Although summer is the most popular season for selling real estate, many people are still looking to buy a home in the fall. If your home is still on the market as the leaves start to turn, here are five ways to keep your property value high and your curb appeal, well, appealing:
1) Get Ready to Rake. Fall is both famous and infamous for its falling leaves. While they certainly look pretty when they’re still on the trees, those same leaves can be a nightmare for your home’s curb appeal once they’re on the ground. You don’t need to rake the lawn every day, but you should definitely make sure all of your leaves are on the curb before any open house.
2) Sweep Your Chimney. Autumn is the season of the hearth, and a roaring fire can warm up any interested buyer. However, trying to light a fire when your chimney is clogged or dirty can make for some sooty results. Cover your bases by having your chimney professionally swept before you start showing the house.
3) Update Those Photos. If your home was listed in the spring or summer, it’s time to take some new pictures to capture your house in the full splendor of the season. You don’t want buyers to know that your home has been on the market for more than a month or two. Besides, some houses genuinely look better in an autumn wardrobe, framed by riotous color.
4) Break out the Decorations. Fall is a festive time of year, so it won’t hurt to spruce your home up a little. A seasonal wreath and new doormat can raise the property value for any home on the market. If you’re a fan of lawn decorations, try to stick to wrought-iron or rustic pieces.
5) Let the Light Shine. Because the days will soon be getting shorter, you’ll want to show any potential buyer how well-lit and cozy your home is. Cover any bare bulbs, and consider investing in some lamps from your local home improvement retailer.
If you’re selling real estate this fall, remember that “warm and cozy” should be the first two words that come to any buyer’s mind. People want to live in a home that’s a refuge from the cold days and long nights. If you keep the lights on and the fire roaring, you’ll find yourself closing a sale in no time.
