How to Get Your Home Ready for a Fall Sale

First, the scorching temperatures of summer simmer down, and the pleasant fall weather makes buyers feel like getting back outdoors to shop for a home.

Also, the autumn is typically a popular time of year for corporations to relocate associates. Corporate transferees are serious about purchasing and need to make decisions quickly. A home that is fully prepared for the market will get their attention.

Real estate experts say the lull in buying activity experienced this summer will not continue into the fall. The tax credit pulled demand forward from the summer months as people shopped early in order to qualify for the $8,000 or $6,500 credit that was available prior to June 30.

Buyers are returning to the market!

Here are Virginia Cook’s tips for getting your home ready to sell this fall:

•    In every season, curb appeal creates a home shopper's first impression. The moment they pull up to your home, they will make an instant judgment. Be sure leaves are raked from the lawn, shrubs and bushes are pruned, and the sidewalk and path to the door are free of leaves and debris.

•    Trim trees so autumn winds don't knock down branches that could damage your home.

•    Place a sturdy and attractive doormat at the entrance so potential buyers can wipe their feet and not traipse mud and water throughout the house when it rains.

•    Make sure gutters are free from debris and are draining properly.

•    Plant fall annuals like mums for instant color.

•    Hang a festive fall wreath on your door.

•    Artfully arrange several pumpkins with potted mums at the entry.

•    Continue to mow your lawn and keep it fertilized.

•    Fall brings the ideal temperatures for painting a faded exterior, which is a cost-effective way to quickly increase appeal and a sense of value.

•    Few things change faster than the weather in Texas. Some fall days are warm, others are chilly. Monitor your thermostat to ensure that your home is comfortable when a buyer enters.

•    When the weather is cool, light the fireplace for a cozy welcome.

•    Place a pretty fall centerpiece on your dining room table.

•    Decorate the house with festive fall embellishments like bright orange pumpkins, swags of autumn leaves, pine cones and other seasonal items. Avoid the ghoulish Halloween décor.

•    Fall is a wonderful time to relax and entertain on the patio or porch. Stage an inviting scene by keeping your patio furniture clean and arranged attractively. You can spruce up the area with container plantings.

•    Keep the back yard free of leaves and debris. Make the area look as child-friendly as possible so buyers can envision their own children playing there.

•    Always make sure your windows are sparkling clean, and keep the blinds and curtains open to draw in the sunshine for a light and bright atmosphere.

•    If you are re-painting the interior for a fresh feel, keep the colors neutral and light. Add seasonal color with accessories such as pillows, rugs and towels.

•    Eliminate the clutter throughout your home along with any unpleasant smells that come from cigarette smoke, pets, full waste baskets and cooking foods with strong odors.

•    Think cinnamon! Bake those cinnamon-apple pies or cinnamon-oatmeal raisin cookies to fill your home with delicious fall aromas. If you don’t have time to bake from scratch, there are plenty of affordable options in the freezer section of your favorite grocery store.