As fall approaches, the real estate market stays competitive, making it essential to prepare your home for sale. With buyers eager to secure their dream property before the holidays, making your home stand out can have a big impact. Learn how a few strategic updates can set your home apart this season!
While spring is often seen as the prime time to sell, fall is actually a fantastic season to list your home. Here’s why:
1. There are typically fewer listings than in spring, helping your home stand out.2. Late summer and early fall offer great weather for sprucing up your home, unlike the muddy mess of late winter and early spring.3. Buyers are often more serious, wanting to move before the snow arrives—like people relocating for work or empty-nesters downsizing after their kids head off to school.
September and October are usually busy months in real estate. While you may face some competition, you also get more visibility as buyers start looking again after the summer.
September and October are usually busy months in real estate. While you may face some competition, you also get more visibility as buyers start looking again after the summer.
Make a Great First Impression
When you decide to sell, work with your REALTOR® to create a plan to showcase your home at its best. If you’ve been putting off small projects like fixing door knobs, repairing a step, or freshening up the paint, now’s the perfect time to tackle them.
To brighten up the shorter days of fall, clean your windows, add accent lamps to darker corners, and open curtains during showings to let in as much light as possible. Consider adding seasonal touches to your decor, such as a fall wreath on the front door or warm-toned throw pillows and blankets. For showings, create a cozy atmosphere by turning on your fireplace or baking something seasonal like pumpkin pie. However, check with your REALTOR® before staging to avoid overwhelming buyers.
To brighten up the shorter days of fall, clean your windows, add accent lamps to darker corners, and open curtains during showings to let in as much light as possible. Consider adding seasonal touches to your decor, such as a fall wreath on the front door or warm-toned throw pillows and blankets. For showings, create a cozy atmosphere by turning on your fireplace or baking something seasonal like pumpkin pie. However, check with your REALTOR® before staging to avoid overwhelming buyers.
Keep Up With Cleaning and Maintenance
Falling leaves are beautiful but can quickly make your yard look messy. Make sure to clear them and check for any mud or dirt being tracked indoors before showings. Don’t forget to spruce up your outdoor space—remove dead plants and keep your garden tidy. If you’re listing later in the fall, add some decorative outdoor plants like ornamental cabbage or black-eyed Susan's for extra curb appeal.
Also, ensure your home is ready for cooler weather. Since furnaces often sit unused over the summer, fall is the perfect time to have your HVAC system inspected so you don’t encounter any issues before showings.
Also, ensure your home is ready for cooler weather. Since furnaces often sit unused over the summer, fall is the perfect time to have your HVAC system inspected so you don’t encounter any issues before showings.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Modern technology offers incredible tools for selling a home, like virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs, and remote showings. Your REALTOR® can guide you in using these technologies to reach potential buyers.
If you’re selling in fall, consider taking outdoor photos before the colder weather and snow set in. Even if your home isn’t quite ready inside, capturing it in its summer best can be a great advantage. While taking your own photos is an option, it’s often better to have your REALTOR® arrange a professional photographer. Drone photography can also showcase impressive backyards and outdoor spaces.
If you’re selling in fall, consider taking outdoor photos before the colder weather and snow set in. Even if your home isn’t quite ready inside, capturing it in its summer best can be a great advantage. While taking your own photos is an option, it’s often better to have your REALTOR® arrange a professional photographer. Drone photography can also showcase impressive backyards and outdoor spaces.
Stay Informed
With fewer buyers in the fall, staying informed is essential. Have your REALTOR® research comparable listings in your area, monitor the local market trends, and understand what buyers are currently looking for.
The real estate market can change quickly, so being adaptable is key. What works today may not be as effective tomorrow, and it’s important to be flexible with your strategies, pricing, and timing. Listen to your REALTOR®’s advice and adjust as needed—they’ll provide the insights you need to make the most of the market and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
The real estate market can change quickly, so being adaptable is key. What works today may not be as effective tomorrow, and it’s important to be flexible with your strategies, pricing, and timing. Listen to your REALTOR®’s advice and adjust as needed—they’ll provide the insights you need to make the most of the market and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.