Tips for a Successful Fall Home Sale

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The month of July marks the middle of summer for those of us here in Hampton Roads. Family vacations, trips to the beach, drinks by the pool, and maybe a little home organization here and there.  If you plan to list your home in the coming months, keep in mind that fall is still a popular time of year for many types of home buyers including first time home buyers, retirees, and those who are relocating because of a new job or transfer. Mortgage rates are still low and with fewer houses on the market, your home may get more attention than other times of the year. 

There are a few things you may want to keep in mind to set you apart from the competition if you plan to list this fall. 

Focus on Curb Appeal - Keeping an attractive looking yard gets harder in the fall, but potential buyers are going to be focusing on the exterior of your house first.  If they don't like what they see, they will drive right by.  Keep your lawn manicured, your leaves picked up and children's toys out of sight.  Gutters and downspouts must be clean and powerwash areas that are exposed to dust or mildew.  Plant seasonal plants and keep your mulch fresh. 

Set the Right Price - With less inventory, buyers are going to be looking for bigger discounts.  Use a REALTOR® to help you price your home based on the current market and be prepared to negotiate the terms of an offer. 

Focus on Comfort - As the colder months get closer, everyone wants to be in a cozy home.  Adding some comfy touches like laying out your favorite blanket, decorating with (unlit) candles and setting up a table with coffee or fresh baked cookies will give potential buyers a warm feeling.  Make sure your rooms are clean and change your bedding.  Buyers will be looking at all of your rooms and your bedroom needs to appear as cozy as the rest of your house.

Brighten your House - Autumn brings shorter days and sunset can weigh down emotions so make sure you do what you can to brighten your home.  Have bright, warm light bulbs, and keep your shades open to let in whatever light you can.  Keep lamps on and keep clutter under control.  Open spaces appear way more bright than cluttered ones.

Make your House Move In Ready - The last thing that fall buyers want is a bunch of repairs or redecorating to do before the holidays.  When potential buyers visit your house, they will envision their own belongings in your space. Even if they don't have the same taste as you, knowing that they can move in with little to no work to do is a comforting feeling and will make your house more marketable. 

Overall, there are a lot of advantages to listing your house in the fall and by following a few simple steps, you may experience a quicker home sale during the autumn months.  Ultimately, effectively staging and pricing your home for the season and the local market is key, regardless of when you list. 

Some information in this blog post is courtesy of US News and World Report.

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