It’s Time to Sell?

The Moment You Realize It’s Time to Sell — And What You Should Do Next

– Scott Edmond – Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM CST –

Every so often, I force myself to pause and take inventory of where my time and energy are going. It’s a habit that’s saved me more than once. Sometimes the reflection is encouraging; other times it’s a reminder that something needs to change. But almost always, it leads me back to a truth that every property owner eventually faces: at some point, you will become a seller. The only question is whether you’ll be ready.

I’ve watched owners who planned their exit early walk into the closing room calm, confident, and in control. They weren’t scrambling to find documents or fix deferred maintenance. They weren’t blindsided by financing terms they’d forgotten about. They had a plan — and the market rewarded them for it.

On the other hand, I’ve seen owners who waited too long. They listed before the property was truly ready. They rushed to clean up financials. They tried to fix years of operational neglect in a matter of weeks. And the market punished them for it.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not ready to sell yet,” that’s exactly why you should start preparing now. The best exits begin long before the listing agreement is signed.

Here’s what you can start doing today:

• Take a hard look at your property as if you were the buyer.
  Walk it with fresh eyes. What would concern you? What would excite you? What would make you hesitate?
• Start assembling your documentation now.
  Even if you’re years away from selling, begin organizing leases, service contracts, maintenance logs, and financials. Buyers pay premiums for clarity.
• Identify the “unknowns” that could spook a buyer.
  If you don’t know the age of your roof or HVAC units, find out. If you’ve been meaning to update your lease forms, do it.
• Think about your story.
  Buyers want to know why you’re selling. Start shaping that narrative now — one that reflects strength, not fatigue.

Preparing early isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s about positioning yourself to capture maximum value when the time comes. And trust me — the owners who start early always walk away with better outcomes.

This article is part of a continuing series prepared by Scott Edmond as a practical guide for owners of all types of investment property. The goal is simple: to share real‑world insights, proven strategies, and thoughtful preparation steps that help investors protect their assets, strengthen operations, and maximize value when the time comes to sell.