Planning to Sell in 2025? Here’s How to Set the Right Financial Goals Now

Tips from Doug and Rachel Swardstrom, Orange County Luxury Real Estate Experts

If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2025, now is the time to start planning. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or preparing for a big move, setting clear financial goals early can help you sell smarter—and more successfully.

We’re Doug and Rachel Swardstrom, a husband-and-wife real estate team specializing in luxury properties across Orange County, California. With decades of combined experience and deep insight into the local market, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners sell with confidence—and we’re here to help you do the same.

Here’s how to financially prepare for your 2025 home sale:

1. Know Your Home’s Current Value

The market in Orange County has changed dramatically over the last few years. What your home was worth in 2023 or 2024 might not reflect its current value. That’s why the first step is a professional home evaluation.

We analyze comparable sales, market trends, and neighborhood performance to give you a data-driven snapshot of your home’s worth. This will help you set realistic price goals and know what to expect from your sale.

2. Clarify Your Timeline

When you sell can be just as important as how you sell. Are you planning to move early in the year, during the spring rush, or later in 2025?

The earlier you start preparing, the better. For example, spring is traditionally a strong selling season, so prepping your home now can help you hit the market at exactly the right time—with a competitive edge.

3. Define Your Financial Priorities

Before you list your home, ask yourself:

• Do I want to maximize profit?

• Am I looking to free up equity?

• Do I want to purchase a larger home or downsize?

Clearly defining your “why” will guide your decisions, from how much to invest in pre-sale upgrades to how aggressively to price your property.

4. Understand the Costs of Selling

Many homeowners forget that selling comes with its own expenses—repairs, staging, agent commissions, closing costs, and more.

Budgeting for these ahead of time ensures you stay on track and avoid last-minute surprises. We help our clients map out these expenses in advance, so you’re always in control.

5. Plan Strategic Upgrades

You don’t have to remodel the entire house. In fact, small updates like new paint, fresh landscaping, and modern light fixtures can have a big impact.

If you’re open to investing in value-boosting projects, we recommend starting with the kitchen or bathrooms, which typically offer the highest return on investment.

6. Pay Attention to Market Trends

The housing market is influenced by a number of factors:

• Interest rates

• Inventory levels

• Buyer demand

• Regional economic conditions

Staying informed helps you adjust your goals along the way. As your trusted real estate advisors, we keep you updated so you can make timely, strategic decisions throughout the process.

7. Work With the Right Real Estate Experts

The most important decision you’ll make? Who you work with.

From pricing and staging to negotiations and closing, we walk with you every step of the way. We’re not just here to sell your home—we’re here to help you make smart, profitable decisions that serve your long-term goals.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re planning to sell in 2025, don’t wait until the new year to take action. The more time we have to strategize, the better the results will be.

Let’s schedule a no-pressure consultation to discuss your home’s value, your goals, and how we can create a personalized roadmap to a successful sale.

📩 Contact us today to get started—because your success is our priority.

About Doug & Rachel Swardstrom

We’re a top-producing real estate team based in Orange County, CA, specializing in luxury residential sales. With years of experience and a results-driven approach, we help clients maximize their investment and navigate the selling process with ease and clarity.