There are so many questions to ask when you’re selling your home. The one that may be at the top of your mind right now is whether or not it’s a good time. While most people tend to think that spring is the ideal season to put your home up for sale, that isn’t true for everyone. In fact, fall can be an excellent time to list your house. Here are some of the reasons why fall is a good time to sell.
Fewer sellers
Now that the school year is in full swing, there are fewer homes on the market. Families with children will often have their big move coincide with the school year to make the transition easier on the kids. By September, most of those homes have closed. If you’re putting your home on the market now, you’ll have less competition to worry about. This can really work in your favor when negotiating. It can also be a great asset if you’re hoping to close before the end of the year.
Motivated buyers
Remember – people buy and sell homes every day of the year. Not all buyers limit their search to the warm spring and summer months. In fact, the buyers you’ll encounter right now tend to be more motivated. While less serious buyers may decide to postpone their search until next year, those who are eager to buy are still looking. That means that even if you’re scheduling fewer showings, the potential buyers who are attending them are more serious.
Shorter sales process
As mentioned above, listing your home now can result in a quicker sales process. Since there are generally more transactions happening in the spring in the summer, that can slow down the timeline. However, in the fall, all the professionals you rely on to complete the process aren’t as busy. Your loan can be processed more quickly, the inspection can happen sooner, and you can get to the closing table in a shorter amount of time.
Great atmosphere
Is there anything more comforting than a warm and cozy house on a cold and rainy afternoon? Of course there isn’t! That’s why it can be such an advantage to sell your home during the fall. This is a great time for staging. Now is the time to play up all your home’s features and show potential buyers how wonderful it will be to live there. Add some seasonal décor to the front porch, including potted mums and an autumnal wreath. If you have a fireplace, use it during your showings. Entice visitors with delicious autumn treats, like hot apple cider or pumpkin bread. Have a pot of simmering potpourri on the stove to infuse the house with that wonderful fall scent. Add some decorative touches inside, such as cozy throw blankets and pillows. Buyers will have an easy time imagining themselves in the house when you demonstrate just how inviting it can be.
If you’re on the fence about listing in the fall, then know that now is a great time! There are many benefits to selling during this season, and a trusted real estate agent can help you through the process step by step.
