Why You Don't Need to Join the Summer Rush

There are many myths in real estate. One favorite is that only spring and summer are good times to sell. This is absolutely not true, of course.

There's never a bad season to upsize or downsize. The only criteria should be when your own personal circumstances align so a property transaction makes sense in your life.

If you've found yourself thinking about making a change, you shouldn't feel compelled to rush to market to catch the summer vibes, only to present your home in a sub-optimal condition. 

Working with your realtor towards a sale in September or later in the fall will work just as well.

You'll also benefit emotionally and financially if you take your time to get your home ready. Feeling like you're on the clock can be stressful, especially as maximizing the value of your most significant financial asset will be super-important to you.

In the fall, buyers tend to be serious and motivated. The summer vacation season is over and many families want to settle in a new home before Thanksgiving or the new school year. This means less window-shopping and a greater concentration of committed folks.

With market values now registering their 23rd successive month of growth, and the possibility the Federal Reserve might finally start reducing mortgage costs, you're likely to find a prosperous market this fall.

The key will be making sure you have your property beautifully presented so it stands out from other homes in the neighborhood and attracts the best possible offers. Here are some tips to do this:

Curb appeal – Fall brings beautiful foliage, crisp air and a cozy atmosphere. This can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal. Make sure you have some color included in your flowerbeds and mulch to keep down the weeds. Mow regularly throughout your sales campaign. 

Neat and sweet – Power-wash concrete and pavers to remove dirt, moss and stains. Clean your siding and make sure the gutters are free of leaf debris. If you have any peeling paint on the exterior, be sure to touch up those areas.

Highlight outdoor spaces – It may be fall but that shouldn't prevent you from staging the entertainment area, or your deck or patio. If you have a pool, be sure there are no leaves floating on the surface during walkthroughs.

Declutter and depersonalize: Go through every room and remove anything you don't need or use. Donate, sell or discard items. Consider a storage unit if you have a lot of excess furniture or belongings. After you've done this, call a contractor to do a deep clean.

Sweat the small stuff – Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, broken light fixtures, chipped tiles, and any other minor issues. These small things can signal neglect to buyers. Also, ensure your HVAC system is in good working order. If you have a fireplace, it should be clean and functional.

Light and space – Natural light is your ally. The soft glow of fall can really enhance your property, making it feel like a haven from the elements. Turn on all your lights when potential buyers visit, as this will give the impression your rooms are light and bright.

Keep it cozy – Introduce throw blankets or pillows in soft fabrics into your living areas. Add a simple vase of fresh flowers to add a little more color.