NEW ORLEANS – Spring gets all the attention when it comes to home buying. However, homes sell year-round. And despite the headlines, millions of existing homes are sold monthly. And with mortgage rates improving and a surging stock market, more folks are looking to buy homes this Fall.
“There are several things homeowners can do if they need to quickly sell their home this fall,” says Dan Mills, CEO, Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO). “With a little preparation, sellers could be enjoying their new home just in time for this holiday season.”
Tips for quickly selling a home this fall include:
Manage Holiday Décor
One of the joys of homeownership is personalizing your space. Homeowners tend to liven up their spaces in or around November in preparation for the holidays. However, elaborate indoor displays, loads of lights or too much festive holiday lawn décor may scare off potential buyers. The same general principle applies to fall décor.
Maintain Curb Appeal
You’ll want to ensure your house looks inviting as soon as potential buyers catch a glimpse of your home. Make sure your house number can be read from the street and remember to keep your sidewalks clear, with all fall leaves raked up.
Light it Up
As winter approaches, it starts getting darker outside earlier. If prospective buyers tour your home in the early evening hours, ensure there is as much light as possible, so the house looks warm and inviting. Consider adding floor lamps in the darker areas of your home or ask your realtor for staging recommendations.
Prepare for Cooler Temperatures
With colder temperatures outside, buyers will notice immediately if your heating unit isn’t working correctly. Not only will a cold or drafty house make your home uncomfortable for buyers, but they may also be wary of purchasing a new heating system. To ensure your unit is running smoothly and provides optimal comfort, schedule a maintenance tune-up with a professional HVAC technician.
Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is an inviting one, so experts recommend a thorough cleaning. In addition to tidying up and putting things away, wash your windows inside and out. Now is the best time to make home repairs you may have been putting off. Before showing your home, consider hanging fresh towels in the bathrooms and kitchen. Set the dining room table and buy fresh flowers for vases throughout the home.
“Selling your home in the fall doesn’t have to be a headache. With a bit of preparation, you’ll soon be settling into your new home just in time for the holidays,” added Mills.
For more information visit hbagno.org or nahb.org.
ABOUT THE HBAGNO:
Founded in 1941, the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) provides members with continuing education, events for networking opportunities and advocacy to protect the home building industry. The HBAGNO is a non-profit professional organization serving nearly 1,000 builders and associate members encompassing seven parishes throughout Louisiana, including Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, St. James, St. Charles, Plaquemines, and Orleans. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans has continued to proudly serve as the home of local, licensed residential contractors for over 80 years.
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