Both of these sayings, amongst others, are common in the real estate world. We believe that the best time to buy or sell is simply determined by what works best for you. Your goals, your family, your work, your financial standing, and any other unique circumstances must be considered at the forefront of your decision making process.

However, cyclical patterns are also common in real estate, and certain times of the year are accompanied by different factors that must be considered if you’re looking to make your move. Particularly, the Fall market is a time where numerous homeowners contemplate whether to put their houses on the market now, or await the Spring season, which is the traditionally popular choice. But, although the Summer is approaching its end, the Fall season can actually be a fantastic time to sell your home. If you decide that you want to sell this Fall, it’s important to note what it takes to get it done, and some of the pros and cons. 

Less Competition

In the busy Spring market, it can be difficult to make your property stand out from the crowd. The Fall is typically a bit quieter when it comes to inventory levels, so there is a great opportunity to showcase your home amongst less competition.

More Serious Buyers

As the holiday season approaches, prospective buyers who intend to relocate during the autumn months will likely exhibit greater determination compared to those who might have been casually browsing in the Spring and Summer. Buyers will aim to conclude their home search by November, allowing them to enjoy their festivities without the added pressure of house hunting.

Individuals who were merely window-shopping during the Spring and Summer months are also likely to have refined their preferences. After viewing various condos or houses, they will have a more clear idea of their requirements. They'll be prepared to take action if your property aligns with what they’re looking for.

Fall Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can be a critical factor in attracting buyers to your home. Gorgeous Fall colours and decor provide an excellent opportunity to capture attention using visual appeal, and creating a cozy, homey atmosphere for buyers to fall in love with. Utilize this time to your advantage by maintaining a pristine and well-manicured lawn, trimming shrubs, and incorporating autumnal touches like Fall flowers for a fresh and inviting look.

The crisp Fall climate offers an ideal window for completing DIY projects, refreshing window coverings and garage doors with new paint, refinishing decks, and reconditioning driveways. Elevate the appearance of your front entrance by applying a new coat of paint to the door, upgrading outdated locks and handles, replacing worn-out fixtures, and enhancing illumination on the front porch and yard.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Home maintenance is a year-round responsibility of being a homeowner, but there are a few season-specific tasks that should be completed prior to listing your home, if selling in the Fall. 

Since your furnace is not run very often through the Summer months, and is run often during the Winter months, the Fall is a perfect chance to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Heating and cooling professionals recommend that you have your HVAC checked once per year.

Furnace issues are a common find during home inspections, and often times a buyer will request to have the furnace inspected and cleaned prior to closing. Being one step ahead of the game and doing so preventatively, can help with a quicker, smoother closing.

Preparing the Home for Showings

Normal preparation tasks such as decluttering are crucial no matter the time of year, but similarly to curb appeal, the Fall provides a great chance to make your home inviting and comfortable for viewers.

A major key to a good showing is making sure your home smells appealing. Consider doing some baking or using some lightly scented seasonal candles. Since you’re selling in the Fall, the smell of fresh apple or pumpkin pie is sure to warm the hearts of your prospective buyers and create a cozy atmosphere. 

Another tip to prepare your home for showings in the Fall, is to make sure all the lights are on in your home. Since it gets darker earlier in the Fall, it’s more likely your home will be shown when it is dark outside.  Having all of the lights on for showings will help make your home appear bigger. Without doing this, your property may appear dark, small, and uninviting.

In summary, the Fall season presents many opportunities for a positive selling experience. Be sure to consult one of our talented agents for more tips on the Fall market, and to get your journey started.