As cozy sweaters make their comeback and pumpkin spice everything fills the air, it's clear that fall is here—and along with it, the busy home-selling season! With buyers hopeful to settle in before the holidays, now is the perfect time to get your property ready to shine. From cozy fall decor to seasonal maintenance, prepping for the autumn market can help your home stand out. 

In an article from Realtor.com, experts say one of the best things sellers can do to attract fall buyers is simple: “Give your home an autumn upgrade with staging.” As fall sets in, you can embrace the welcoming vibes of the season while keeping the decor neutral enough to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

HGTV.com says first and foremost, sellers should emphasize comfort, explaining that “as the weather cools down, a warm and cozy atmosphere will encourage potential homebuyers to stick around during showings, giving them more time to admire your home.” Sellers can accomplish this by incorporating warm tones and textures through accents like plush throw pillows, chunky blankets, and earth-toned area rugs. And if you have a fireplace, now is the time for it to take center state. Arrange furniture to make this feature a focal point or draw attention to it with tasteful artwork and accessories displayed on the mantel. 

Remember that lighting is key, especially this time of year with daylight hours decreasing. Start by thoroughly cleaning your windows to allow in as much natural light as possible. Add extra lamps in dark corners or areas where natural light is limited. Use warm-toned bulbs to create a soft, inviting glow that complements the feeling of the season. 

Of course, fall staging wouldn’t be complete without some fun, seasonal decor. Adding pumpkins, fall wreaths, and seasonal flowers or stems can enhance your home’s cham, but don’t forget that “less is more.” The goal is always to keep buyers focused on the house. 

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, so don’t neglect your landscaping just because summer is behind us. 

First, know that the foundation of great curb appeal is cleanliness and upkeep. Mowing, edging, pruning, trimming, weeding, and mulching are key tasks that, done regularly, can work wonders. For an extra fall touch, incorporate seasonal plants to add color and interest. Use attractive pots and planters to add pops of color to your main entrance and add a seasonal wreath to the front door. 

As fall evenings arrive earlier, outdoor lighting is essential, not only for creating a welcoming atmosphere, but also for safety and security. Install or update pathway lights to guide visitors safely to your front door, and ensure your front entry is well-lit with a stylish porch light or lanterns. 

Remember, even as the crisp air sets in, there’s still ample opportunity to showcase your backyard. If you have a patio or deck, ensure it’s clean and in good condition. Arrange a table and chairs to create an inviting outdoor dining space or set up a comfortable conversation area around a fire pit. String lights, lanterns, and LED candles can create a warm, ambient glow that shows buyers they can extend the usability of the deck well into the evening. 

Completing essential fall maintenance tasks will not only help your home stand out but also prevent future issues that could arise during a home inspection.

Inspect and Clean Gutters: Falling leaves can quickly clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage and potential ice dams in the winter. To prevent these issues, remove leaves, twigs, and other debris, and ensure water flows freely through downspouts and away from your foundation. 

Service your HVAC System: With colder temperatures approaching, your heating system will soon be in regular use. Having your HVAC units inspected and cleaned can extend the life of the system and reassure buyers that everything is in good working order. 

Inspect Roof and Chimney: Replace any missing or damaged shingles on your roof, and address issues right away to prevent leaks and water damage. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to ensure safe operation. 

Seal Drafts: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to improve energy efficiency, which buyers will appreciate as winter approaches. 

Update Interior Paint: Consider touching up or repainting walls to give your home a fresh, clean look. Remember that neutral colors often appeal to a broad range of buyers. 

By tailoring your home to the fall season, from decorative staging to critical maintenance, you can make it stand out in a competitive market. Taking these extra steps ensures your property feels inviting, well-cared-for, and move-in ready!