As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and temperatures begin to cool, the real estate market transitions along with the season. While spring and summer are often seen as peak times for home sales, fall offers a distinct opportunity for sellers who are ready to embrace the changing market conditions. Although the intense pace of the real estate market has slowed slightly in recent months, there is still ample time and opportunity for sellers to make a successful sale before winter sets in.
Here are ten valuable tips and strategies to help you successfully sell your home this fall.
Fall in Wisconsin Tip #1 for Selling Your Home: Make a Lasting First Impression
First impressions matter, especially during the beautiful fall season in Wisconsin. As prospective buyers approach your home, ensure that your driveway, sidewalks, and vinyl siding are pressure-washed and spotless. Small details, like a clean, cobweb-free mailbox, make a difference!
With cooler days ahead, checking windows and doors for drafts is crucial. A well-sealed home is much appreciated on chilly fall days, so take time to weatherproof and insulate around doors and windows.
Before listing, have your furnace or boiler professionally maintained. Buyers will appreciate knowing the systems are in good working order and leaving a maintenance sticker or magnet with the inspection date provides them with added peace of mind.
Don’t forget to swap out the HVAC filter to improve air quality and reduce fall allergens, and be sure to check for spiderwebs throughout the home—inside and out!
These small steps will help your home shine this season.
Fall Tip #2 for Selling Your Home: Freshen Up with Paint
A fresh coat of paint on your front door is an easy way to enhance curb appeal this fall. When it comes to interior rooms, consult with your real estate agent before making any decisions. They can guide you on which walls, if any, would benefit from a new color and recommend shades that appeal to buyers.
In many cases, you may be able to skip a full repaint and simply apply a coat of eggshell or satin finish to brighten up your home, creating a clean and inviting space for potential buyers.
Fall Tip #3 for Selling Your Home: Simple Landscaping Tips
Take advantage of the season by adding cheerful mums to your front garden—an affordable way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A vibrant arrangement on your front porch says “welcome” and enhances curb appeal.
For additional landscaping tips, refresh garden beds with a layer of mulch to keep them looking neat and inviting. Before the temperatures drop, rinse away any dirt from your home’s siding for a clean, polished appearance.
As fall progresses, clearly define your property lines, especially as snow and fallen leaves make it harder to gauge outdoor space. Brightly-colored flags tied to stakes at the four corners of your property will help buyers visualize the lot.
If there’s snow, keep your deck shoveled and salted so buyers can explore the outdoor space safely. Where possible, keep patio furniture out so they can imagine themselves enjoying the outdoor living area.
These small touches go a long way in showcasing your home’s potential this fall.
Fall Tip #4 for Selling Your Home: Maximize Light and Space
As fall approaches, it’s important to keep your windows and storm doors clean. Dust and smudges can accumulate during the summer, so a quick wipe with Windex can make a big difference. Retract blinds and open curtains wide to let in as much natural light as possible, making your windows look larger and brightening up your space.
Experiment with lightbulbs to find the most flattering tones for each room. Daylight bulbs (5,000-6,500K) work well in bathrooms, while soft white bulbs (2,700K) create a cozy feel in living spaces like bedrooms and living rooms. Your home’s design and color palette will influence what looks best, so aim for a bright, welcoming atmosphere. If you upgrade to LED bulbs in hard-wired fixtures, mention to buyers that you’re leaving them behind.
Showcase your hardwood floors by removing unnecessary area rugs to allow natural light to reflect beautifully off the wood. Consider adding extra floor lamps in darker areas to create a warmer, more inviting setting.
If you’re expecting visitors in the late afternoon or evening, landscape lighting is a worthwhile investment. Solar lights along walkways, motion-activated spotlights, and landscape spotlights can enhance your home’s curb appeal after dark.
Finally, consider removing window screens to allow more natural light to flow through your home, and let buyers know you’ll reinstall them after the showing.
Fall Tip #5 for Selling Your Home: Decluttering for Success
Clutter can make your home appear smaller and distract buyers from seeing its full potential. To help create a spacious, inviting environment, consider temporarily removing items you don’t need.
“I often recommend renting a pod for belongings you can live without until your move,” says Harper. “Once it’s full, the pod company can store it for you, keeping your home clutter-free.”
For a quick solution, items can also be stored in closets or the garage. Buyers are more likely to overlook a cluttered garage than a spare bedroom. Keeping living spaces tidy allows buyers to focus on the home’s possibilities.
Fall Tip #6 for Selling Your Home: Small Details That Make a Big Impact
When selling your home this fall, don’t overlook the small details that can leave a lasting impression on buyers. Start by cleaning the cabinet beneath your sink—potential buyers will likely check the plumbing, and a clean, organized space will stand out. Consider adding a fresh shelf liner and even installing slide-out drawers or other functional storage solutions to enhance the appeal.
Make sure showerheads sparkle, and don’t forget to dust ceiling fan blades, clean the inside of your dishwasher, and freshen up your washing machine. Pay attention to the kitchen’s nooks and crannies to keep the whole space looking its best.
If you have carpets with stains, consider replacing them. It’s an investment that will pay off by presenting a fresh, clean look throughout your home.
Fall Tip #7 for Selling Your Home: Keep Seasonal Décor Simple
When selling your home this fall, it’s important to strike a balance with seasonal décor. Both in listing photos and during showings, keeping holiday decorations minimal and neutral can help buyers focus on your home’s features. Opt for simple touches like white string lights or a tastefully decorated Christmas tree that complements the space.
If you have vaulted ceilings, feel free to showcase them with a tall tree that highlights the grandeur of the room. And for a charming winter touch, a classic snowman in the front yard can create a welcoming, festive atmosphere.
Fall Tip #8 for Selling Your Home: Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
When selling your home this fall, it’s important to ensure it smells inviting. Since you may be used to your home’s scent, ask a friend or neighbor to do a quick sniff test. Pet odors, septic smells, or other unpleasant scents can be off-putting to potential buyers. Instead of masking odors with too many fragrances, keep it simple—a subtle, unlit pine candle in the bathroom can create a pleasant ambiance.
During the holiday season, play soft holiday music in the background, and for an extra touch, offer freshly baked cookies, pumpkin muffins, or hot cocoa at an open house to make visitors feel right at home.
Fall Tip #9 for Selling Your Home: Maximizing Viewing Opportunities
With shorter days in the fall, offering flexible showing times can significantly increase your chances of attracting potential buyers. Accommodate evening and weekend viewings to fit the schedules of those with busy lives. The more accessible your home is for viewings, the better your chances of finding the right buyer.
As the holidays approach, people often have more flexibility to visit homes. Ensure that your schedule allows potential buyers ample opportunity to see your property during this time.
Fall Tip #10 for Selling Your Home: Preparation is Key
As you navigate the fall real estate market, preparation is essential. Partner with a trusted realtor, such as the Kris Jensen Team, to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today’s dynamic market. With over twenty years of experience, we offer expert advice and a proven track record to help make your home-selling journey as smooth as possible. Let us guide you through making your real estate goals a reality!
(651) 491-3030