Buying a HomeReal Estate News & TrendsSelling a Home April 12, 2023

8 Reasons Why Listing Your Home in the Fall is a Smart Choice for Families with School-Aged Children

As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures start to drop, many people assume that the real estate market slows down along with it. However, autumn can actually be a great time to list your home for sale, especially if you’re targeting families with school-aged children. Here are eight reasons why listing your home in the fall is a smart choice for families with school-age children:

two story brick home, tree of orange leaves, yellow flowers on porch

1. Less Competition

While summer may be the peak season for buying and selling homes, it’s also the time when there is the most competition. With so many homes on the market, buyers can afford to be picky and may even hold out for better deals.

 

However, in the fall, the number of homes on the market tends to decrease, meaning that there is less competition for sellers. This is especially true for families with school-aged children, who are often looking for homes in specific school districts or neighborhoods.

2. Buyers Are More Serious

Buyers who shop in the fall months are often more serious than spring and summer buyers. Many spring and summer buyers will buy if they can close before the school year starts, but the impetus for fall buyers is usually more immediate, like a job relocation or a changing family.

 

This means deals are more likely to close, and you’re less likely to be hassled by showing the home to unmotivated buyers.

3. More Attention From Agents.

The busiest time of year for real estate professionals is summer. Sellers who list in summer have to compete for time with their agents, lenders, and inspectors who juggle multiple clients during the peak summer months.

 

Selling in the fall means your agent can devote their full attention to marketing and selling your home. This is especially important for families with school-aged children, who often have more specific needs and requirements than other buyers.

 

4. Fall Decor Is Cozy

By listing your home in the fall, you can boost your home’s appeal by making it feel like a cozy home. Tasteful fall decors like wreaths, pumpkins, and festive centerpieces to lighting a fire in the fireplace can help buyers picture their families in your home.

 

This is especially important for families with young children, who are often looking for a home that feels warm and inviting.

Cozy Livingroom of autumn tones with gas fireplace with flames.

5. Easier To Schedule Showings

Buyers are often busier in the spring and summer, so it can be harder to schedule showings. In the fall, buyers are more likely to be available to see your home.

6. Quicker Closings

There are typically fewer real estate transactions in the fall, which means the people who are needed to close the home purchase may be more available. This can lead to quicker closings, which is a benefit for both buyers and sellers.

7. More Flexibility

If you’re selling your home in the fall, you may have more flexibility when it comes to moving and buying a new one.  This is because there are fewer buyers in the market, so you may not have to compete with as many other sellers. Selling in the fall gives you more time to find a new home before the spring market heats up.

8. Close Before The Tax Year Ends 

It typically takes one month from signing a purchase agreement to closing, so sellers wishing to sell their home before the calendar year ends need to consider listing in October. This can be a major advantage for families, who can often save money on taxes by selling their homes before the end of the year.

 

In conclusion, while summer may be the most popular season for selling homes, listing your home in the fall can also be a smart choice, especially for families with school-aged children. With less competition, serious buyers, the opportunity to showcase fall features, and the timing right for families, there are plenty of advantages to listing your home in the autumn season. So if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, don’t overlook the fall as a great time to do so.


You can view currently listed properties or get an instant home estimate by visiting: danaficker.com