Fall Real Estate Market Myths

Don’t get swept up among the leaves and the myths of the fall real estate market. If you’re thinking about listing your home for sale, we dispel some common misconceptions, and share some helpful tips to help turn that “For Sale” sign to “Sold.”

Curb appeal doesn’t matter in the fall real estate market.

False! Summer may have come to an abrupt end, but that doesn’t mean your home’s exterior should fall by the wayside (pun intended!). Curb appeal counts, regardless of the season. During the autumn months, ensure walkways and gutters are cleared of leaves and debris, the lawn is mowed and trees are neatly trimmed. Take your exterior a step further with some hearty landscaping that can weather the cooler temperature.

The weather is cold, and so is your home.

When summer inevitably comes to an end, the first sign will be the plummeting temperatures outdoors. Just because it’s cooler outdoors doesn’t mean your home décor needs to reflect that! Consider a fresh coat of paint in a warmer shade, and don’t be afraid to bring the temperature up a couple degrees to make your guests feel comfortable. If you don’t want to make a large change, a few additions like cozy pillows or throws can go a long way to show the comfort of your home during the cooler months.

Fact: Second only to a kitchen and bathroom reno (which can be pricey), a fresh coat of paint gives you the best return on your investment on the resale market.

Buyers pay less attention to price.

Wrong! Price is always a key factor for homebuyers and sellers alike, and pricing your home incorrectly is the biggest mistake you can make when selling in the fall. Landing on the right list price can be complicated, depending on a number of factors such as season (that’s right!), and market factors such as supply, demand and economic conditions. If you’re wondering what your home is worth in your local resale market, work with an experienced real estate agent. A RE/MAX agent will help ensure your home is priced correctly.

You’re sold, you’re done.

The papers are signed and the deal is done, so all that’s left to do is pack up and move, right? Not quite. Remember that people get busy in the fall, which means you may find yourself short when it comes time to pack, or booking a company to help you move. Even family and friends may be hard to nail down for a day of lugging furniture. To eliminate these issues, plan well in advance. Make sure your moving date is scheduled firm in everyone’s calendar, and plan ahead to ensure you aren’t left without a solution if someone has to back out. A stress free move will make a world of difference in the first couple days in your new home.

Now that you know the common myths about the fall real estate market, you can tackle these small projects in preparation for the fall selling season. Despite the cool weather, it’s bound to be a hot one!