homes, your listing’s data matters as much as its décor.
- De-personalize your space: Pack away family photos and personal collections. You want buyers picturing their life there, not touring yours.
- Run an energy audit: Today’s buyers are paying close attention to utility costs. Clean your HVAC filters, check your window seals, and make sure your smart thermostat is working. Be sure to discuss any energy-efficient upgrades with your agent—they’re worth mentioning in your listing.
Week 2: The Final Polish
- Invest in a professional cleaning crew: If you only spend money on one thing before listing, make it this. Buyers notice small messes you’ve stopped seeing.
- Talk to a Trelora agent: While you’re prepping the home, we’re running the numbers. Our low listing fee means you can price competitively without leaving money on the table.
For Buyers: The Spring Readiness Playbook
March isn’t just a start date—it’s the start of home search madness. Use the next two weeks to get your ducks in a row so you can move fast when the right home hits the market.
1. Lock In Your Real Budget
With rates in the low 6s, your purchasing power may look different than it did six months ago.
- Get a verified pre-approval, not just a pre-qualification: In a competitive spring market, sellers expect proof of financing. Waiting on this can knock you out of contention before you’ve even made an offer.
- Factor in the full picture: Budget for attorney fees, inspection costs, and other closing expenses. At Trelora, we work hard to make sure buyers keep as much of their money as possible—ask your agent about how our model works (and how you might be eligible for a rebate).
2. Define Your Non-Negotiables
Even with more inventory this year, compromise is almost always part of the equation.
- Keep an Eye on the Big Picture: If a home checks 80% of your boxes, it’s likely worth a serious look. You can change things like paint color or countertops, but you can’t change the school district.
- Explore homes that have been sitting: After the first week or two on the market, showing activity tends to drop off quickly. Homes that aren’t surfacing at the top of “new listings” searches often come with more room to negotiate.
3. Build Your Quick Response Plan
Spring homes move fast. A listing that hits on Thursday can be under contract by Monday.
- Set real-time MLS alerts through your agent: Zillow is great for browsing, but it’s not built for speed. Your local MLS is the most up-to-date source for listings and can alert you the moment a new home hits the market.
- Stay flexible with your schedule: Being through the door of a popular home on the first day it’s listed is a genuine competitive advantage. Evenings and weekends fill up quickly, so keep your calendar as open as possible.
Ready to Make Your Move?
The spring market is right around the corner, and preparation is everything. Whether you’re thinking about listing or just starting your search, Trelora is here to help you navigate it all. Keep more of your equity right where it belongs: with you.
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