It’s a common misunderstanding among people selling their home that the autumn and winter months are not a good time to sell. While sales do pick up in the spring and summer months and tend to die down in the winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean that listing your home at this time will result in a negative outcome.

In fact, many real estate agents think the later months are a great time to sell. Any time of year is a good time to sell when there are going to be serious buyers ready to consider your home. While there are definitely some buyers that stop their home search towards the end of the year, there are also those that are relocating, want to move immediately, or many other reasons.

Another advantage is that there is likely to be less competition, which means there will be fewer comparable homes for sale. With fewer comparable homes for sale, it will be more likely that buyers will view your home. 

Supply can be critically low in your area, so the drop in homes competing for buyer attention is likely to increase the chance that your listing will get an offer. Additionally, less choice of homes on the market will mean that as long as your home is in good shape you are likely to get your asking price met or surpassed.

Agents who aren’t afraid to get creative and adapt to the current season are likely to see great results. Staging for the Holiday season can also help sell a home in the fall and winter months. Simple tricks such as adjusting the color or theme of your décor or having a holiday-themed aroma in the air can help potential buyers imagine themselves spending the holidays in your home.

Another benefit of selling in the cooler months? Quicker transactions; since there are fewer real estate transactions going on in fall than in the spring people are more available to help your closing push through as smoothly as possible. Mortgage lenders have fewer loans to process, attorneys have fewer closings to do, and home inspectors and appraisers have fewer appointments as well. With all of these factors considered, a closing can happen more quickly and smoothly. A quicker and smoother transaction means less stress for all parties involved.

Bottom line: there are tons of reasons to list your home in the fall. Especially if your home is in good shape and you have a creative real estate agent on your side. Not only is your home likely to sell, but also it could sell more smoothly and for more money!