While fall may not be as busy as the summer and spring seasons, it can be a productive selling season in many markets. There is often more time to develop client relationships and to negotiate deals. Here are some points to remember:
- Fall home buyers could be more serious and intentional in their home searches. In many cases, buyers may not have been looking to move but have become motivated by a specific listing that piqued their interest. Instead of touring a bunch of properties, they may only be interested in one or two showings. If this is the case, and they hadn’t been planning to move before becoming interested in a certain property, they may also have a house to sell themselves.
- Fall colors can make great exterior listing photos. Take full advantage of the fall scenery and try to schedule photography when the leaves are the most colorful.
- Talk to sellers about their plans for yard maintenance. First impressions are important, and when leaves are piled up, a home isn’t presented in its best light. Potential buyers may also be reminded of all the maintenance that they’ll have to do to the home if they see an unkempt yard.
- Keep fall decorations simple so as not to distract from a home’s best features. A few pumpkins or an autumn-themed wreath can be festive, but too many items can clutter rooms, or even clash with the interior décor. Advise your sellers that, in this case, less is more.
- Take advantage of good fall weather by encouraging lookers to linger outside in gardens and outdoor living spaces. Invite them to sit down and use the opportunity to go over information about the home or to answer any questions they have about the listing.
- Remind sellers to complete seasonal heating system checks and maintenance so that when temperatures drop, their homes are warm for showings. Keep service records to show potential buyers.
Even if you have less inventory in your market for competition, it’s still important for listings to stand out in order to attract potential buyers. That’s where an HSA℠ Home Warranty can help. When buyers see that a home has coverage, they are less likely to be concerned about potential home system and appliance breakdowns occurring soon after they move in. They’ll also be reassured that they’ll have reliable help for repairs in the event of a covered malfunction. Ask your HSA Sales Representative for more information about the benefits that a home warranty can offer to your clients ─ and to you!