I am often asked if selling your home in the Fall is difficult. The simple answer is no. The Fall can be as good as any other time to sell your home. Most people have taken their vacation, the kids are back in school, and the temperatures are cooling down. Buyers are ready to look after their busy summer schedules have ended.

It is true that you can potentially have less showings than you would in the hot Spring market. But, the buyers who are out looking in the Fall are serious, qualified buyers.

To prepare your home for sale this time of year, I would like to share the following 10 tips:

1. Be sure to keep your lawn maintained by cutting the grass if needed, clearing the yard of all leaves, and cleaning up the summer landscaping that is dying off.

2. Plant some seasonal flowers to bring color and interest to the front of your property to spruce up the curb appeal.

3. Store all the summer outdoor equipment and toys but keep patios and decks inviting to a potential buyer.

4. Feel free to decorate your home for the season adding fall colors, setting the dining room table as you would for a Thanksgiving dinner, and adding fall scents with potpourri or scented candles. Be careful of over-decorating.

5. Create a cozy atmosphere in the home by lighting the fireplace (if you can leave it unattended), boiling some cinnamon sticks, and highlighting indoor areas that can be recreation spaces when the outdoors is not an option.

6. Add additional lighting inside and out as needed. Showings may occur in the evening, so be sure the potential buyer can see well.

7. Clean the gutters carefully to prevent any leaking or overflow on a rainy day.

8. Have your heating system checked and cleaned for the heating season.

9. The chimney should be cleaned and checked to head off any potential problems.

10. Price your home correctly.

Many sellers have been pleasantly surprised to see how quickly their homes sell when they take the time to prepare their home for the sale before the showings start.

With the right strategy in place, we can get your home sold in the this Fall season. I would be happy to guide you through the home selling process. Contact me by phone at 412-848-3907 or email at kim.henderson@pittsburghmoves.com. I look forward to hearing from you!