January Homeowner Checklist: Top Six Things to Do at the Start of the Year
The beginning of a new year is an ideal time for Marin County homeowners to reset, get organized, and plan ahead. January offers a natural opportunity to evaluate your home’s value, stay ahead of maintenance, and make thoughtful financial decisions that support both your lifestyle and long-term investment.
Whether you’re planning to stay put or thinking about selling in the future, these January homeowner tips can help protect your investment and give you clarity moving forward.
January 2026
1. Review Your Home’s Value and Equity
One of the most important things homeowners should do at the start of the year is review their home’s current market value. Even if you’re not planning to sell, understanding how much equity you’ve built can help guide future decisions—from renovations to refinancing to long-term financial planning.
The Marin real estate market can shift significantly from year to year, influenced by inventory levels, interest rates, and buyer demand across different neighborhoods. January is a smart time for a low-pressure market check-in—simply to stay informed.
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2. Create a Home Maintenance Plan for the Year
A proactive home maintenance plan is especially important in Marin County, where seasonal rain, hillside properties, and coastal conditions can impact homes differently than in other areas.
Your annual home maintenance checklist may include:
· Roof and gutter inspections before and during rainy months
· Drainage and slope checks, particularly for hillside homes
· Servicing heating systems during cooler winter weather
· Chimney and fireplace inspections
· Planning exterior projects for spring and summer
Addressing these items early helps prevent costly issues and keeps your home well cared for year-round.
3. Review Home Insurance and Property Taxes
Home values in Marin County often change faster than insurance coverage keeps up. January is an excellent time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy and confirm that coverage reflects your home’s current value, recent upgrades, and replacement costs.
It’s also wise to review your property tax assessment and any applicable exemptions. Catching discrepancies early can help avoid surprises later in the year and ensure everything is properly aligned.
4. Evaluate Whether Your Home Still Fits Your Lifestyle
The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on how well your home supports your current lifestyle. What worked a few years ago may not align with how you live today.
January is a great moment to consider questions like:
Does your home still meet your space needs?
Has your commute, work-from-home setup, or family dynamic changed?
Are you using all the rooms effectively?
Does your location still support your day-to-day priorities?
This kind of evaluation isn’t about making an immediate move—it’s about clarity. Understanding whether your home still fits your life helps guide future decisions, whether that means reconfiguring your space, planning upgrades, or exploring new options down the line.
If you’re feeling "just curious" about what options might look like—whether that’s a different neighborhood, a better layout, or simply understanding what your home could be worth in today’s Marin County market—we’re always happy to have a zero-pressure conversation.
5. Organize Important Home Documents
January is the perfect time to gather and organize important home-related documents. Having everything in one place saves time and reduces stress when questions arise.
Documents to organize include:
Purchase paperwork and disclosures
Renovation receipts and permits
Warranties and appliance manuals
Service and repair records
Well-organized records are valuable for homeowners now and can be a major advantage when you sell in the future. Be sure to store these documents in a safe location, such as a fire-proof safe or a safety deposit box.
6. Set a Realistic Home Budget for the Year
Finally, start the year by setting a realistic home budget. Beyond your mortgage, it’s important to plan for the full cost of homeownership.
Your annual home budget should account for:
Routine maintenance and repairs
Insurance and property taxes
Utilities and energy costs
Planned upgrades or improvements
A clear budget allows you to plan proactively and avoid reactive decisions throughout the year.
Start the Year Strong as a Homeowner
January is more than a fresh start—it’s a chance to be intentional about your home and your investment. By reviewing your home’s value, planning for maintenance, organizing key documents, and reassessing your lifestyle needs, you set yourself up for a confident year ahead.
For all your questions about Marin County home values, neighborhood trends, or long-term planning, we’re here to be a strategic asset in every decision ahead.
