Strategic Home Preparation is Delivering Large Returns for Sellers Nationwide, HOMEstretch Data Shows

National Franchise Consistently Multiplies Homeowners Investment and Lowers Time on Market

CINCINNATI, OH. // FranchisePR.com // July 13, 2026 — HOMEstretch, a pioneer in the emerging home preparation industry, is seeing sellers across the country garner dramatic returns on relatively modest investments in pre-sale updates. The U.S. housing market continues to reward move-in-ready homes and with HOMEstretch services spanning painting, flooring, landscaping, and home clear outs, the company sees firsthand how small, strategic updates can dramatically shift buyer perception and increase return on investment.

In one recent example, after just seven days of strategic improvements a property’s value increased from an ‘as Is’ list price of $450,000 to a final list price of $625,000. The project generated a 17x return on the home preparation investment, demonstrating the significant impact of targeted, high-value enhancements.

“What we see every day is that focused updates can dramatically change how a home shows, without the cost or timeline of a full-scale renovation,” said Derek Shewmon co-founder at HOMEstretch. “The testimonials we get from clients shows how efficient we work to getting homes market-ready and how effective we are at helping sellers realize more of their home’s value”.

Drawing on thousands of projects across more than 85 markets, HOMEstretch has identified consistent patterns in what shapes buyer impressions within seconds of entering a home. The franchise uses those insights to build a customized preparation plan for each client based on the home’s current condition, the seller’s budget, and local market research.

With an estimated 4.06 million to 4.24 million existing homes sold in the U.S. in 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors, the demand for professional home preparation services remains both substantial and steadily growing. As inventory levels shift and buyers grow more selective, sellers and their agents are increasingly turning to home preparation as a way to stand out and to capture value that might otherwise be left on the table in an “as is” sale.

“Home preparation is quickly becoming an essential tool for sellers, not an optional extra,” Shewmon added. “The data we’re seeing across our markets shows that when it’s done right, it’s one of the highest-return investments a seller can make before listing.”

Beyond the financial return, HOMEstretch points to time savings as one of the most consistent benefits sellers cite. Because the company’s approach targets high-impact updates rather than structural renovation, most projects are completed in a matter of days to a couple of weeks, not months. That shorter runway means homes reach the market faster, and prepared listings tend to attract offers and close more quickly than comparable “as-is” homes.

“Sellers aren’t signing up to live next to a construction site for months,” Shewmon said. “Our projects are designed to move fast and stay focused, so homeowners get the benefit of a refreshed, market-ready home without the disruption or timeline of a full renovation. Less time on the market is money in a seller’s pocket, too.”

As the real estate market continues to evolve, professional home preparation is becoming an essential tool for sellers. HOMEstretch helps sellers create exceptional first impressions that maximize their home’s value.

For more information please visit, https://www.home-stretch.com.

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About HOMEstretch
Founded in 2019 and franchising since 2023, HOMEstretch is a leading name in the home preparation industry, known for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. With 85+ locations across North America, HOMEstretch offers home clear-outs, interior and exterior painting, flooring installation, landscape clean-up, and move-out cleans. This all-in-one service model simplifies the home preparation process for homeowners and realtors and helps homes list faster. For more information, please visit https://www.home-stretch.com.

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Liam Johnson| Franchise Elevator | ljohnson@franchiseelevator.com