The Year-End Home Checkup

7 Tasks That Boost Value Before 2026

Before the holiday rush gives way to the start of a new year, December is the perfect moment to give your home a quick “Year-End Checkup.” Not only does this help keep your home healthy through the winter, it also positions you beautifully if you're planning a 2026 move, refinance, or renovation.

Even small updates now can make a big impact on comfort, safety, and future resale value.

Here are seven smart, simple tasks that will help your home shine heading into 2026.

1. Freshen Your Lighting (Instant Warmth + Better Photos Later)

Winter light is limited, and older bulbs can make a home feel dim or dated.

Try updating:

• Bulbs to warm LED

• Lamp shades

• Key fixtures in kitchens, hallways, and entryways
  

A brighter home photographs better, shows better, and feels better,  a staging trick The Mavins Group swears by.

Pro tip: Swap in matching color temperatures (2700–3000K) for a cohesive glow.

2. Declutter the “Hot Zones” Before Holiday Guests Arrive

Even if you’re not selling soon, decluttering now sets you up for a calmer, cleaner new year.

The biggest impact areas:

• Entryway

• Kitchen counters

• Coat closet

• Pantry

• Guest room

• Bathroom storage
  

If you are thinking about moving in 2026, this early decluttering gives you a huge head start.

And if sorting feels overwhelming, our Moving Mavins team can help you make fast, confident progress.

3. Test Your Safety Items (Buyers Notice and So Do Inspectors)

This is one of the easiest high-ROI tasks.

Check:

• Smoke detectors

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• Fire extinguishers

• Dryer vent

• GFCI outlets
  

Inspectors flag these instantly and fixing them now prevents delays or surprises later.

4. Do a Quick Exterior Check (Even in Cold Weather)

Cold, wet months can be tough on a house. A few simple exterior checks can prevent damage and protect your value.

Look for:

• Loose shingles

• Clogged gutters

• Cracked caulking

• Branches near the roofline
  

A bit of attention now means fewer repairs come spring.

5. Refresh High-Touch Surfaces

This is a subtle but powerful update that many sellers overlook.

You can quickly improve the look and feel of your home by refreshing:

• Doorknobs

• Cabinet pulls

• Light switches

• Outlet covers

• Interior paint touch-ups
  

These inexpensive upgrades add a “new and cared-for” feel that buyers love.

6. Schedule Small Repairs Before Everyone Books Up in January

Contractors, painters, and handyman services fill their schedules fast after New Year’s.

If your to-do list includes:

• Dripping faucets

• Loose railings

• Wall patching

• Minor electrical fixes

• Sticking doors
  

…now is the perfect time to schedule help.

The Mavins Group can also coordinate trusted vendors for clients who want support managing multiple repairs or timelines.

7. Review Your Home for 2026 Selling Potential

Even if selling isn’t a sure thing, it’s worth taking stock of your home's market readiness.

Ask yourself:

• Are there rooms that feel cramped or dark?

• Would staging help the home feel more spacious?

• Are there small repairs buyers would notice?

• Is your storage overflowing (a subtle signal to buyers)?
  

Whether your move is three months or three years away, a home that’s maintained thoughtfully retains more value.

💬 Thinking About a Move in 2026?

A year-end home checkup is a great place to start — but if you want a clear plan for timing, preparation, upgrades, and pricing, The Mavins Group can help.

We guide clients through:

• Real Estate Planning for long-term strategy

• Staging + presentation

• Organizing + early decluttering

• Move management for seamless transitions
  
  

👉 Contact The Mavins Group to schedule your 2026 planning consultation.
A small amount of preparation now can make a big difference in your home’s future value.