Top 5 Tips for Selling or Buying a Home in the FALL

Many believe Spring or Summer to be the best time of year to buy or sell a home, but we at the Linda Rea Team feel differently.  We can’t deny the spring market rush every year, but there are several factors to consider when putting your house on the market and determining which season will benefit you the most whether looking to buy or sell.  

TIP #1:

LESS COMPETITION

History has proven there are considerably more homes for sale during spring which means an increase in competition between sellers.  Listing a home during the fall season means less competition and a greater probability that buyers will look at YOUR house because of lower inventory, which allows you to stand out when your home appropriately marketed.  Less competition also allows the seller to get the maximum amount of money on median-priced homes.

TIP #2: 

IT’S EASIER TO MOVE UP

Lower priced homes are still moving very well, even into the fall season; however, when moving up into luxury listings, the average price ranges in this market typically lesson between October-March.  The fall offers perhaps the best opportunity for purchasing a new house for many buyers because homes that haven’t successfully sold during the summer months may have home owners who are more motivated to sell and negotiate pricing in your favor.  Meaning a house that would typically be priced outside of your budget might now be an option because the seller’s ultimate goal is to get their house SOLD! This is a WIN for buyers!

 TIP #3: 

BUYERS ARE MORE SERIOUS

Buyers in the fall tend to be more serious than your spring/summer buyers.  Fall buyers are usually looking for a new home with a purpose. It could be that a new job is bringing them to the area, possibly a new addition to their family created a need for more space, or just wanting to move before the holidays or winter weather. Whatever the reason, if your home is represented well by an experienced agent, selling your house in the fall won’t be an issue!

TIP #4:

EMBRACE THE FALL SEASON 

Sellers need to embrace the fall season through staging their home and bringing fall inside.  Our team has years of experience in staging houses. We also work with professional stagers you can personally hire to help get your home sale ready.  Michigan falls consist of vibrant jewel tones, apple orchards, pumpkin patches and cider mill visits.  Adding a few touches to your home that elicit the fall season will bring warmth to your space and make visitors feel welcome.  Consider baking fresh pumpkin muffins or lighting a fall scented candle before showings so not only will your home look like fall but carry the scents of the season throughout.

TIP #5:

CURB APPEAL 

Clearing the clutter around the exterior (and interior) is key when listing your home.  Fall offers one of the best seasons to list your home from a décor standpoint.  A small budget will afford you pumpkins, gourds, a fall wreath, and a few beautifully potted mums to set the stage for a warm welcome to your home.  We offer professional photographs that will highlight curb appeal to online buyers.  Approximately 88% of homebuyers begin the home buying process on the internet so crisp, clean photography is a must.  You want to draw the buyer into each photograph as though they are standing on your front porch waiting for a tour, but from the comfort of their own sofa.  Lastly, don’t detour buyers by overdoing the outdoor décor.  Keep it simple, yet beautiful!

With over 100 years of combined experience, our team of real estate experts are ready to help you buy or sell a home this fall.  We offer custom marketing plans unique to each client and their needs.  Contact us today for a private consultation.