Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your House This Fall

If we can say anything about 2020, it’s that it’s been incredibly unpredictable; unless you’re selling a home in the Phoenix area!  In local real estate we ordinarily have predictable selling cycles where home buyers flood the market in search of their dream home. Late winter through spring is peak selling season, slowing in the summer and picking up again in the fall.  While we have still seen some seasonality in 2020, low inventory in the marketplace has caused consistent buying behaviors all year long – which gives home sellers a tremendous advantage and the ability to sell their homes at a higher value than they may expect.

While the market may be hot, there are still a lot of strategies I have developed that can help anyone selling their home in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and throughout the Valley of the Sun achieve top dollar for their home.

When Is The Fall Real Estate Season?

The real estate markets consider the fall season to fall between the beginning of September and the end of November.

Tips For Selling Your Home In The Fall

In a traditional market, the fall season will see a reduced pool of potential buyers compared to spring.  While many of these tips can be applied throughout the year, some are especially important to present your home in the best light in the fall. 

Work With An Experienced Agent in your Community

If you are not already working with a professional real estate agent who understands the market in your local area, this should be the number one priority. Hiring a trusted professional to help guide you through the process is especially important if you are limited in your personal experience with real estate. I’ve been serving the Phoenix and Scottsdale area for 12 years and counting, so if you’re currently interviewing agents in the area, definitely schedule a time to chat with me.

Always Use Visual Imagery

Try to take pictures of your home during the summer months or at the very beginning of fall when the lighting is brighter outside. Humans are incredibly visually oriented creatures, and nice pictures will help your home sell much faster. I have a great relationship with real estate photographers who capture high-resolution images during the listing process.

Price Your Home Competitively

As the homeowner, you always have the power of pricing on your side when it comes to selling your home, and homes that are priced right sell more quickly and ultimately for higher dollars.  However, there are many pricing strategies and they vary to each seller’s situation. Let me know if you’d like to discuss pricing in depth.

What To Do Before The Sale

Follow these tips to ensure that your home selling process goes smoothly from start to finish:

Investigate And Renovate

Every home will have its own little stories, but it is important as the homeowner to go over every nook and cranny before you list it for sale.

Many home sellers choose to hire a professional home inspector to come out and see if there are any causes for concern and if there are, then you should address them immediately.

Landscaping And Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The area around your home has a bigger impact on the value of your home, or at least the its perceived value then you may first realize.

Taking the time to either do the landscaping yourself or hire a professional to take care of it for you could boost the value of your home’s final selling price.

Final Touches Before Showing Your Home

Before starting to show your property to potential buyers it is imperative that you ensure the house is presentable.  Clear the clutter and pack away personal items – knick knacks, photos should be stored away so a buyer can see past your things and imagine the space at their own.  The first impression can often set the tone for an entire home buying process and impact a buyer’s perception of value – and ultimately their offer.

Lighting And Cleanliness

When you’re ready to hit the market, keeping the home ‘showing ready’ is imperative.  Buyers start their home buying process online and presenting the home in the same light as its photos is just as important in marketing a home.  When leaving the home, make sure blinds are open, all lights are on (even during the day), and if you have ceiling fans turn them on at their lowest setting.  If some areas of your home are darker than others, adding lighting will help add warmth and depth to those rooms or spaces.

Keeping It Cozy

Make your home and its unique features as inviting as possible.  Fall and winter time are particularly inviting to enjoy our outdoor spaces in Arizona.  So while it’s important to create a setting indoors, don’t forget to stage your outdoor spaces to highlight enjoyment and entertainment potential. 

Potential Challenges Or Limitations Of Home Selling In The Fall

Daylight hours are shorter in the fall, so there are fewer opportunities for buyers to see your home when it shows the best.  Taking the time to make sure the home has adequate lighting both inside and out will go a long way in helping buyers see your homes character both curbside and inside. 

Advantages Of Selling Your Home During The Fall

There are several advantages that the fall season offers potential sellers. Most of the buyers who are shopping for homes during this season are serious about making a purchase. Many times the weather will play in your favor and help to make your home feel more inviting. So, if you’re ready to start the selling process and looking for assistance along the way, give me a call at 602-330-6813 or send me an email at brian@brianeastwood.com.