Thanks for helping me get my blogging mojo back by sending great questions. Though technically not a reader question, today’s topic is something I’ve been asked roughly one million and three times, so, let’s call it a global reader question that every REALTOR® has been asked to answer. It goes something like this, “My family and I have been looking for a new house and we finally found one that’s perfect, but summer is now over, the kids are back in school and I’m afraid we won’t be able to sell our old house. Did we miss our selling window by not listing in the spring?” Before I answer that question specifically, let me say how much I appreciate an informed client. I love working with people who know that spring and summer are considered the peak selling seasons. However, houses sell year-round and there can even be advantages to selling in perceived “off seasons.”
Years ago, I wrote a series of blog posts about selling your home in the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons and the pros and cons associated with each. Yes, spring and summer are the most popular seasons for selling a home for obvious reasons, families with children are nearing or have ended their current school year and the logistics of a move is easier. Homes simply look better during the spring and summer, too. But, you’re competing with a lot more homes and sellers during this popular time of year, as well. Bottom line is this, life isn’t perfect and you can’t always plan when to move. If you find an ideal home you want to buy or are relocated for job purposes in the early fall or winter, you shouldn’t let the “off-season” of selling scare you.
In Middle Tennessee, selling a home in the fall is really not significantly different than selling in the spring or summer. Ours is a seller’s market. There are more buyers looking for homes than there are homes for sale. That being said, the very best way to sell your home quickly, regardless of the time of year, is to price it right! Yes, read all my posts about pre-selling to-do lists. Make repairs and small renovations to get the most bang for your buck. But don’t make yourself crazy and don’t break the bank on a full-blown renovation. Do hire a qualified and experienced REALTOR® to help you list your home for a competitive price, market your home to a wide audience and negotiate offers efficiently.
Lastly, if you choose to list your home at this time of year, use the fall to your advantage! We don’t usually see a huge seasonal change until November and still experience lots of hot, sunny days. Take care with lawn maintenance and replace tired summer plants and flowers with yellow mums so that your home is oozing curb appeal. Though it’s probably still too warm to decorate with live pumpkins and gourds outdoors, you can give your home a boost of autumn loveliness by using nice-quality fall wreaths and décor.
Good luck, friends and Happy Fall, Y'all!
