Believe it or not, in real estate, the hustle of Fall is already upon us. There is a misconception that heading into the cooler months is the wrong time to sell your home. FALSE! Let’s put to rest those silly rumours and reap the rewards of selling in Fall.

Your home is no longer right for you or your family’s needs. Don’t waste another season in the wrong house! Buyers are out in full force trying to take advantage of the unfounded Fall panic. Plus! With the recent shift in the market, it has taken some buyers longer than expected to get their act together and now they are ready to BUY (perhaps more urgently than in the Spring!). It’s crucial for you to get your home ready now so that you can take advantage of buyers who are still looking to buy after missing out in the Spring and Summer months.

So, how to prepare?! From an aesthetics point of view, staging can be very important in Fall and Winter months. Adding the right pop in the right place will provide all the curb appeal of a home listed in the colder months.

Here are just a few easy, inexpensive steps you can take now to prepare your home for the Fall market:

Start Packing
It may seem silly to start packing up your belongings before you even put your house on the market, however, it will help to make your life much easier in the long run. One of the most important parts of staging your home for a successful sale is to de-clutter and depersonalize so home buyers can envision themselves in the space. You also want your home to look as spacious as possible. By packing up articles that you don’t use every day, it will help you keep your home neat and tidy for showings & lessen the stress of packing come moving day. So pack up that kayak and all the summertime gear that you aren’t going to use until next year!

Pay Attention to Curb Appeal
Potential home buyers can make up their minds on a home within moments. Poor curb appeal could mean the difference between a buyer falling in love or continuing their search. Even when the trees are losing their leaves, simple touches like keeping your front porch, driveway and walkways tidy will influence first impressions. Ensuring that your lawn is well-maintained and that all Fall debris like fallen leaves, are raked up, is just as important. If you don’t have the time and want a professional to help you with it, we know a very reputable lawn mowing and lawn care company that can get help you get the job done well and quickly!.

Adding a pop of Fall colour with mums or wreaths can warm a front entrance and make the space inviting. Painting your front door or adding new door hardware can also help make a good first impression on the buyer while they are waiting for their agent to retrieve keys from the lockbox.

Clean like your sale depends on it!
You want your home to be spotless from top to bottom for every showing and open house. A messy house can give buyers the impression that the house has not been well-maintained and cared for. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to give your home a good cleaning – it’s relatively inexpensive and will save you the hassle so that you can concentrate on decluttering instead.

The most important step in preparing for a successful Fall sale is to find the perfect realtor. Bottom line is, there is never a bad time to sell if you list with the right REALTOR. Find someone that believes in your home’s worth and who will maximize the value of your most important asset! If you are not sure whether it’s a wise decision to sell your home at this time, speak to a financial advisor or financial planner. They will understand your financial goals and your financial situation, can help you do the math and see if now’s a good time to sell!