Getting Ready for the Fall Market

Fall is one of the busiest times of the year for home sales. If you are thinking of putting your home on the real estate market this fall, here are a few simple preparation suggestions that will help your home stand out from the competition.

Declutter & depersonalize your home. Before you start the showing process, make sure to declutter and organize your house. Toss or put things you don’t use in storage. While you’re at it, depersonalize your home. You want buyers to appreciate the details of your house and imagine themselves living there without being distracted by your family photos, trophies, knick-knacks, and souvenirs.

Buyers want homes to be move-in ready. Sellers should take care of small improvements and repairs before showing their home. Certain inexpensive improvements could boost the value of your home. These improvements include replacing burned out light bulbs, patching dented drywall, repainting rooms, washing and/or painting the exterior of the home, landscaping your yard, reinforcing gutters and fences, and giving the home a good clean.

Remove autumn leaves. Colorful autumn leaves are beautiful when hanging from the trees, but not so much when they bury your yard. Landscaping helps to sell a home, but may not be noticeable when hidden underneath the fallen leaves. Plus, a home that looks beautifully maintained on the outside implies a well-maintained home on the inside, giving buyers more incentive to enter and check out the home. First impressions are everything, so keeping the outside of a home looking as well loved as the inside is important. Rake up those leaves, and sweep the sidewalk, driveway, and porch before prospective buyers view your house.

Let sunshine and light into your home. As fall approaches, the days become shorter and the sun sets earlier. When you have viewings in the afternoon, make sure you have enough lighting so the home looks bright and comfortable. Always make sure your windows are sparkling clean, and keep the blinds and curtains open to draw in the sunshine for a light and inviting atmosphere.

Fall is a beautiful time of the year. Pay attention to the details that will help you effectively prepare your home for a listing. Start on these projects now to ensure a smooth and successful fall sale.