It is common knowledge that spring is the best time to sell a home. However, you can still sell your house and make a profit at other times of the year, such as fall.

What's The Fall Market Like In Real Estate?

Although, indeed, the housing inventory (the number on the market for homes) in fall is lower than spring and summer, buyers buying in fall are more likely to be serious about purchasing. Fall buyers might be looking to relocate due to a change in their family situation or job. They may also be eager for a deal. Seasonality is less critical in hot real estate markets.

Which Months Are Fall?

For clarity, the fall period includes the months of September 1 through November 30. This year is characterized by cooler temperatures, shorter days, and falling leaves in most parts of the country. Think of picking apples, carving pumpkins, and enjoying Thanksgiving dinners. These holidays include Labor Day and Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.

Selling in the Fall: The Positives And Negatives

Benefits Of Selling Your House In The Fall

• Serious buyers will be motivated to buy quickly before the holiday season begins and bad weather sets in.

• Your home will feel more welcoming and warm with the seasonal atmosphere.

• There is a common misconception that most buyers shop to accommodate their children's school year schedules. More than half of buyers do not have children under 18. So fall is a great time.

• It's usually light enough for weeknight shows and weekend open houses in the early fall.

Negatives Of Selling In The Fall

• It's an off-peak year, so there are fewer buyers in this season than there were in spring.

• Showings can be made more difficult by worsening weather, and fall foliage makes it harder to maintain autumn curb appeal.

• Forty-four percent of buyers with children prefer to settle in a new place before school starts.

• It can be challenging to schedule shows due to busy work, school schedules, holiday plans, and other commitments.

Selling your house in fall: Tips and tricks for the real estate market

These tips will help you overcome the challenges of selling your autumn house.

Move Quickly

Selling your home in the fall is easier than selling in January and December, which are when bad weather, holidays, travel plans, and other factors limit buyers, agents, lenders, and real estate lawyers. Once you have decided to sell, prepare your house for listing.

Photograph The Property As Soon As Possible

Get professional photos of your real estate property taken as soon as you can. Your outdoor space will look better, and natural light will be more favorable if taken earlier in the autumn. On the other hand, if you are sure you will be selling next autumn, you can take your photos in a picture-perfect spring.

Use A Professional Real Estate Agent

It's crucial to find a professional real estate agent if you are selling in a slow market. Ask agents for strategies to sell in the off-peak season when you interview them.

Marketing Creatively

What is it that makes your house, your community, or your place unique? If you live in an area that attracts winter residents, market to them just before the winter weather arrives.

To Sell Your Property, Price It Competitively

Consider the neighborhood comps (also known as CMAs) when determining the right price for your home. Keep in mind that pricing strategies can change in the fall and spring.

Expect a multiple-offer scenario that pushes the asking price above the asking price. So make sure you are comfortable with the list price. Don't feel obliged to accept a low-ball offer.

Preparing Your House For Sale

Make your home ready for an open house by doing some maintenance, repairs, and general sprucing up.

Inspect And Repair

You should address any major problems that could be flagged during an inspection. This includes roof repairs or water damage. Buyers have greater negotiating power in slow markets, so you shouldn't give them additional leverage or chances to lower their offer prices.

Complete Indoor Maintenance

Homebuyers who are savvy will pay attention to the small things. However, fall is a time when certain flaws can be more apparent. Before you list your first home, make sure to tackle the following tasks:

• Insulate around doors and windows -- drafts are more apparent in the fall.

• Cobwebs can build up at this time of the year, so dust them off.

• Make sure to address any eye problems. A fall show will see potential buyers spending more time indoors, so it is important to fix any problems.

• Replace air filters. New furnace filters can be replaced when you turn up the heat in fall. They will prevent dust and odors from spreading throughout your home.

Improve Fall Curb Appeal

Your flowers may not be in full bloom, but curb appeal is important in fall. These yard maintenance tasks can be crossed off your to-do list.

• Perform basic yard cleanup: mow the lawn and rake up leaves. Cut back branches. Mulch can be added for a fresh look.

• Clear the gutters.

• You can also add some fall flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums.

• Before every tour, sweep or blow the walkways.

• For wet shoes, use a clean mat to place on the door.

Fall Staging Tips For Real Estate

These staging tips can make fall listing negativities into positives.

Get Rid Of Clutter And Clean Up

A thoroughly clean and clearing out clutter is a great idea when selling your house. If you are selling to motivated fall buyers, it is a good idea to organize your stuff in advance to make it easier to close quickly.

Lighten Up

Fall brings shorter days and darker nights. It's essential to brighten up your home. It will help potential buyers see your home's great features and make it more inviting from the street.

• Make sure to clean your windows and screens so that you let in as much light as possible.

• Lamps are a great addition. You can add light by adding floor or table lamps. This is a quick and temporary way to increase your lighting. Alternately, you might consider swapping out bulbs for a wattage higher than the maximum recommended by each fixture.

• Paint your interior. You know that neutral colors are most appealing to the largest number of buyers. However, during darkening autumn days, they reflect more light.

Make It Cozy

People spend more time indoors as the leaves change and the temperature drops. You can give your home that cozy, welcoming fall feeling buyers will love.

• Turn on your gas or electric fireplace for open houses and showings.

• Seasonal accents include fall-colored pillows, throws, and unscented candles.

• Limit holiday decorations. Avoid going overboard with autumn decorations. To make sure that buyers see your home as a year-round property and not just Halloween decorations, you can swap the Halloween decorations for an autumn leaf wreath at the front door.

• Establish conversational seating arrangements. You'll hear a lot about staging your home to maximize the space. This could mean moving the flat-screen TV out of the room to allow for face-to-face seating. Buyers need to imagine themselves entertaining friends and family in this space.

• Give festive treats. A fall open house is an excellent opportunity to showcase seasonal treats like pumpkin cookies or hot cider on the stove.