If you own a home in Reno or Sparks, you’ve probably asked yourself lately: “Is this the year I should sell… or should I wait?”
With mortgage rates still shifting and many homeowners sitting on strong equity, more sellers are exploring their options as we head into the Spring 2026 market. In our latest market update, my co-host Neetha Gorla of Haute Properties and I walk through the numbers, explain what the market actually feels like right now, and share how to start preparing if a spring or early-summer sale is on your radar.
🎙️ Watch the Full March Market Update
👉 Watch the full episode here: 
What the Reno–Sparks Housing Market Looks Like Right Now
The big headline for early 2026: inventory remains tight, and that continues to shape the selling experience. Here are a few key takeaways we discuss in the episode regarding single-family homes in the Reno-Sparks region:
Home prices remain strong
Home values across the region are currently sitting in the high-$500,000 range, showing that demand for homes in the Reno–Sparks area remains steady. Price per square foot continues to average around $325.
Inventory is still limited
We’re seeing roughly 2 months of housing supply, which is well below what economists consider a balanced market. Just over 600 homes are on the market, down 16 percent from January. New listings are down, but we hope to see more homes hit the market as the region warms. This limited inventory continues to favor sellers, especially when homes are priced correctly.
Well-priced homes are moving quickly
The median time to go under contract remains relatively short, meaning that homes entering the market with the right pricing strategy are often attracting buyers within weeks.
Closed sales up from last month but down compared to last year
Just over 300 single family homes sold last month, a 7 percent increase from the prior month. But compared to the previous year, sales are down 7 percent. The overall takeaway is that few sales were closed last month.
Why Many Sellers Are Calling Right Now
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing this March is early preparation. Homeowners aren’t necessarily listing immediately, but they want a plan.
Many sellers today are motivated by things like:
- Retirement or downsizing
- Growing families that need more space
- Job relocations
- Accessing home equity
- Lifestyle changes
The “10 Things” Every 2026 Seller Should Start Now
In the episode, we preview the 10 things we recommend every seller begin working on before listing. If you’re thinking about selling in May or June, March is actually the ideal time to start preparing.
Here are a few of our biggest tips:
1. Hire the Right Realtor
Selling a home today involves far more than putting a sign in the yard. You need someone acting as the “quarterback” of your sale, coordinating:
- Pricing strategy
- Inspection preparation
- Marketing and exposure
- Negotiations
- Closing timelines
A strong plan can help you maximize your net proceeds while minimizing stress.
2. Create Your Own Personal Roadmap
Take the time to write down your own roadmap for your needs before you put your home on the market. During my first meetings with new clients, I like to meet to discuss their hopes and dreams for the sale of their home.
Creating a roadmap not only helps me be their very best guide and advocate, but it also helps my clients to think critically about what they truly want their real estate goals to be.
3. Review Your Trust, Will, Homestead Protections
Protecting your largest asset is important. We want to review the paperwork for your existing home and make sure everything is in order. This helps with both the sale of your home and your next real estate purchase.
4. Understand Taxes and Fees
Understanding taxes and fees, such as the 2-out-of-5-year capital gains rule or what a 1031 exchange is, is important before selling your home. Connecting with a professional accountant to help you understand the taxes and fees that you can expect with the sale of your home is critical.
5. Plan Out Plan for Proceeds
It's important to know what your next steps will be after the close of your home. Do you plan to move and roll the proceeds into your next home? What is the budget for your next home? How will the proceeds help towards that goal? When you make your roadmap, map out where the proceeds from your home sale will go.
6. Pre-Listing Home Inspection
Doing an inspection before listing helps avoid surprises that can derail a deal once you're under contract. Those surprises can be prevented if you get this done in advance, which can help to keep a deal from falling apart.
7. High-Impact Improvements
Simple upgrades can dramatically improve buyer perception:
- Fresh paint
- Updated flooring
- Landscaping and curb appeal
- Lighting improvements
These aren’t always expensive, but they can change how buyers emotionally connect with a home.
8. Decluttering & Pre-Staging
Preparing room-by-room staging early makes the photography and showing process far smoother once you hit the market.
9. Pricing Strategy from Day One
Pricing correctly from the start is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Homes priced right are still going under contract quickly in today’s market.
10. Prepare for the Spring Market
If you plan to sell, now is the time to get your home ready! Home prep takes time.
Thinking About Selling This Spring?
If selling in 2026 is even a possibility for you, the smartest move is to start building your personal selling roadmap now.
A quick strategy conversation can help you understand:
- What your home might sell for today
- Which improvements actually add value
- Your potential net proceeds
- The best timeline for listing
If you have questions about the Reno–Sparks market or are thinking about buying or selling this year, we’re happy to help. Let's get together for a free consultation and talk about your real estate goals for 2026!
📲 Call or text: 775-525-0309
📧 Email: Ken@livinginsouthreno.com
Free Resources for Reno–Sparks Homeowners
📦 Complete Downsizing Resource Page
About Ken Angst & the Living in South Reno Team
Ken Angst and his team help clients throughout Northern Nevada navigate major life transitions through real estate.
They specialize in:
- Downsizing into more manageable homes
- Upsizing for growing families
- Selling with maximum value and exposure
- Buying with expert negotiation and market insight
- Investing in Northern Nevada real estate opportunities
With deep local knowledge and a proven track record, the team is committed to helping you make confident real estate decisions. Subscribe to the Angst Real Estate Team's YouTube Channel for all of the latest information about the dynamic and diverse Reno/Sparks Real Estate Market. Contact Ken today!
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