Article
From Prepped to Sold: What Sets Top Jet Sellers Apart in 2025
There’s a persistent myth when selling your private jet.
If you time the market just right, you’ll walk away with hundreds of thousands more from an aircraft sale.
But here’s the truth.
You can’t reliably outguess the market.
Jet markets shift fast—driven by inventory levels, interest rates, tax law changes and even geopolitical events.
There’s no crystal ball. What you can control is your readiness.
The top jet sellers aren’t the ones who time the peak of the market. They’re the ones who prepare for opportunity.
6 Ways to Prepare Your Jet to Sell in 2025
1. Organize Records Early
Don’t wait for a buyer to ask for documents.
Maintenance logbooks should be complete and organized, with a system for retaining and storing 8130 forms.
Clean, organized records often make or break deals.
2. Know Your Jet’s Market Position
Before listing, take stock of how the aircraft stacks up in the current market:
- Is demand strong for your make and model?
- How does your jet compare when it comes to total time, engine program, paint/interior condition and avionics?
- Have you made upgrades, investments or maintenance that add value?
You don’t need to be an expert—that’s your broker’s job.
But the more you know, the faster and smarter you can act.
3. Fix the Obvious Stuff
Buyers don’t expect a 10-year-old jet to be flawless, but details matter.
Stained seats, worn carpet, or scuffed cabinetry send the wrong message.
As a seller, you can instantly improve your aircraft’s appeal with just a few steps.
A deep clean, polished brightwork and the removal of personal or non-essential items can instantly improve your aircraft’s appeal, both in person and in listing photos.
Addressing these small issues early protects your price later.
4. Preempt the Pre-Buy Surprises
Even though the buyer typically selects the facility for the prebuy inspection, it pays to get ahead.
To catch issues before they become dealbreakers, consider:
- Aligning the sale with a scheduled maintenance event.
- Completing your own prebuy inspection.
- Staying current on all service bulletins, airworthiness directives and scheduled maintenance.
A turn-key aircraft gives you leverage when selling your private jet.
5. Stop Chasing the Calendar
While some sellers wait for seasonal highs like Q4, they risk listing at the same time as everyone else.
When inventory swells, your jet has to fight harder for attention.
And if it’s not fully prepped, it may get passed over entirely.
6. Talk to a Broker—Early
You don’t have to be ready to sell to call a broker. But you can absolutely benefit from building a relationship.
Engaging early gives you market insight, pricing guidance and a go-to-market strategy.
Think of it as a preseason warm-up. The earlier you start, the better the outcome.
Bottom line: Preparation Beats Prediction
Trying to hit the absolute market peak is a gamble.
But preparing your aircraft the right way?
That’s a proven strategy.
When your jet is clean, documented, priced right and positioned to impress, it will attract serious buyers—regardless of market timing.
Success doesn’t come from guessing the moment. It comes from being ready when the moment arrives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As Senior Sales Director at The Jet Agent, Jon Gilbert, C.M., makes buying and selling jet planes seamless.
A trusted advisor, he guides buyers to the perfect aircraft for their needs while crafting smart strategies that help sellers maximize their returns.
Our clients love Jon’s ability to optimize results. He listens carefully, uncovers what they truly need and delivers tailored solutions—even when they don’t know all the questions to ask!
For Jon, relationships come first. “I take bits of information, piece them together, and craft outcomes that fit each client perfectly,” he says.
His aviation career spans over 20 years. Before joining The Jet Agent, Jon served as President and Director of Sales for Jet Linx, managing a fleet of aircraft. He also led the aviation divisions at two prominent engineering firms.
As a commercial pilot with 2,000+ flight hours under his belt, Jon’s hands-on experience in the flight deck—flying a variety of aircraft, including Citations—adds a unique edge to his aviation expertise.
Jon earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management from the University of North Dakota. He’s an AAAE Certified Member and serves on its General Aviation Committee. He’s also a corporate member of the National Business Aviation Association, Citation Jet Pilots Association, National Aircraft Finance Association and Colorado Business Aviation Association.
ABOUT THE JET AGENT
The Jet Agent helps clients navigate the complex world of jet acquisitions and sales with confidence. The Jet Agent is in the top 5% of aircraft brokers worldwide by transaction volume and ranks as the #1 seller of Citation M2s and CJ3s. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with offices in Denver, Dallas and Sacramento, The Jet Agent is dedicated to elevating the aircraft brokerage experience with expert guidance and concierge-level service.
