Thinking of Selling in 2017? It's not too early to get started.

The holidays are well upon us, and many of us are deep in the process of shopping, baking and getting ready to ring in the new year. But, if you’re thinking of selling your home in 2017 it’s not too early to start preparing. A home that is well-prepared will sell more quickly and for more money. Here are 3 things you can do NOW that will help you get poised to sell in the new year.

Get Estimates for Repairs: Chances are that you'll need to do some repairs to your home before putting it on the market. This can run the gamut from replacing a roof or furnace, to small handyman-type repairs. Now is a good time to meet with contractors and repairmen to get estimates. Contractors' work tends to slow down during the holidays so you'll have more access to them and perhaps an easier time scheduling them to do the work after the new year. Even if you're not planning to paint or replace the roof until after the rains end, it's good to have a ballpark idea of what it will cost you. You'll want to prepare a budget for various expenses related to selling your home, like repairs and staging, so starting that now will save you time later.

Declutter and Get Organized: There's someting about the pending new year that screams, "Out with the old, in with the new!" Now is a great time to get organized, declutter and streamline your home. Clean out those closets, organize the garage, and get rid of anything you no longer need or that no longer functions. Check with your garbage company. Many will pick up a certain number of large or bulky items for free each year. Schedule your pickup before the year ends. Donate gently used but unwanted items to a charity. It's the season of giving, and you can sneak in a last-minute tax deduction.

Contact a Real Estate Professonal: A real estate professional can help guide you about potential home value, share ideas for renovations to maximize profit, and connect you with contractors and other service providers. Take advantage of a real estate professional’s expertise to get you on the right track to a successful home sale. Engaging a real estate agent early in the process can save you time, money and headache.

If you are considering selling your San Francisco home in 2017, I would be happy to start working with you now to ensure you the best results in your sale.