How often have you heard, "Oh, you don't want to sell your house in the Fall. You better wait for Spring..." or "No one should sell a home in the Fall".

While it's true that the springtime is historically a more popular time for people to be involved in a real estate transaction, it certainly doesn't mean that you're at a disadvantage if you sell your home home in the Fall.

What you may not know about Fall buyers is they are extremly motivated than Spring & Summer buyers. There is typically less inventory & buyers have busier schedules.

Buyers in the Fall don't have the luxury of leisurely perusing housing options throughout the Spring and Summer. Instead, Fall buyers typically need to make decisions within a shorter timeframe make decisions quicker.

Tips

1. Curb Appeal is everything

Because buyers are moving quickly, don’t get disqualified in a drive-by by having dead plants and grass. Sprucen the outdoors with fall colored plants and fresh mulch.

2. Staging for the Seaon

Decorate for the seasonal holidays but don’t let that overpower your home. Buyers still need to see the great features of what your house has to offer.

It’s also a good time of the year to showcase your home’s “fall features” such as fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, and kitchens.

3. Don't Fight the Feedback

Don’t justify to yourself why their feedback isn’t valid or why the market doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, it’s a buyer that’s buying your home – not you. As difficult as it is, work to de-emotionalize yourself from the feedback process and don’t take the candid comments too personally. If you react quickly and appropriately to the concerns, then you’ll sell your home faster.

4. Price It Right

Buyers are buying, but they’re not willing to overpay for a home.

Price isn’t a  factor that buyers consider in looking at your home; it is still THE factor. Even the best marketing can’t overcome an overpriced home. If you’re not priced right, buyers will pass you by for a home that is.

Review the comps and get real about your expectations. Price your home to sell in line with where the market is now – not where the market was - even 30 days ago. Otherwise, be willing to sit it out and wait until prices rebound.

5. Price Reductions

Be prepared to align the price of your home to the market every 7-10 days depending on the feedback and showings. 

Rule of thumb regarding Showings

No Showings = Over Market

Showings & No Offers = Over Market