Yes, and here’s why! Plus, tips to sell your home this fall

 

Maybe late spring/early summer is the most popular time of year to list, but that doesn’t mean listing at other times is a bad idea.

Sure, those longer days and nice weather do make house-hunting more appealing, but other things also come into play.

So, is this fall a good time to list your Comox Valley home? Short answer: yes, it is!

Advantages of a fall listing

You’re trying to sell in the fall because you are serious. People who are looking in the fall are also serious. And serious buyers are typically motivated to purchase quickly in the autumn before the busy holiday season and even more inclement weather sets in. Plus, the cooler, darker seasonal atmosphere helps to make your home feel that much warmer and more welcoming.

Despite the common notion that most buyers are shopping to fit with their kids’ school-year schedules, more than half of buyers don’t even have children under 18 at home. Therefore, fall works as well as any other time of year for them. Not to mention that the internet has no seasons. People can browse to their hearts’ content anywhere, anytime.

In terms of showing, in early fall there is still enough light to do weeknight showings, in addition to weekend open houses. And curb appeal is less “in your face” and more laid back than other times of the year. Even though the falling leaves can get messy, it’s the same issue for everyone who is trying to sell at this time of year. Just keep things tidy and buy a potted plant or wreath for the front entry.

Finally, because there are fewer listings in the fall, the competition isn’t as great, which can make selling easier.

Tips to help sell your home this fall

The sooner the better. It’s easier to sell in the fall than in December and January, when weather and holidays really come into play and can limit availability of buyers, agents and lenders. Once you’ve decided to sell, it’s a good idea to get prepared for listing as soon as possible.

Photograph while you still have some leaves. Again, the sooner, the better to have your professional real estate pics done. The natural light is stronger earlier in the season, and the yard typically is neater and more interesting with better colour variation.

Work with a proven professional. An established agent with good contacts will be at an advantage during this slower time of year. Ensure they have some experience and knowledge about selling off-peak.

Ensure the price is right. Use neighborhood comparisons and your agent to find the right price. Don’t expect multiple-offer situations that’ll drive up the price. Just as importantly, don’t feel obligated to accept low-ball offers.

Market outside the box. Focus on the area and the neighbourhood not just the house. What is it that makes your home unique all year round?

The take-away for listing in fall

Most importantly, talk to your realtor about where things are at in the market and where they are going.  Your realtor will let you know how things are doing in terms of specific trends and the local supply and demand. Realistically, season-to-season housing prices don’t tend to increase or decrease significantly – that’s more of a longer-term trend.

In the Comox Valley, regardless of the time of year, there is always plenty to do from skiing and hiking to golfing and hanging at the beach. And because of our relatively temperate weather compared to the rest of the country, plus decent demand from older buyers who don’t need to wait for the end of the school year before buying, it’s always a good time to list.

As always, if you have any questions about moving in or out of the Comox Valley, feel free to contact me  or visit the blog section of my website. To find out more about Comox Valley real estate opportunities, view MLS listings on my website or follow me through Facebook.