Usually by the time we get close to October, the frenzy of the real estate market is slowing down.   People do still buy and sell homes in the fall/winter and there can be some advantages to this time of year – especially for buyers who don’t want to be caught up the feeding frenzy of the spring.   And homes decorated for the holidays often look extra beautiful.   But this is the perfect time to prepare your home for sale and to prepare yourself to be a buyer in the upcoming spring market.

If you are a buyer, you can start the pre-qualification/lending process now by speaking to a reputable LOCAL bank or lending company.   I would tell any buyer I work with, I do not recommend you deal with the large banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo or Chase for home loans.  Their track record is abysmal.   They do not have local underwriters which makes it very hard for an agent or buyer to have someone to interface with during the contracting/loan process.   Local banks are much better to work with but even they are bound by rules and regulations per the federal government that makes it harder for them to underwrite someone with less than perfect credit.   The mortgage companies have an easier time of this and are not bound by some of the rules banks are.   Lending rules are easing somewhat but if you are thinking of buying a property in the next year, now is the time to get your ducks in a row and get ready to be a qualified buyer.   If you find you are not ready to purchase you have some time to do what is necessary to become qualified in time for the spring season.   We also now have a rent to own program that can assist those who wish to purchase but are not able for various reasons at this time.

Sellers, of course need to think about getting a home market ready.   We all think we have the perfect home and often our homes are wonderful, well kept and show ready.   But even the nicest home can use some prep.   The first thing to do is have an agent (me, of course! ) come by and visit your home and give some tips on what to do or not to do to get the home ready for market.

Exterior  fixes and curb appeal are the first impression, so fall is a great time to do some outside clean up and maintenance to insure that by spring your home will be inviting to buyers.  Clean gutters and trim trees/bushes/flower beds.   Paint any trim or siding and consider the condition of roofing and downspouts.   Clean out the garage and organize.

Inside is just as, if not more important.    I cannot stress enough how much taking care of your home is to future sale and realization of highest price possible.   Cleanliness is important and shows that a home has been well cared for.   A home that is filthy sends warning signals to buyers and may put them off.    Unless you plan as “as is” sale and are willing to adjust your sale price to reflect need for updates and maintenance, then inside clean up/update/repairs are also very important.

Don’t panic!  You don’t need to redecorate your entire house.   The first order of business is to de-clutter and de-personalize your home.   Take down half of your personal photos and all religious items.    The idea is that once you choose to list your house you want it to appeal to the most buyers possible.   You also want a buyer to come into your home and imagine their own things there.   You don’t want them to only see your stuff.

Secondly, neutralize any really taste specific decor.   Use neutral paint to show kind of a blank slate if you will for a buyers furnishings.   Neutral taupe’s, beige’s and cream colors go with any type of furniture/decor so these colors make it easier for a buyer to move their own things in without a complete repaint.   Take down chintzy wall paper or dated draperies.   If you remove drapes make sure you patch any holes from rods etc.

Thirdly,  remove some furniture to open up spaces in rooms to show more open space.   Depending on the home, it might even pay to rent a storage unit to store pieces until you move.    I can also bring a staging professional to help you stage your own furniture to better showcase your home.   If I recommend this, it usually means it is needed!   Professional photographers want very little on tables/counters because knic- knacs throw shadows in photos which is not something we want.

Lastly, be realistic about price.   Before listing, ask me for a current market analysis of your neighborhood/like homes in the area and set a price that is realistic.   Homes that are priced properly tend to sell quicker and for more money because they are priced right.   Many sellers think they need to build in negotiating room in their price but this is not needed.   In fact a high price can delay sales.  If you price a home properly, agents and buyers will see the value and offer  your price and even generate some competition.     The reverse can also be said of buyers.   You don’t need to low ball to be able to negotiate up.   If a home is priced right, it’s priced right and low offers can cost you the home if another buyer offers a higher price.

If you are considering a move up, a downsize or know someone who needs a first home – call me now!   You want to be ready to take advantage of the busy spring market and in our business, this starts in mid to late January depending on the weather!   I am happy to come to you and get you on the right path!