If you’re preparing to make the most of the emerging optimism in America’s housing market, then you should be focusing on styling your home for a fall sale.
Fall is a great time to sell your home. In my experience, you’ll attract a far greater proportion of genuine buyers who are keen to strike a deal so they can settle into their new home before the holidays.
It’s also common for buyers to be a little more relaxed during their walk-throughs, spending more time in each home rather than feeling they’re under pressure to make a quick decision or lose out in the spring and summer sales.
Of course, there will be a proportion of folks who didn’t find what they’re looking for over the summer months, and that usually means they are extra-keen to find a purchase and move on with their lives.
All these factors play to your advantage in the fall.
Expectations that mortgage costs will drop soon when the Federal Reserve finally fulfills its promise to start cutting interest rates will be another driver in your favor.
Below, I’ve pulled together some great ideas for making the most of the fall months to put your home in the best possible light. This time, I am avoiding the essential suggestions, like decluttering and repainting, and giving you something different to think about.
- Go Green: Offer sustainable features such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels and water-saving fixtures. Offer information on local recycling programs and composting options to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
- Highlight Outdoors: Your entertaining area is an asset whatever the season. For fall months, transform patios, decks, or balconies into cozy retreats with comfortable seating, warm throws, outdoor rugs and a fire pit.
- Be Hi-Tech: Integrate technology that enhances coziness. Showcase smart home features such as automated fireplaces, lighting systems that adjust to natural light, and thermostats that optimize energy efficiency for colder weather.
- Mood & Ambiance: Smart lighting systems will create different lighting scenes for various times of day and activities. Emphasize warm, inviting tones for evenings and brighter, natural light during daytime showings.
- Make Scents: Don’t be afraid to use essential oil diffusers with scents such as cinnamon, clove or apple cider to evoke the cozy nature of fall.
- Reading Nook: When the colder months arrive, it’s wonderful to curl up in a reading nook and devour the latest work of your favorite author. Stage a nook in a corner of the living room with a comfortable armchair, a warm throw blanket, a stack of books, and a soft lamp.
- Fall Foliage: If your property is blessed with fall foliage, ensure it’s showcased in the photography for your sales campaign. It will be a major selling point.
- Negotiation idea: Negotiating a sale price can be difficult. Sweeten the pot by organizing what I’d call a “Fall Maintenance Package”. Work with local contractors who would provide complete home maintenance services for a limited time. A prearranged cleaning service or HVAC tune-up could get your buyers over the line.