Four Must-Know Tips from Real Estate Experts on Getting Your Home Market-Ready This Fall

EDINA, MN—September 25, 2017 – Spring and summer are usually seen as the most popular seasons for buying and selling a home in Minnesota and Wisconsin. But, according the real estate experts from Edina Realty, that doesn’t mean there aren’t families looking to move in this autumn season. “Consumers who may be thinking twice about selling their home this fall can confidently move forward as we continue to see a hot seller’s market. In fact, we’ve found fall buyers to be highly motivated, accounting for nearly 30 percent of our yearly transactions,” says Edina Realty President Sharry Schmid. “Plus, the gorgeous fall season makes it easy to show off the natural beauty of a neighborhood and your home in it. In other words, contrary to what you might think, fall is an opportune time to sell a home!”

If you’re planning to list your home for sale this fall, Schmid says that it won’t take much extra work to make it stand out among the rest. In fact, Edina Realty’s experts have the following four pieces of advice to help homeowners prepare for putting their homes on the market this fall. “When implemented, these tips can help set the stage for a successful and painless selling process for anyone putting their house on the market,” says Schmid.

Tip #1 – Keep Cold Air Out! Check Your Home for Structural Leaks

In Minnesota and Wisconsin, one of the most important selling points of a house is how well it stays warm in the winter. It’s highly advisable to take the time to check your home’s windows and doors for any air leaks, clean the chimneys and update the thermostat before putting your house on the market. This process to keep the cold air our could even include insulating the attic, which was the number one home improvement project when it came to return on investment (ROI) in 2016. According to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report, the average homeowner could expect to spend just $1,268 on fiberglass insulation, but recoup $1,482 at resale—theoretically making money from this improvement!Beneficially, these updates will decrease your current heating and cooling costs, as well as could add value to your home.

Tip #2 – Do Outside Maintenance Before Winter Hits

Once there is even a hint of the weather starting to change, it’s crucial to get moving on your winter home maintenance. As easy as it is to put things off, cleaning your gutters from debris and getting your yard raked as soon as the leaves start to fall will make up-keep much easier when winter arrives Additionally, according to the Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior projects give homeowners an average ROI of 74.9 percent. These improvements can include installing a new steel entry door, garage door or even giving the house a nice pressure washing. Landscaping is also a solid investment that can return between 100-200 percent! Plus, it will add to the curb appeal of your home.

Tip #3 – Consider Making a “Warm” Impression

Autumn is all about being warm and cozy inside, so whether the people wandering through your front door are longtime friends or potential buyers, keeping your home’s lighting natural and furnishings soft will make your home appear its most welcoming. And simple staging can set the stage for a warm ambience. According to the National Association of Realtors, 2017 Profile of Home Staging, 77 percent of buyer’s agents said a staged listing makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. “If buyers can visualize themselves in your warm and cozy home,” says Schmid. “That is a win… and a positive step toward selling your home!”

Tip #4 – Trim Your Seasonal Decorations

Resist the urge to go over the top with seasonal decorations from October through December. Regardless of the season or holiday, you want your home and its unique features to be what gets the attention of potential buyers – not your Halloween décor.

At the end of the day, to sell your home, it comes down to making your house look like an appealing place for a potential buyer to come home to. Therefore, by keeping your yard clean, making sure your windows are tightly sealed and having some logs burning in the fireplace, it won’t be hard for potential buyers to envision themselves there…and the offers will come! For additional insights on best practices when it comes to selling your home, visit www.edinarealty.com.

About Edina Realty: Edina Realty is a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. It is one of the nation’s largest real estate companies with more than 75 real estate offices and more than 2,400 REALTORS® throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Edina Realty's family of companies includes Edina Realty, Edina Realty Title, Edina Realty Insurance, Edina Realty Mortgage and Edina Realty Home Warranties. Edina Realty closed more than 33,000 real estate transactions and $8.7 billion in sales volume in 2016. For more information, visit www.edinarealty.com or find us on Facebook: facebook.com/EdinaRealty; and Twitter: Twitter.com/Edina_Realty.