It has been said that spring traditionally offers the most favourable conditions for selling properties. However, one potential issue for spring sellers is that many competing vendors may aim to capitalise on the season's benefits at the same time – something that can work to drive competition up and selling prices down.
Autumn, on the other hand, presents relatively similar conditions to spring, but is generally not seen to offer such a prime selling environment. This factor presents a great opportunity for vendors to leverage the selling benefits of autumn without the higher competition levels usually seen in spring.
Here are four key factors to keep in mind when considering whether or not to sell in autumn:
1) Take advantage of the weather: autumn often strikes a pleasant balance between summer's scorching heat and the colder winter temperatures. As a result, prospective buyers often have a higher level of natural physical comfort in autumn which can help to create a more positive viewing experience.
2) Seasonal lighting: April sees the end of daylight savings time, which means that some sellers will likely be faced with more challenging lighting conditions. As such, it may be necessary to introduce measures to ensure that the property is sufficiently lit. For example, if conducting open-houses, it will be important to make sure that all rooms in the property are fitted with properly functioning light bulbs.
3) Appeal to the senses: try to present inspections as more than just regular open-houses. To this end, you may want to consider utilising the scents and hallmarks of the autumn season to turn your routine inspection in an open-house experience. For example, cinnamon wafting through the air and a strategically placed bowl of crisp red apples could prove to be rather persuasive;
4) Think about the buyers that you want to attract: the year is already well underway; children have settled into school; parents and professionals alike have returned to work; and, as such, prospective sellers may need to be a little more flexible when it comes to scheduling inspections. Consider your target buyers, think about the times that they're likely to be available, and then aim to create an inspection schedule that accommodates such times.
Each new season provides vendors with a different set of potential presentation techniques and considerations. Autumn in no exception; through thinking about the unique aspects of the season and building your presentation strategy around such, you can put your property in a strong position to appeal to prospective buyers and secure a good selling price.