Home sellers usually share this belief about fall: As the leaves come down, so should their For Sale signs but actually, removing a home from the market could be a mistake.
Buyers don’t have a month when they say they’re going to buy. They buy when they need to buy, and that need happens 12 months out of the year. Fall often brings out the more serious lookers who need to find a home right away. Additionally, there may be less competition because many sellers aren’t willing to stick it out through fall and winter. And with slipping home values, sellers run the risk of fetching a lower price for their home if they take it off the market and relist in the spring.
As a listing agent, we advise our sellers that fall is a time to regroup. For starters, they should look at the price of their home-and whether it is competitive. Take a good hard, honest look at what’s on the market right now. You want your house to be the best value. The economy will continue to be soft nationwide and you have to price things realistically. This continues to be a buyer’s market and sellers should also use the off season to their advantage. Putting up fall decorations-like a wreath on the door-and setting a few mums on the porch can bolster a home’s curb appeal.
Fall is also an ideal time to get rid of clutter and embark on home-improvement projects neglected during spring and summer. We suggest sellers tear down old wallpaper, update the carpet, paint and do a thorough cleaning. In pricier homes, sellers should consider higher-end upgrades like adding granite countertops, wood floors and ceramic tiles.
Just as one should not strongly consider taking a home off the market this fall, those considering selling should strongly consider this as being a good time to go to market, for many of the same reasons as above. The Freeman/Davis Team can offer you sound advice so please contact us for a free consultation. Visit us at www.FreemanDavisHomeTeam.com for more details!