Autumn Advantage: How to Make the Most of the Fall Market

Fall Tips for Sellers.

As we step into the fall real estate season, here’s a word to the wise for sellers hoping to plant that big, shiny SOLD sign on the lawn before buyers retreat into their annual December-January hibernation: timing is everything, and the clock is ticking.

Pricing Strategy Needs to Be Strong From Day 1.

• The comparable data you use to price your home MUST be from September onward. Your home needs to have a list price that excites buyers and positions your property as the 'obvious choice' in the crowded market.

• Use your competition to sell YOUR home. When you hit the market, your home should be priced just below the last comparable house, and also slightly lower than your competition. Buyers want a home that gives them the ability to build equity, while also offering them great value in terms of features and benefits.

• Review the expired/terminated list. Make sure you go over the expired homes with your agent and learn from those sellers mistakes. Did the home need to much work? Was it poorly priced? Were the photos terrible? We need to avoid this list at all costs!

• Avoid pricing your home off of what your neighbor is asking for their house. Especially when their home is still on the market. If that home still hasn't sold and its been a few months, the buyers and the market have spoken and they have clearly rejected the seller's list price. If we price the same, we will suffer the same fate.

  
  

*Pro Tip: Their is a big difference between what someone is ASKING for their house, and a home that has actually sold. Buyers determine a homes value by making someone an offer. Better to have something on paper in front of us we can work with, than to end up empty handed.

Create A Compelling Narrative.

You need to sell the lifestyle of a home, not just features and dimensions.

• Once you determine who the ideal buyer is for your home, tailor your marketing to the specific lifestyle and needs of that unique buyer.

• Showcase functional spaces like a cozy morning coffee spot, playroom, or home office to help buyers pictures their daily routines while also highlighting the potential to create memories in the home with these versatile spaces.

• Focus on experiences, instead of room sizes and wall colours. Phrases like, 'the perfect space for family gatherings', or the 'backyard that will entertain the entire family all summer', are far more impactful to a buyer than simply stating the size of the deck or kitchen.

• Set the stage for buyers by arranging the furniture and adding accessories like a cozy throw, or wine glasses to create a welcoming atmosphere and showcase the ability to entertain or relax in the home. Seasonal touches will really elevate your listing here, think natural elements like pumpkins and fresh flowers, avoid anything excessive or fake-looking.

Cozy fall living room decor.

*Pro Tip: By creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, sellers can forge an emotional connection that sways buyers and sets their home apart. Focus on how your home makes people feel, this will lead to a quicker more successful sale.

Don't Forget Curb Appeal and Outdoor Spaces.

• Make that first impression count by freshening up your front door paint, adding a season door mat, and decorating with fall mums or stacked pumpkins. A fall wreath is also a great option, nothing a little trip to Homesense cant provide!

• Don't forget to tidy the lawn, rake leaves, and tame unruly hedges in the gardens. We want to show pride of ownership, and emphasize to buyers that this home has been well loved, and well taken care of.

Don't stop at the front of the house, we need to make sure the backyard is also a big focal point.

Beautiful fall porch decor.

• Buyers right now all want a usable outdoor space so highlighting the potential for a cozy backyard experience is a really effective way to draw buyers in. Think firepits and comfy throws on outdoor furniture. Don't forget to add seasonal florals outside to really sell the whole experience.

• Adding outdoor lighting to brighten the outside as the days grow darker will also help create a warm and inviting ambiance. Focus on illuminating walkways, spotlighting beautiful trees or stonework, and ensuring exterior lights are left on for all showings.

*Pro Tip: Don't forget to highlight energy-saving features. Emphasize new insulation, updated windows, efficient heating systems, and luxurious fireplaces, which are particularly appealing to buyers as the cold weather approaches.

With the right strategy, a seasonal touch, and smart pricing, fall can be the perfect time to jump in and rake in those offers.

If your thinking about selling, reach out and lets chat about how I can help make your home the next big fall success story!

*Fun fact: I have a 100% List to SOLD success rate!

Backyard space with fire pit and a couple enjoying a cozy fire.