Real Estate - Selling your house in the fall - By Carrie Colby

Although the real estate business tends to slow down in the fall, the season still can be an attractive time to put a home on the market. If you want to sell your house in the next few months, it can be done.

The inventory of houses for sale is lower and market is less competitive. Potential buyers such as empty nesters or younger couples who aren’t worried about moving after the school year has started will compete for fewer homes. They may want to get into a home before the holiday season kicks into high gear.

Make your home more attractive in autumn, so you can sell your house before winter comes.

You’ll want to do everything you can to make your house look its best. Make sure your yard, walkways and gutters are free of leaves and debris. If it is rainy, be sure you have a good doormat so visitors can wipe their feet and not traipse mud and water through the house. Wash decks and wipe down windows so they sparkle instead of appear streaked by rain. Clean the fireplace, especially if it hasn’t been used in months and place some nice looking logs in it.  Above all, make sure your doorway and the rest of the house is clear from knick knacks, bicycles and toys that make your home appear cluttered.

If your house’s exterior looks drab, you may want to consider painting it a warm color, planting seasonal flowers, or placing pumpkins strategically along your walkway to accent your home’s appeal with instant color.

Potential buyers will make an instant judgment when they see your home, and you want to be sure it’s positive.

While you don’t want to go overboard with fall decorations that detract from the home itself, a few displays like a festive front-door wreath—and lighting so people can clearly see the path to your front door—can make your home feel fresh, even in the fall.

Keep your house cozy. Entering a cold house could leave an unfavorable impression. So warm up your home with a fresh coat of paint and set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Another way to warm up a home is with light, especially as days get shorter leading into winter. Be sure to open blinds and curtains so plenty of light illuminates the home’s interior.

While you don’t want your home to look overly done, well-chosen decorations give potential buyers the impression you’ve paid attention to the fine details. Take care of any problems with the home will help you put your best face forward.

And remember, there’s nothing wrong with freshening the air with the comforting aroma of a freshly-baked, apple or pumpkin pie or a spicy candle to leave a lasting impression of your home.

Carrie Colby

Broker/Owner

Premier Properties