Strategies to Help Sell Your Home This Fall
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
If you are ready to sell your home, you do not have to wait until Spring to find a buyer. Despite conventional wisdom, buyers look for a home year-round. This fall may be especially favorable for buyers. Mortgage rates are expected to decline through the end of the year according to a recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) economics forecast.
Another advantage of selling your home in the fall is that with fewer homes on the market, your home may get more attention. The key to getting buyers to notice your house online or while driving through your neighborhood is highlighting key features buyers want inside and outside your home.
Research from a recent NAHB survey of new and prospective home buyers indicates that buyers want to live in a single-family home in the suburbs. Regarding home features, they are especially interested in a separate laundry room, Energy Star certifications, and storage – including a walk-in pantry and garage storage.
Other essential features that have broad appeal for buyers are related to technology. NAHB survey results found that buyers are turning to technology to achieve two goals: save energy by efficiently controlling the temperature of their home and increase the safety of their home. Some of the topmost wanted technology features are a programmable thermostat (78%), security cameras (76%), a wireless home security system (70%), and a multi-zone HVAC system (68%).
If your home includes any of these features, include their pictures and descriptions in your listing. Most buyers conduct home searches online, so be sure your listing pictures show your home’s story in the best possible light.
If your home is not equipped with the latest technology, there are exterior features you can highlight. Never underestimate the power of attracting buyers to your home with curb appeal. With shorter days in the fall, make sure the outside of your home is well-lit with an attractive porch light feature or garden pathway lights. A majority of buyers say exterior lighting (82%) and landscaping (80%) are among the most wanted features in a home. During the fall, when home buyers are driving by, it is a good idea to regularly rake up leaves in the front of your house, so your yard looks neat.
For more information on buying and selling your home this fall, contact the NCBIA. We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
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