The fourth quarter of the year is typically our busiest. You’d think spring or summer would be the best and it can be very busy, but fall is different. Fall sales involve not only first time buyers, those that are moving to the area or buyers trading up or down in size, but also second home buyers. Out of state visitors do buy sometimes. The beautiful fall foliage and the scent of burning wood wafting through the sharp chill of the air sparks dreams of living in this beautiful corner of Vermont.
Fall is a great time to be showing houses. The colorful foliage provides a grand backdrop to a house. Even when those leaves fall and you’re left with bare branches and a chilly wind whipping up the leaves, the smell of winter in the air can set buyers to dreaming of hibernating in a new home in front of a cozy fire.
Those bare branches can also make a home look pretty desolate and cold. The days are shorter and it can be dark or almost dark at the time of showings. So what is a Seller to do in order to counteract that bleakness? When you know there is a showing, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature–there’s nothing worse than walking into a cold house.
Secondly, have some lights on. Outside lights and strategic lamps and under cabinet lights will enhance the ambiance of your home.
Curb appeal is important, too. Some colorful mums and pumpkins are always a welcome sight on the steps of a home. Sweep any walkways that agents have to traverse to the front door. Stand out at the curb and take a good, hard look at your house. Make sure the lawn is mowed, and any toys, bikes, trash cans, etc. have been put away. Buyers may not want to see the inside of your house if they can’t get past what’s outside.
As the days grow shorter and the year comes to a close, with the real estate market winding down for the holidays, make the most of the fall market. A good solid contract to sell today can mean a very Happy New Year for you tomorrow.
Leave a Reply