As the days get shorter and the weather much cooler, home listing strategies have to adjust to get the most out of a home this time of year.

James and Denny go over their fall listing strategies and share all the things that can make or break a sale.

This episode will focus on listing strategies for the fall, why now might be a good time to sell, how to get the most out of listing photos, the impact weather can have, and predictions for the fall and spring.

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NOTES FROM THE EPISODE:

It is important to consider the time of year when determining a listing strategy for selling your home. Currently, it is the fourth quarter of 2021, and the strategies that sellers are using now may differ from the strategies that sellers will implement in early 2022.

Who is selling in the fall, and why did they decide to list now?

• The seller has already bought something else and wants to move
  • Many homeowners may buy a property before selling their current home when the market is climbing and the demand is higher than the supply. Check out our podcast episode The Important Decision of Buying or Selling First to learn more about this topic.
• They are an opportunistic seller and are choosing to list now when there are not many other options for buyers to choose from
  • We are currently seeing all-time peak pricing, which can act as a motivator for homeowners who have been thinking of downsizing for some time
  • The seller may be looking to relocate or rent
  • This property may be an investment property that the seller does not want to manage anymore or a property that they are willing to sell at a high price for a profit

Fall Home Listing Strategies:

Timing is key

A homeowner needs to move quickly when selling their home if they are looking to list in the fall. Do not spend too much time worrying about the little things (for example, changing the carpet or baseboards, painting, landscaping). Take photos and list as soon as possible. For townhouses and condos, make sure that you have all the necessary strata documents.

Be aware of when you are showing the property

In most circumstances, showings are best when it is light out. In the fall, buyers may not see the property with natural light during evening appointments. Furthermore, if the weather is poor, buyers may not see a condo’s view, which could be a key selling feature.

Limited supply means more buyers are looking at your home

Right now, there is very little supply available. Keep in mind that your listing could be very attractive compared to other available properties, leading to a higher offer. This point increases the urgency to list the property as soon as possible before the market changes. 

December is coming

We rarely suggest listing in December unless you have to. Many people do not want to move or focus on the selling and buying process around Christmas time. January and February tend to be a better alternative for most homeowners trying to sell.

Home Listing Strategies are different in fall than in January or February

James and Denny stress that Realtors would be having a very different conversation with homeowners looking to sell in January or February than at the end of the current year. 

At the beginning of the year, Realtors have more flexibility to make adjustments to find what is best for the sellers and the listing. There would be more time to experiment with a listing strategy, create a strong marketing plan, and take the best photos possible during ideal weather conditions. The Realtors can also post teasers to generate buyer interest on social media before the actual listing is available. Showing appointments can be planned around poor weather and during the daytime to offer the best first impression.

Moreover, homeowners have a better opportunity to carry out maintenance and minor renovations to increase a buyer’s offer. Landscaping, power washing the exterior, updating flooring, and a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make a big difference in a home’s overall appeal.

At the end of the year, the home listing strategy changes drastically. The main focus is how quickly the listing can be posted so that interested buyers can see it. Having a Realtor who is up-to-date on current trends in the market is key to having a successful sale during this time.

Are you thinking of listing your home this fall?

So far, this fall has been a seller’s market, but it can change quickly! As James and Denny say, it is not easy to predict what will happen next. It is important to talk to a Realtor who understands the market and provides the best information for your specific situation. Contact our team to find out how we can help you with all of your real estate needs!