While summer is considered by many to be the hottest time for selling a house (both literally and figuratively), sometimes circumstances require you to sell during a different time of the year. This fall might be exactly the right time to sell. Homes are still in demand and there is a good chance you will find a buyer before the end of the year.
Here are some perks to selling in the fall:
- Buyers are seriously looking in the fall. They want to get settled into a new house before the holiday season begins. The pressure is on for them to find their new home quickly and this puts you (the seller) in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations.
- There is less competition in the fall. Many sellers need to close and move before school starts, so fewer houses are for sale. With less to choose from, buyers can’t afford to be quite as picky. This gives you the advantage of being able to sell on your terms.
- You will be dealing with different types of buyers. Families often move in the summer to accommodate school schedules. Empty nesters and millennial homebuyers are more likely to be looking in the fall. In addition, employers who need to relocate their workers often wait for fall to avoid the hot market during spring and summer. A speedy closing is the goal of most of these buyers, which means you are more likely to get the best price possible for your house.
- Speaking of closings, you may have a faster one if you sell in the fall. Because there are generally fewer real estate transactions in the fall, there is more availability of the people involved in closings. For example, mortgage lenders might have fewer loans to process and home inspectors and appraisers may have fewer houses to, well, appraise and inspect. As a result, you might not have to wait as long as you would during a busier season and your closing may happen more quickly.
- Fall is pretty. This sounds so basic, but it’s true and can work to your advantage. The weather is cooler; the leaves are changing colors and fall décor can make homes look and feel warm and cozy. From sprucing up your landscaping with fall flowers to decorating your home with seasonal colors, fall is a great time to gussy up your home to entice buyers!
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the New River Valley area, contact professional, experienced Realtor Desi Sowers and let her assist you with all your real estate needs. Give her a call today at 540-320-1328!
Photo credits: letsrevamp.com.au, usatoday.com, centuryspouting.com