Weighing up whether to sell your home in the fall? We hear it all the time: spring and summer are supposed to be the best times of year to sell a home. It’s a common misconception—one that leads many people to hold off on putting a house or condo on the market.

Now that it’s officially pumpkin spice latte season, we want sellers to know that they don’t have to wait if they’re ready to sell. While you can make a quick, profitable sale at any time of year, there are some unique benefits to sell your home in the fall. Here are four of the biggest.

1) There’s no shortage of buyers

Why sell your home in the fall? Put simply, the idea that there aren’t many homebuyers looking at this time of year is a myth. It probably stems from the belief that when kids go back to school, families are too busy dealing with day-to-day life to dive into the home hunt.

We’ve found that the opposite is often true. For many of the people we work with, September represents a return to normal life. Summer vacations are over, and buyers are relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to find their dream homes.

Bottom line: Toronto’s fall market is very busy—almost as busy as the spring! If you’re looking to list in the near future, rest assured that this season is just as good as any to attract potential buyers.

2) Summer home hunters are ready to commit

We’ve already mentioned that many homebuyers are mentally prepared to purchase in the fall. In a lot of cases, this willingness translates to a more serious buying attitude—which is great news if you’re looking to sell.

We can’t tell you how many buyers pause their search for a house or condo in the summer, only to come back in the fall. These are often home hunters who made one or more offers that weren’t accepted in the spring. When they resume their searches, they’re usually more determined than ever to make a winning bid.

3) It’s a great time to stage!

We love fall, and we’re not the only ones. There’s something so picturesque about the red, golden, and burnt orange tones that appear in the trees at this time of year. Plus, the brisker air is often a relief to buyers after months of humid summer heat.

In short, fall is a great time to use staging techniques to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. When it comes to repainting and adding new furnishings or decor, we’re partial to warm neutral tones that reflect the colour palette outside. Throw pillows, blankets, and luxurious accents can also help warm up your space.

Curb appeal is just as important. Whereas grass, trees, and vegetation often dry out in hot weather, fall plants tend to be resilient. You can place them strategically in your yard—along with colourful mulch and other decorative elements—to create a welcoming exterior.

4) The market can shift at any time

Why sell your home in the fall? If you’re looking for another reason, consider this. Toronto’s real estate market has shifted a lot in the last year. Right now, we’re seeing a return to stability. Many buyers are returning to the market, and sellers can take advantage of that.

The truth is, nobody can say for sure what’s going to happen a few months from now. If you have a lot riding on the sale of your home, selling this fall could be a safer strategy than waiting. A great real estate agent can help you understand what’s happening in your local market—and find the right buyer.

Trying to decide if you’ll sell your home in the fall? Send us a message! We’d love to answer your questions about the housing market and the selling process.

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