Should I Wait Until Spring to Sell My Home?
When is the best time of year to list your home in Anchorage? With stabilized prices and rising interest rates, you may decide to jump on it now! Although waiting until the weather gets warmer typically will get you more foot traffic, it may or may not result in a higher sales price. Buyers are motivated in the fall and competition is lower. Make your decision on the unique position of your home in the marketplace and your own personal circumstances. There are many reasons to sell in the fall.
Buyers are Motivated in the Fall
Many people who tried buying in the summer opted to hold out, based on low inventory. They may have already seen dozens of homes and gotten a sense for exactly what they are looking for. When they come across your home, they will be more primed and ready to buy fast!
Other serious buyers may be moving to Alaska in the off-season, including Military families who “PCS” or have Permanent Change of Stations in December. Because there are fewer listings, your home will be competing with less inventory during these months. These buyers may be more apt to make concessions on their wish list or be able to see an objection as an opportunity versus an obstacle.
Homes are More Festive in the Fall!
Give buyers a sense of your neighborhood during holiday months when neighbors typically spruce up their homes and decorate outside! The festive mood enhances showings, allowing buyers to imagine their future holidays in the home.
Use the cold weather to feature your home’s cozy appeal – show off storage space that might be good for snow sports and talk to your REALTOR about how to best feature any special winter views or fireplaces.
How Can I Sell my Home During the Fall?
We work with home owners to prepare their homes for all seasons. During the fall/winter months we always encourage home owners to keep their walkways clear of snow/ice!
Lighting
Along with some holiday cheer, we recommend exterior and interior lights be on to make your home stand out for REALTOR showings. When interior lights are left on prior to showings, we find it encourages buyers to come into your home and linger. Nothing says “be careful” when you approach a dark house!
Heat
We also recommend keeping your home at a reasonable temperature. Having a comfortable home allows buyers to stay longer. I can’t count how many times buyers have raced through a home due to homeowner keeping the thermostat set so low during our cooler months. Our goal is to keep a buyer in your home as long as possible!
How Will We Attract Buyers?
Consult with us today to take a look at your home. This complementary session includes a full market analysis and discussion about what will ultimately be best for you and your family. Our process includes a complete marketing strategy which maximizes exposure of your home on all platforms including social media, MLS, CriagsList, and Zillow, to name a few.
Autumn Tips to Prepare Your Home for Showings
- Remove garden hose bibs from all exterior faucets.
- Clean all debris from rain gutters.
- Install exterior lights to help brighten the front and rear of your home during the darker winter months.
- Check windows and doors to make sure they close tightly and properly. Replace any worn/missing weather stripping to keep cold air out.
- Clean your heating and air conditioning.
- Check your fireplace or wood burning stove and have them cleaned annually.
- Clean your water heater.
- Check your roof for any missing shingles or other damage.
- Clean out the garage to make room for your vehicles.
- Install new batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Purchase a fire extinguisher if you don’t have one. One for each level is not a bad idea. Do an annual check – pressure gauge to make sure extinguisher is charged; pin is intact and firmly in place; discharge nozzle is not plugged.
- Keep all entrances/exits of your home free of debris.
- Check foundation for cracks and caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the home, and around windows and door frames to prevent heat from escaping.
- Check weather stripping at your garage door to prevent heat escaping and block entrance of small animals.
- Clean your humidifier.
- Prepare yard equipment for winter storage – drain fuel from all gas operated machines.
- Get your snow blower in working order. Do an annual service if necessary so you’re ready!
