Twenty-nine percent of Americans surveyed said their favorite time of year is the fall.
Changing leaves, major holidays and family gatherings were among the list of reasons people look forward to October, November and December. Even in sunny Southern California, where Keller Williams Real Estate Agent Candace Cantu McGloin is based, the sights and sounds of fall are in the air.
Listing a House in the Fall
Since autumn traditionally signals the time of year to snuggle by a roaring fire with a hot cup of cocoa and a good book, it can pose a few challenges for listing a home. But that needn’t be the case. After all, circumstances sometimes dictate the need for people to relocate in the fall. If you play your cards right, this time of year can prove to be the ideal setting for listing and selling your house.
Fall Staging Ideas
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Start with the Curb
Curb appeal counts no matter the season. Welcome prospects and agent tourists before they even reach the front door. In the fall, even in Redlands, make sure you take time to rake leaves. While we may not have as many as people who live on the east coast, we still need to make sure leaves don’t carpet the lawn. Spruce it up by raking and patching up brown spots in the grass. Also, address anything that has collected in gutters. Place a festive wreath on the front door.
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Repaint
A fresh coat of paint is a great way to refresh a home’s interior, no matter which month you choose to sell. For fall, try painting walls a rich shade of caramel or cream. But make sure it’s neutral, yet warm and inviting. Accessorize with pops of color like burnt sienna and harvest gold.
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Lighten Up
Daylight Savings Time will quickly be behind us. As the days get shorter, make sure your home features adequate lighting to highlight your home’s best features. NO matter the season, it’s always good to let as much natural light shine on your property as possible. While you’re at it, give things a thorough cleaning since illumination can call attention to grubby corners. Do a thorough inspection to make sure you’re the one who spots cobwebs instead of potential buyers.
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Capitalize on the Season
Who can resist the aroma of cinnamon and apples during the fall? Before showing your home, light a cinnamon-scented candle or simmer a pot of mulled cider or spiced wine. Your home will be even more inviting if you provide cups for buyers to enjoy. Also, consider lighting a fire so guests remain toasty on the tour and will be able to imagine their own life spent near hearth & home.
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Simplify
Resist the temptation to over-decorate. Edit yourself because, as lovely as they are, a plethora of fall decorations could distract buyers from your home’s best features. Instead of placing lots of small tchotchkes, use a few carefully placed large statement pieces to create an inviting setting and make your home feel fresh. Select vases of fall foliage or bowls of fall-scented pot pourri throughout your home.
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Be aware of season-specific challenges:
- Take pics while it’s still warm. For marketing purposes, most homes photograph better in the light of day. So, if possible, take shots before leaves have dropped from trees and the grass is brown.
- Address maintenance issues. Some home-related repairs are more problematic during the fall than other seasons. For instance, water heater repair and heating systems are best done in warmer months. In Redlands, you can start now before winter sets in.
- Make the most of each showing. Since stormy weather can reduce the number of tours, make every one count. To make people feel comfortable, occupy yourself outside of the home while your realtor handles prospective buyers. Also, before you leave, make sure the house is in tip-top shape.
About Candace Cantu McGloin
Keller Williams Realtor Candace Cantu McGloin is qualified and willing to help home buyers and sellers across Southern California any season of the year. A long-time Redlands’ resident, she specializes in the cities of Redlands, Highland, Yucaipa, Grand Terrace, and Loma Linda but has done transactions both on the buying and selling side throughout Southern California. To learn more about real estate in Redlands or elsewhere in the Inland Empire, call Candace directly at (951) 201-2443.