If you are considering selling a home during the fall months, do not get discouraged by the calmer market or cooler weather. Yes, it is historically true that more houses are on the market in the spring and summer months. But sellers still can harness a unique advantage when it comes to listing during the fall months: with fewer homes on the market, sellers have the opportunity to spice things up when it comes to timing open houses, curb appeal, and staging. (As always, Freemodel is poised and ready to help you make renovations that help your home sell for more.)

We took a careful look at the pros and cons of selling during this time of year, so that you can make the most informed decisions based on your property!

Joelle Belmonte’s project in San Francisco, CA

Pros of selling during the fall:

1. Buyer urgency: Homebuyers are likely trying to wrap up their house hunting and make a purchase before the holiday season gets into full swing. This means that potential buyers will be looking more intently and seriously, as opposed to taking a more passive approach during the spring months. They might be more inclined to make an offer as soon as they find the right fit.
2. A festive mood: The colder season creates a perfect time to host a fall open house. An open house with some seasonal decor, warm scents, and cozy staging can help buyers to envision themselves spending holidays there in the years to come!
3. School is not a factor: It is a common misconception that homebuyers operate solely around a K-12 school schedule. According to Zillow’s 2022 Buyer Study, only 40% of buyers have children under age 18 in their households. Proving that not everyone is operating around the traditional school year to decide on homebuying and moving timelines.
4. Nice evenings: Fall often offers comfortable, crisp weather that is still very enjoyable during evening hours. This is a great excuse to take advantage of weeknight open houses and maximize showings with people’s busy weekend schedules.

Susan Lennon’s project in Venice, CA

Cons of selling during the fall:

1. Social competition: The start of fall typically involves more events, holidays, and parties for people to attend. This can create scheduling conflicts for how easily someone can come to an open house. A flexible schedule that offers weeknight and weekend viewings can help solve this problem and make up for the quicker pace of this season.
2. Smaller market: Many buyers assume spring and summer are the key times to operate, so it might feel like there are fewer of them shopping around during the fall. But do not dismay over the off-peak season and be sure to impress those that are looking!
3. Messy leaves: The changing weather and temperature causes tree leaves to change color and eventually fall, often onto your sidewalk and lawn. While it’s great to take advantage of the turning leaf colors for listing photos, be sure to stay on top of cleaning them up during open house times so that your yard doesn’t look unkempt. Have those rakes, leaf blowers, and leaf bags ready!

Lara Richmond’s project in Berkeley, CA

To wrap things up, learning how to best sell your home in the fall months comes down to being flexible with buyers and implementing the right marketing strategies. There are always going to be advantages and disadvantages to selling your home during any season. However, taking advantage of crafty fall decorating ideas, cozy staging, and the beautiful colors of the changing leaves can help to invoke warm feelings towards your home.

Buyers looking during this season are often more action-oriented, as they want to make a purchase before the year comes to a close. While there may be fewer of them, be sure to put your best foot forward to those that are house-hunting and ready to commit to a decision. Most of all, happy fall and happy selling!