How to Sell Your Home During the Fall & Winter

Texas Real Estate Podcast with Gloria Buck

Today we’re here with our top six home selling tips for those of you whose homes are on the market this fall and winter.

Should you sell your home during the fall and winter? We think the answer is absolutely yes! However, there are a few things you have to do differently this time of year if you want to have a successful home sale. Here are our top tips for selling during the fall and winter months:

1. Pay close attention to your curb appeal. If you can’t resist the temptation to buy every decorative pumpkin and gourd on the market, we feel your pain. When it comes to decorating your front porch, there is a slippery slope between a nicely decorated porch and a farmer’s market. The idea is to enhance your curb appeal, not obscure it. While too many fall decorations will take the focus off your home and its best features, a few tasteful accents will make your home feel inviting and fresh.

You also want to make sure that all of the fallen leaves haven’t taken a toll on your yard. Buyers may be understanding if there are leaves in your yard because they are dealing with the same thing, but that doesn’t mean your home will make a good first impression. Do your best to make sure your yard is neat and tidy before showings.

2. Go easy on the holiday displays. Tasteful displays will show the home in its best light. Outfitting your home to compete with the Griswolds will make your home a spectacle, but won’t necessarily make it sellable. Remember, less is more.

Decorate your home for the holidays, but not like the Griswolds would!

3. Always make sure that your blinds are open and the windows are sparkling when trying to sell your home. It is especially important to maximize the light in your home during the short winter days. Light will make your home look larger, fresher, and highlight your home’s best features. Place plenty of lamps throughout the home for additional illumination.

4. Make your space inviting. As the weather cools down, a warm and cozy atmosphere will make the buyers feel at home. Use plush throws on the couch and beds and add seasonal pillows to your chairs. You can even display fall foliage or seasonal fruit in vases or bowls throughout the home.

5. Prepare your fireplace. A roaring fireplace in your home gives a welcoming feeling to buyers during showings. If you aren’t comfortable with getting a fire going, make sure the fireplace is clean. Scrub the doors, sweep out the chimney, and touch up any peeling paint. A nice stack of firewood nearby will help your fireplace stand out.

6. Use fall scents to your advantage. Everyone loves cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and vanilla at this time of the year. Light a few candles and let these scents flow through your home to create a powerful connection with buyers.

These tips will definitely help your home appeal to buyers this fall and winter. If you have any other questions about the home selling process or about real estate in general, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!