Category: Real Estate

Real Estate

Selling Your Home in the Fall

Lora Knows...

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp Autumn air settles in, a homeowner may wonder if the Fall is the right time to sell their home. While Spring and Summer are thought of as peak seasons for real estate, selling in the Fall can be a smart and strategic choice. Let’s explore the advantages of selling in the Fall, plus I’ll share some tips for making the most of the season.

Curb Appeal in Full Bloom

One of the undeniable benefits of selling your home in the Fall is the stunning display of colors that nature provides. Consider planting fall flowers like mums and asters, and decorate your porch with pumpkins and seasonal wreaths to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.

Comfortable Weather

Fall weather has milder temperatures, making it more comfortable for both buyers and sellers. Unlike the scorching heat of Summer, Fall provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing your home. Buyers are more likely to linger and explore your property when they’re not battling the hot sun and sweat.

Serious Buyers

While Spring and Summer may attract more casual house hunters, those searching for a new home in the Fall are often more serious about making a move. Many buyers aim to complete their transactions before the holiday season and the end of the year, which means they are motivated and focused. This can lead to quicker sales and potentially more favorable offers.

Less Competition

With fewer sellers putting their homes on the market in the Fall, your property may stand out more among the available listings. Buyers have fewer options to choose from, increasing the chances of your home receiving more attention. This reduced competition can sometimes result in a better sale price.

Showcase Cozy Features

Fall is the perfect time to highlight the cozy aspects of your home. Consider lighting a fire in the fireplace, arranging warm blankets on the couch, and brewing a pot of cider or coffee for potential buyers during open houses. Creating a comfortable and inviting ambiance can help buyers envision themselves enjoying the home during the colder months.

Challenges to Consider

While selling your home in the Fall has its advantages, there are also some potential challenges to be aware of:

Fading Daylight: With shorter daylight hours, it’s important to schedule showings and open houses during optimal times to showcase your home in the best light.

Yard Maintenance: Falling leaves can create additional yard maintenance tasks. Regularly clean up leaves and keep walkways clear to ensure your property looks well-kept.

Holiday Distractions: The holiday season can be a busy and distracting time for both buyers and sellers. It’s important to strike a balance between decorating for the season and keeping your home presentable.

Selling your home in the Fall can be a wise decision, given the unique advantages this season offers. With its beautiful foliage, comfortable weather, and motivated buyers, the Fall real estate market can be a lucrative opportunity for those looking to sell their homes. By embracing the season and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, like me, (Lora Rousseau with Weichert, Realtors® – Team Metro), together we can successfully navigate the Autumn market and secure a sale that leaves both you and the buyer happy!

Daily Happenings, Real Estate

Dealing With Leaves

Lora Knows...

The beautiful colors of autumn leaves on trees is one thing, its another when they all fall to the ground and overtake your lawn. Cleaning them up can be tedious, but there are helpful tips that will make the task more efficient.

Leaf Removal

It’s a great idea to give your townhall a call to see if they have any leaf removal services. You can also use a lawnmower to mulch leaves, and then spread the mulch around your lawn to feed your grass, or put it on your garden to enrich the soil.

Leaf Raking

Raking leaves takes patience. It is best to wait until almost all the leaves have fallen, this way you don’t have to do it multiple times through the season. I read an article that suggested bending at your knees when picking leaves up, and when raking stand straight instead of hunching over.

Real Estate

Fall Home Projects

Lora Knows...

Soon the days will grow shoter, the leaves will start to change colors, and the temperatures will cool down – all this will mean fall has arrived. Fall is a great time to do some home maintenance projects, here are a few to consider:

Prep Fireplace
A good rule of thumb is to have your wood-burning fireplace checked by a professional chimney sweep once a year. A professional can clean the inside of your chimney to remove materials, such as soot and creosote, that are common causes of house fires. They’ll also check to make sure the chimney cap and damper are working correctly, as well as point out any masonry damage. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, this is a great time to clean it and make sure everything is good.

Clean Gutters
Your gutters have the significant job of channeling thousands of gallons of water away from your home each year, but they can become clogged with everything from leaves to dirt, which may lead to water backing up onto your roof or inside your home. So, take time to inspect and clean your home’s gutters. You may want to wait until later in the season to perform this task to avoid leaves ruining your hard work, or you can install a mesh guard that will prevent leaves, twigs, and other large debris from creating blockages.

Prep Furnace
With winter on the way, autumn is the perfect time to get your furnace ready for the colder months ahead. Make sure to change your furnace filter, as debris caught in the filter may reduce airflow and cause an energy deficiency. Fall is also a great time to have your heating system checked by a professional to ensure it’s prepared to run efficiently throughout winter.

Organize Garage
Your garage may become a catchall space for various outdoor items, including bikes, patio furniture, and lawn care equipment. However, you can avoid this clutter by organizing your garage. Make use of the wall space with cabinets and shelves to open up floor space. However, ensure any storage you install can sufficiently hold the weight of the items you’re adding. You can also use ceiling hooks to keep items like bikes out of the way.