Fall Into The Habit

As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn set in, the fall season brings its own set of tasks for homeowners, especially if you’re planning to sell. While spring may be known for deep cleaning and freshening up, fall is just as important for getting your home in tip-top shape—whether for winter or the real estate market. Below, we’ll guide you through what to focus on this fall, including home maintenance tips and how to leverage the season’s charm to help sell your home.

Yard Cleanup: Curb Appeal for Fall
In spring, homeowners focus on planting and tidying up after winter, but fall is about maintaining your yard and preparing it for winter dormancy. When selling your home, the first impression starts outside, so your yard needs to shine.

- Keep your yard tidy by regularly raking leaves, trimming bushes, and removing dead plants. Clear pathways and driveways of leaves for a well-maintained look.
- Enhance curb appeal with seasonal decor, such as pumpkins, a fall wreath, or colorful mums, but don’t overdo it. Tasteful decorations can highlight the season’s charm without overpowering the potential buyers' ability to envision themselves in the space.
- Lawn care matters—just as in spring, you should aerate and seed your lawn in the fall to keep it healthy during the cold months.

Exterior Maintenance: Prepping for Winter and Buyers
Spring is the time for power washing and sprucing up your home’s exterior. In fall, focus on protecting your home against harsh winter weather and creating a welcoming look for potential buyers.

- Clean out your gutters to avoid clogs and water damage during fall rainstorms and winter snow.
- Check your roof for damaged shingles that could lead to leaks, and make repairs as necessary. Buyers appreciate a home that’s ready for winter.
- Inspect your siding and foundation for any cracks or gaps, sealing them to prevent drafts or water intrusion.
- Freshen up your exterior by touching up paint where needed and ensuring your outdoor lighting is in good working order—this will brighten up shorter fall days and give your home a safe, inviting look for evening showings.

Interior Comfort: Make Your Home Cozy and Inviting
Fall is the perfect time to highlight your home’s warmth and comfort. In spring, you might focus on light and airy vibes, but in fall, it’s about creating a cozy atmosphere.

- Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds during the day. With shorter daylight hours, it’s essential to keep your home bright.
- Create a cozy ambiance with soft blankets, warm tones, and seasonal touches. If you have a fireplace, light it during showings—it adds a welcoming, comforting feel.
- Check your heating system before the cold sets in. Buyers want to know that the home’s HVAC is in working order, so changing filters and scheduling a furnace tune-up can go a long way in making a good impression.

Deep Cleaning and Maintenance: It’s Not Just for Spring
Spring cleaning is all about fresh starts, but fall cleaning is about preparing your home to weather the colder months. And if you’re planning to sell, a clean, well-maintained home is crucial for attracting buyers.

-Deep clean the indoors, just like you would in spring. Clean behind appliances, wash windows to let in more light, and shampoo carpets to remove summer dirt.
- Inspect safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries. Fall is a great time to make sure these essentials are working before winter.
-Check your fireplace and chimney, especially if you’re planning to use them during showings. Have them cleaned and inspected for safety.

Fall Home Maintenance: Keep Things Running Smoothly
Just as you prep your home in spring by checking AC units and outdoor systems, fall is all about getting ahead of potential winter problems.

-Drain outdoor faucets and hoses to prevent freezing pipes. Winterizing your irrigation system is a smart move if you have one.
- Seal drafts around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping. Not only will this save on heating bills, but it will also make your home feel more comfortable for potential buyers.
- Service space heaters and other heating equipment to ensure they are working properly before cold weather hits.

Price Your Home Right
Lastly, whether you’re selling in spring or fall, pricing your home correctly is key. Fall can be a slower season for real estate, so it’s important to work with your agent to determine a competitive price that attracts serious buyers.

While spring cleaning may get all the attention, fall is an equally important season for home maintenance—especially if you’re putting your home on the market. By taking the time to clean, repair, and cozy up your space, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that appeals to buyers and ensures your home is ready for winter.

Want a detailed Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to help you stay on track? Drop us your email, and I’ll send it over!