The fall real estate market is not known as the most popular time to sell your home, but it is still a hot season. During the fall homebuyers are eager to settle in their new home before the holidays and winter weather hit. The housing inventory is also lower during the fall months. If you have been thinking about selling your home but are putting it off until the spring, there is no need. Use the fall ambiance and low competition to your advantage. If you do decide to sell your home in New England, follow this guide to get your home ready for the market.
Curb Appeal
As in any season, you want your home to make a great impression, and what better time than the fall to use the beautiful foliage to your advantage? Rake up the leaves and debris from your lawn, cut away summer vines, and trim branches and bushes to let more light into your home.
Create the perfect fall curb appeal with beautiful autumn flowers like chrysanthemums (or mums) or marigolds. Plant them in neutral-colored pots and place them on the steps or along the sidewalk with some pumpkins and squash.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
Spend time on your basic home maintenance. Deferred home maintenance is one reason why buyers are scared away from a home. Make sure your home is ready for buyers to move in this fall/winter, use this to-do list as a guide.
- Check that your windows are clean and sealed for drafts. This is most noticeable on a chilly fall day and potential buyers will have this on their mind as they walk through your home.
- Make sure to have your HVAC system checked before you need to turn on your heater, buyers almost always have the home inspector check this out.
- The smell of a woodburning fireplace will make your home feel cozy, make sure to have your fireplace vacuumed and washed.
- Clean out the gutters and flush them with water to prevent ice from accumulating and causing damage.
- Repair cracks in your driveway. Untreated cracks will grow during the cooler months, this also will approve your curb appeal.
Fall Staging Tips
When staging your home it is always important to appeal to the senses, and what better season to do this than fall? Start with brightening up your home by turning on all of the lights and adding a few light fixtures where needed. This not only will make the rooms look larger but will also create a welcoming glow for buyers as they pull up to your home.
Fall scents are, in my opinion, the best scents for a home. Set out freshly baked pumpkin cupcakes or simmer some apple cider and cinnamon on the stove. If you aren’t the best baker, buy store-bought fall treats and light a candle or two. Set the mood with a cozy fall playlist of Frank Sinatra or a fall piano medley.
Do not go overboard with your fall decor. Opt for fall accent colors instead of cheesy pumpkin decor. Toss a quilt over the couch or chair and add some orange, yellow, or red pillows. Copper and amber-colored accents are trending this fall, add a few pieces around the house with some dried foliage.
Fall can be the perfect time to sell your New England home if you work with the right real estate agent. If you are ready to sell or purchase a home before the holiday season begins, contact me today. The leaves are starting to fall so do not wait to get started.
