If you and your family are ready to make a meaningful move, Fall is a great time to do so. There are beautiful ways to stage your home for the season, and opportunities to find eager buyers who want to close before winter arrives. When you are preparing to sell in the Fall, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Our experts share their perspectives on tips for selling your home in the Fall…
Focus on Warmth
When a potential buyer comes into your home, you want them to feel cozy and welcomed. To achieve this, ensure that your HVAC system is running properly in advance of listing. If your system has not been serviced for some time, this is an opportunity to have a professional out to make sure that your heating system is running well and take care of any necessary repairs. You’ll want heat to be flowing consistently throughout the home, and have the HVAC unit itself running efficiently and quietly. Set a reminder to replace your furnace filter monthly, to keep your indoor air as fresh and dust-free as possible.
Emphasize Fall Décor
As you are staging your home both inside and outside, consider the décor you are using. Fall is a wonderful time to select seasonal pieces that are attractive and welcoming. Outside, considering decorating your front door with a wreath made from fall leaves or pine cones. You can also add pumpkins and potted mums to your porch or front steps. You’ll want to keep it simple and inviting, as curb appeal plays a significant role in the home selling process.
Inside your home, include the warmth of Fall colors in your living spaces such as a cozy throw on your couch, or a decorative centerpiece on your kitchen table. Prospective home buyers like seeing how a home can look in different seasons, so showcasing Fall at this time can be advantageous in the process.
Keep the Lights On
As it slowly gets darker earlier in the Fall, remember to maximize light as much as possible. Retract blinds and widen curtains so there is minimal window coverage and plenty of space to showcase natural light. Find the right bulbs for your home as well, especially those that you feel bring the most flattering hue to your space. For example, a bathroom typically looks best with daylight bulbs (5,000 – 6,500K), while living spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms look better with a soft white bulb (2,700K.)
Deep Clean Often Forgotten Areas
Cleaning and staging is a standard process in home selling, but we often see a few areas that are overlooked during deep cleaning. Remember to clean inside the cabinets beneath your sinks, as prospective buyers typically like to look under sinks to inspect plumbing. Too, scrub showerheads to make them look new. They can get covered in water residue that makes them appear dingy and dirty. Finally, dust ceiling fan blades so there are no lingering traces of dust, especially if you will be running the fans during showings. Taking the time to clean these extra little spaces can make all the difference for a home buyer.
Spruce Up the Yard
As we’ve mentioned, curb appeal is critical when selling your home in the Fall. Beyond décor, it is also important to keep the yard well maintained throughout the selling process, as last-minute showings can be requested. Maintenance can include raking up leaves and debris from the yard, cutting back bushes and tree limbs, and removing any dead flowers from the spring and summer seasons. Keeping the yard clean will allow prospective buyers to instead focus on the warmth and coziness of the outside and inside of your home, and better appreciate your thoughtful Fall décor!
If you are ready to make a meaningful move, our team at The Mike McCurry Group is ready to support you. Learn about our approach to selling your home, and how you can interview Mike to learn more about his process. When you’re ready to get started, contact us!