Summer is over and Autumn is upon is once again. Cool nightly temperatures, changing leaves, and the sun going down earlier each day signify the coming of Fall. What most consumers don't realize is that real estate also ebbs and flows with the changing seasons. Real estate markets around the Country are beginning to wind down their busy Summer buying and selling season.
Children are in school and busy with Fall sports meaning parents have been turned in to taxi's once again. Some retirees are beginning to prepare for their annual migration towards warmer climates. Seasonal holiday parties and celebrations will start to distract would be buyers and sellers who once had thoughts of moving in to a new home. There's just so much happening during the Fall and Winter months that real estate can take a backseat and get lost on most people's radar.
Life has a tendency to throw us a curve ball when we least expect it. What if you're a homeowner that has found themselves in a unique position of needing to sell your property even though the real estate market in your area is starting to slow down? How do you make your property stand out among others when potential buyers are dwindling and more houses keep popping up for sale increasing your competition? Here are Five tips on selling your home during the Fall:
Price your home to Sell
This should go without saying but a well priced home will sell faster than most any other home on the market. Fall and Winter is not the time of year to test the open waters of the market to see if you can get top dollar for your home. During the Fall and Winter, most real estate markets will see an overall decrease in number of homes sold and overall property value. It will also see an increase in the amount of time it takes to sell your home due to a decrease in buyer interest. Now is not the time to take a stand and hold out for that full price or above asking price offer you think your home deserves. If you absolutely need to sell then list your home at a competitive price that closely matches that of other homes which have recently sold in your neighborhood.
Keep your home clean and show ready
First impressions are everything. Now that the leaves are starting to fall and some areas of the country will start to see their first snowflakes of the year, it's imperative that you keep your home tidy and clean. Floors and entryways should be swept of mud, dirt, leaves, and debris every day. Children's backpacks, shoes, and homework should be neatly put away instead of being strewn about the house. Front porches should be tidy and yards should be raked of leaves. If you reside in a cold weather climate, clear your sidewalks of ice and snow so that buyers can access your home with ease.
Be available for showings
As a home seller, your schedule is most likely just as busy as everyone else's including potential buyers. Every real estate market is different. Some homeowners prefer to be present for showings and others would rather their agent take buyers through the property on their behalf. If you are a homeowner that desires to be present for showings then ensure you are available when your phone rings from an interested buyer. Selling your home is certainly not a convenient endeavor but if you're in a situation that leaves you no choice but to put your home on the market then you must take advantage of the buyers that are looking to purchase. You can't afford to miss a showing. It only takes one person to fall in love with your home. Don't let that one person fall through the cracks because they were unable to view your property.
Don't go overboard on the holiday cheer
If you absolutely must put out your holiday decorations resist the urge to overpower your home with holiday cheer. Keep them minimal and tasteful. Buyers won't necessarily be turned off by seasonal adornments, however, your home can appear cluttered and busy when there are too many ornamentation's on and around the house. These decorations can also become a distraction to a potential buyer. Instead of focusing on the high ceilings, crown molding, and upgraded cabinets they're eyes can instead be drawn to the dancing Santa and Reindeer hanging out on the fireplace mantle.
Hire a professional Real Estate Agent
A local real estate professional will be able to develop a marketing and sales strategy to get your home sold as quickly as possible. Every city, state, and neighborhood is different. As consumers, it's nearly impossible for you to be able to keep up with every trend in the housing market. A real estate agent will be able to assess your home and situation to determine the best course of action for selling your home. Should you send out flyers to surrounding communities or form an on-line sales and social media campaign to sell your home? Do you hold an open house? What works best for your area? A local real estate agent will know and they'll be happy to explore any and all options available.
Around the Country during Fall and Winter, real estate has a tendency to hit the brakes when it comes to buying and selling homes. There are still individuals looking to purchase and sell new homes but the numbers are much less between October and February. If you find yourself in a situation that requires you to relocate at this less than opportune time of the year then you need a strong, aggressive, and purposeful approach to selling your home. You need to show buyers your house is head and shoulders above others on the market. Follow these five tips, sit back, and reap the benefits of being ahead of the crowd when it comes to selling your property.
If you are looking to purchase or sell real estate in the Arizona market then contact us at ZionRealtyAZ.com. We are your Arizona real estate experts. We know how to help you buy or sell homes no matter what time of year.
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