You want to list your home but you’re having second thoughts. It’s fall, a busy time for everyone – back to school, back to work, back to routines – and the holidays are just around the corner. Even though the housing market is still solid, you’re thinking maybe you should hold off. 

Don’t. Here’s why: selling a home in the fall can often be done more quickly and easily than in the spring or summer. As a seller, you just have to be prepared for a few things and make some adjustments accordingly.

What To Expect

For starters, buyers are often more motivated in the fall because they’d ideally like to be in their new home by the holidays. That means smaller windows for showing, closing and moving. This also serves as motivation for real estate agents who will focus their efforts on those buyers that are serious about purchasing. 

As a general rule, housing inventory tends to dip in the fall but that can work in your favour. Why? Less inventory means less competition. Conversely, it’s a good idea not to expect bidding wars as fewer buyers translates into fewer offers. (But as noted above, those offers are coming from people who are often more intent in their buying efforts.)  

You’ll also have to work a little harder to make your home more appealing and attractive to potential buyers. Once those glorious fall colours are gone, Lower Mainland weather can sometimes be deterrents for those looking to check out prospective homes. . 

Schedules will need to be carefully coordinated as well. With back to school, that usually means back to other activities too. It’s a good idea to prepare family members to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice and/or let your agent know when you’ll be out for games, tournaments or other events so they can work within these timeframes for showings or open houses. 

Get Your Home Ready

There are a number of things you can do before you list your home. For starters, give your house a good cleaning inside and out. If you’re strapped for time and if your budget allows, hire a cleaning service. You can also look at how to stage your home. 

Make the most of natural light by ensuring the windows are spotless – inside and out. Get rid of excess items: people want to be able to picture their own things in certain places so the less clutter there is, the better.

Make sure the yard is cleaned up: rake the leaves, remove debris and, if needed, trim hedges and dead shrubbery, particularly around windows and doors. Consider adding some colorful fall foliage or planters to entryways. Hardy plants like marigolds, chrysanthemums and pansies can withstand lower temperatures while adding a pop of colour, a touch of charm and some curb appeal.

With the cooler temperatures just around the corner, this is also a prime opportunity for you to highlight your home’s energy efficiencies. You can even go one step further by including an Energy Star rating. Buyers will be looking out for things like smart thermostats, energy efficient windows and furnaces, attic insulation, tankless water heaters and recently cleaned ducts and vents. 

With a bit of careful planning and by taking care of some extra details, you can have your home ready to sell this fall. You never know what interested buyers might be looking for.