Real Estate: Should I sell my home this fall?

By Richie Vraux

Well, you have decided to sell your home, but now we are going into the fall season. Yes, you could have listed your home in the Spring/ Summer season and yes, you might have sold it quick, but life throws us curve balls; you get a job offer in another town and need to move, you need to downsize/ up-size due to family, a change in your families’ lives, a family member passes and you just need to move. There are a thousand reasons why the fall is still a good time to sell. Find a real estate broker that is experienced with selling in the different seasons and long enough to know the market is different by season.

First off, make sure the grounds are clear from fallen leaves and debris from plants or flowers that have gone by and are encroaching on your foot path. Those flowers were beautiful during the early spring and summer but now are wilting, turning brown and not so attractive anymore.

So, at this time of year you want bright colorful flowers to stand out and command your walkway. Pick the doorway you want to direct the flow of buyers through- That’s where to make the best example of showing your colors. Make sure you put away all your gardening tools, your lawn mowers, shovels, rakes, etc. are out of sight. Make sure your roof is cleared from branches, moss, acorns and whatever else those pesky varmints leave behind.

Make sure your chimney is swept (Call a chimney sweep to do it right).

Make sure it is wide open and cleaned of any and all creosote. Also – make sure you have a chimney cap that fits your chimney opening. It prevents snow, rain, and animals coming down your chimney to get into your nice warm house. Make sure your windows are functioning correctly and are sparkling clean. It makes a difference. Make sure you have your furnace serviced and cleaned. Make sure your burner has a service tag showing when and how the furnace has been maintained over the years.

Make sure your fireplace, pellet stove, wood burning stove has been cleaned and serviced as needed.

Before actual buyers show up to view your home, make sure it has the smells of fall; an apple pie and cinnamon- maybe the plug ins. Yankee Candle sells wonderful, scented plug ins giving you the smells appropriate with the season. Usually, these scents of the season will cover the remaining lingering, unpleasant smells. Make sure your lighting is adequate.

During showings you want to put all the lighting on. Bright is always better. Decorate for the many festive seasons coming up; Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Display colorful throws over your chair, couch. Make sure your home looks warm and cozy. Remember, a clean house always sells better.

The holiday season is coming upon us real soon. Use your holiday décor to promote the reason a buyer will buy your home over others listed on the market.

Remember, you only get one chance to make the best impression. Make sure it is not cluttered with stuff you don’t need now. You are moving so put it away. Make sure all your personal items are gone off the walls. These buyers want to take possession of your house in their mind, and with your personal stuff there – it is hard to imagine. Good luck with selling your home in the fall market. <

About the author: Richie Vraux is a partner with Maine’s Premier Team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate with locations in Windham and Gorham offices. If you need real estate advice, Call Richie at 207- 317-1297.