?Although the real estate business tends to slow down in the fall, the season still can be an attractive time to put a home on the market and there are plenty of active home-buyers. If you want to sell your house in the next few months, it can be done.

Potential buyers will compete for fewer homes on the market and will likely want to seal a deal before the holiday season kicks into high gear.

Here are three tips to help make your home more attractive in autumn, so you can sell your house before winter comes.

1. Clean Up

In Cape May County, year-to-date listings have increased by an average of 7%.  That means more competition amongst other sellers.  You’ll want to do everything you can to make your property look its best.

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Pay particular attention to eliminating clutter and safety hazards that can crop up with cooler weather:

• Make sure your yard, walkways and gutters are free of leaves and debris.

• Mow your lawn so it looks neat.

• Trim trees so unexpected winds don’t knock down branches that could damage your home or hurt anybody.

• If it is rainy, be sure you have a good doormat so visitors can wipe their feet and not traipse mud and water through the house.

• Keep an eye on temperatures: overnight freezes may warrant some salt along the entranceway for morning showings.

• Wash decks and wipe down windows so they sparkle instead of appear streaked by rain.

• Vacuum and wash down the fireplace, especially if it hasn’t been used in months.

• If it’s still “patio-weather”, make sure the area is inviting and arranged with the views from indoors in mind.

• Above all, make sure your doorway and the rest of the house is clear from knick knacks, bicycles and toys that make your home appear cluttered.

2. Create Autumn Curb Appeal

If your house’s exterior looks drab, you may want to consider painting it a warm color, planting seasonal flowers, or placing pumpkins strategically along your walkup to accent your home’s appeal with instant color.

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Potential buyers will make an instant judgment when they see your home, and you want to be sure it’s positive.

While you don’t want to go overboard with fall decorations that detract from the home itself, a few displays like a festive front-door wreath—and lighting so people can clearly see the path to your front door—can make your home feel fresh, even in the fall.

3. Keep the House Cozy

Entering a cold house could leave an unfavorable impression. So warm up your home with a fresh coat of paint and set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.

Another way to warm up a home is with light, especially as days get shorter leading into winter. Be sure to open blinds and curtains so plenty of light illuminates the home’s interior.

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A few embellishments like red, orange or golden yellow pillows can breathe new life into dull sofa—or a fall centerpiece can highlight a certain area of the home.

While you don’t want your home to look like the latest department store display, well-chosen embellishments that give potential buyers the impression you’ve paid attention to the fine details and taken care of any problems with the home will help you put your best face forward.

And remember, there’s nothing wrong with trying to sweeten the deal with the comforting aroma of a freshly-baked, cinnamon-laced apple pie or pumpkin cupcake to leave a lasting impression of your home!

Bottom Line

I've helped hundreds of happy clients over the past 25+ years, through every kind of market.  Put my experience to work for you!  Together, we can come up with a good idea of what will make your home stand out and sell quickly.

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