Selling Your Home in the Fall
As is with the turn of every season, the arrival of fall marks new beginnings for many. School starts for kids of all ages, parents are returning to work, summer vacations have ended, and a drop in temperature has many homeowners beginning to think about what needs to be done before old man winter coats the city in a blanket of snow. If selling your home is still on your to list, now is the time to put that plan into action.
Fall is a close second to spring in Ottawa’s hot Real Estate market. With comfortable temperatures expected throughout the season and the beautiful changing colours providing a backdrop that works as natural curb appeal, this lively market is not slowing down any time soon. It is time now to take advantage of your position as a seller and make the most off your investment. Here are some tips to get your home SOLD in this vibrant market.
Fall is a wonderful time of year for experiencing nature’s beauty, and if you are planning to sell your home, this is something you can take advantage of. The leaves will change color and fall from the trees, giving us an opportunity to enjoy their various shades all over again! To make your home feel more like autumn we suggest incorporating seasonal décor items such as pumpkins or squash so they’re not forgotten when summer blooms fade away. Bring your cozy decor outside, lining your conversation set under your covered porch with chunky blankets and add a touch of seasonal floral arrangements, such as chrysanthemums for a little extra flare.
One of the best things you can do to maintain a clean and tidy yard is keeping it clutter free and well groomed. Mowing your grass regularly and raking dead leaves will keep debris from buildup on beds, sidewalks, or driveways. Also take this time to weed your gardens and do your regular garden maintenance, whether it be laying a new layer of mulch or trimming back and doing fall pruning. All of these tasks will ensure the outside of your house looks as well taken care of as the inside is, instilling a sense of confidence among buyers.
For the perfect autumn home, focus on fall colours and decor. Fall brings on cooler temperatures, so it’s time to change your home décor from vibrant hues into more subdued tones like oranges and reds, as well as lighter creams and neutrals to make you feel cozy at first glance. Incorporate pumpkins and gourds in your centrepieces and add plaid, textured, and plush linens to both your living area and dining room. Having a well decorated and staged home is an attractive feature and consistent part of the selling process.
The shorter days and cooler temperatures are a great time to make sure your home is always shining! Humans are naturally attracted to light and airy spaces. Make sure your house is bright for all showings by opening up curtains and cleaning your windows both inside and out. Additionally, making sure you turn on as many lights as possible and checking that all the bulbs and switches in your house are in working order. If there are any problems with lighting, add decorative accent lamps to brighten any dull or forgotten corners in your home that should be showcased well. Ensuring your home is well lit allows for buyers to feel more welcomed and comfortable in your home.
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so make sure your home is set to a comfortable temperature and not too hot or cold. If you have any worries about the condition of your furnace, ensure you have it serviced immediately. A furnace should be serviced annually to ensure it is well maintained and in working order. The last thing you would want is to have it kick the bucket on the day of your first Open House.
Every season has its own set of advantages and challenges when it comes to buying and selling Real Estate, and fall is no exception. Fortunately, with careful planning you can optimize on the season’s pleasantries to market your home for a great sale before winter comes. Make sure you talk to your Royal LePage TEAM Realty Full-Service REALTOR ® about staging your home and getting quality photos done for your listing. The time to sell is now, and our team of knowledgeable professionals are ready to help you through every step of the way.