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Planning to sell in 2026? Start prepping now by tackling repairs, decluttering, and making smart updates early for a smoother, stress-free sale next spring.

Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “ Maybe I’ll wait .” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later. The Magic Number According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “. . . a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households—including 1.6 million renters. If rates were to hit that magic number, it’s likely that about 10%—or 550,000—of those additional households would buy a home over the next 12 or 18 months. ” When the market hits that mortgage rate sweet spot, as expert forecasters are starting to say is more likely in 2026, the psychological shift to lower rates will kick in for more of today’s hopeful buyers. That will unleash some pent-up demand that’s been waiting on the sidelines, and the increase in activity will cause prices to rise. And while a 5.99% rate might sound like a big win, if you’re waiting for that number to make your move, it might not actually save you as much as you think. Here’s how the math looks when you run the numbers (see chart below): 

You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now. As Realtor.com says : “If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing , especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.” Because the reality is, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be when you’re ready to list . And, the better your house will look when it’s time for it to hit the market Why Starting Now Matters Talk to any good agent and they’ll tell you that you can’t afford to skip repairs in today’s market. There are more homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And since buyers have more to choose from, your house is going to need to look its best to stand out and get the attention it deserves. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you’ll want to tackle some projects before you sell. Your house will sell if it’s prepped right. And you don’t want to be left scrambling in the spring to get the work done. Because here’s the advantage you have now. If you start this year, you’ll be able to space those upgrades and fixes out however you want to. More time. Less stress. No sense of being rushed or racing the clock. Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or finally replacing your roof, you can do it right if you start now. And you have the time to find great contractors without blowing your budget or paying extra for rushed jobs. Get an Agent’s Advice Early To figure out what’s worth doing and what’s not in your market, you need to talk to a local agent early. That way you’re not wasting your time or money on something that won’t help your bottom line. As Realtor.com explains : “Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly. ” A skilled agent can tell you: ● What buyers in your local area are looking for ● The repairs or updates you need to do before you list ● How to prioritize the projects, if you can’t do them all ● Skilled local contractors who can help you get the work done And having that information up front is a game changer. To give you a rough idea of what may come up in that conversation, here are the most common updates agents are recommending today, according to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don’t know about one of its core benefits.  According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below):

When you find your dream home there is a sense of relief, that is until there is another bidder. Bidding wars can be discouraging but when you have the right realtor they can guide you through this process with ease. One of the biggest problems in today’s market that no one discusses is losing a home you love. Here at Martino Realty, we will talk one-on-one with home buyers at every stage, giving tips on how not to lose a home. Hiring an experienced, professional real estate agent is key. We will be your voice, giving you the green light on when you should bid and red light when not to. Having a realtor who knows your local market is going to be your strong suit. Many times what concerns buyers is over paying but be sure to determine the price you are willing to pay for the property and don’t over exceed it. The reality is that the seller can choose a buyer for reasons other than the purchase price. The great thing about our Realtors at Martino Realty is that they will advocate on your behalf. To meet with a Staten Island Real Estate Specialists visit https://martino-realty.com/contact or call (718) 608-9400. Conveniently Located at 7448 Amboy road in the town of Tottenville, open Monday Through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. We will be glad to discuss your goals and needs in your future home.

Let’s be honest, when it comes to home buying and selling a house everyone wants to win, financially speaking. In today’s market buyers who aren’t educated in real estate will try to go around realtors and research homes for themselves. The misconception is that buyers will avoid the realtor’s fees by going directly through the listing agent when in reality they work for the seller only. The benefit of hiring a local realtor is that they can advocate on your behalf, negotiate and educate. At Martino Realty in Staten Island, they will walk a home buyer through a training of “Home buying 101”. Clearly define what you’d like and need in a home and they will research one until they find the best match. We are committed to providing you with the specialized real estate service you deserve. As an informed buyer or seller, they will help you make the best decision of your life, by keeping you up to date on trends in the market place. If you’d like to find out more information about Martino Realty and what they can do for you fill out our form here or call them at (718) 608-9400 today! 

When it comes to finding a home or selling one, it can be difficult to choose a real estate company. With Martino Real Estate you are able to be at complete ease when making such a big investment. We are here to educate you on buying or selling your Staten Island home, and to guide you on your journey navigating the Staten Island real estate market. Our commitment as your local realtor is to provide you with the specialized real estate services you deserve. We will provide you with up to date marketplace data and inform you of trends in your area. Our goal as your real estate experts is to exceed your needs when it comes to finding or selling your home. Prospective homeowners can be assured that they will be guided to their perfect Staten Island or Brooklyn dream home by Martino Realtors. We will walk you through the initial search, all the way through contract closing, always looking out for your absolute best interests. If you are in the market for a new real estate agent give us a call at (718) 608-9400 or visit our website at https://martino-realty.com/ . Fill out our contact form here .

Are you getting ready to sell and don’t know where to start? First and foremost, find a local Real Estate Professional to get you started. Having a Realtor look at your home through the eyes of a buyer may lead to suggest simple fixes and upgrades that could sell your home for more money and faster! In situations where a home needs major repairs, it may be worth having a home inspector perform an inspection prior to listing your home. This report will accomplish two things; one, as a seller you may choose to make some necessary repairs in order to enhance the value and salability of your home and two, if you decide to sell it “as is” condition the report can be given to a buyer up front and avoid wasting time with a buyer who is not prepared to do the work. Some other easy fixes to enhance your homes salability are: First impressions are lasting ones! Spruce up the exterior with paint and gardening. Replace any wood that shows dry rot, pay special attention to wood, trim, gutters, and wrought iron. All woodwork, including the front door, should be freshly painted. Lastly, you should replace any dead trees or plants and have a mowed lawn. Staging can usually help a home sell faster and for a higher price. Declutter or implement minor changes to your home, while creating a cohesive environment. Adjust the chemicals in your pool, leaving it as sparkling clean as possible. Pools can be overlooked but when your home is on display every detail counts. Nothing is more inviting than sparkling clean windows. Repair or replace worn or bent screens cracked or broken window panes. Change old light bulbs. Use cool white bulbs to open and brighten your space. Be sure to your home is clean and ready for buyers! Visit Martino Realty at 7448 Amboy Road in Staten Island, New York or call (718) 608-9400 for more information about buying or selling a home.  Contact Martino Realty today, contact Staten Island’s real estate specialists here !

Lowering Premiums For Your Staten Island Real Estate Flood Insurance