Fall is the New Spring—Why Not Sell Now?

That first breath of fresh air in the spring is a beautiful moment — it means winter is gone and beach days are a few short months away. This is the season when most sellers want to put their house on the market.  The flowers have been planted, the grass is growing, and any indication of what may have been a dreary winter is just about gone.  What better time to sell your home, right?   Conventional wisdom says yes, but the reality is, the lines that delineate seasonal sales cycles are starting to blur.  In the Spring, there’s usually a good deal of inventory -- which causes saturation in the market.  When it comes to the real estate game, you want your home to be unique, to stand out from the pack…so, why not put your home on the market now, in the Fall, rather than waiting to do so next Spring?  Think about it — the changing leaves and beautiful New England scenery paint a beautiful landscape -- and the crisp air can drive the buyers indoors to your cozy, welcoming home.

If the past few months are any indication, the late Fall market will be ripe with qualified buyers who are watching specific properties that are currently on the market, and noticing any new listings.  Buyers are starting to experience multiple bids because of the current low inventory; according to Realtor.com, US for-sale inventory is down nearly 20% from last year at the same time.  After losing their dream home because they waited too long, these folks have become educated consumers, and they’re ready to act quickly.  Now is the time to add your house to their list.

If you create a warm environment that shows buyers how much your home has to offer, even with hints of winter’s inevitability, you have the chance to make a great sale.  A few tips to keep in mind:  be 100% certain that the house is in the best shape possible. With the coldest months of the year approaching, start by cleaning your gutters, plant seasonal planters to welcome buyers, be sure the heating system has been checked, and there are no leaks or issues with the roof.  Ice, snow, and the frigid temperatures can really do some damage -- so ensure potential buyers that all is in perfect working order throughout your home.

With the amazing reach the internet provides, searches are constantly being done by those seeking a new home — regardless of the weather.  Providing interested parties the chance to come and see your place in a wonderful autumn setting, without a slew of competing buyers to contend with, may be just what they need to choose your home.  So…don’t spring ahead to the warmer weather to market a move – consider listing during this picturesque season because anxious house hunters could be waiting for your property to fall into their lap.

 Amy Mizner is a principal at the real estate firm of Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. (BMS).  Mizner and her partner Sheryl Simon have been the top-selling team in Weston for more than a decade.  At BMS, which has offices in Weston and Wellesley, Mizner and her team work to provide a fresh approach, and a highly professional experience for all clients.