It is autumn again...

Well Halloween is just around the corner. Holy Toledo where the heck did 2017 go? Buying and selling homes in the autumn is a completely different affair. For sellers the flow of would be buyers seems to soften as the cooler weather arrives. This is not just because of weather, but a whole plethora of life events that change the "mood" and availability of buyers.

Halloween can be a great time to connect with neighbors as parents escort their children through the neighborhood. Sellers with active listings have an opportunity to chat with neighbors at the door or on the curbside while the kiddies get their treats. This could be an opportunity for sellers to remind neighbors of that realty sign in the front yard and ask if they know anyone that wants to live in the neighborhood. Sound corny? Well, it isn't neighbors often do know people they like that are looking for a house.

As for the rest of the autumn / holiday period, I have a few tips and ideas that I have published in the past that I will bring to light again today.

Originally published October 7th, 2016 by Rod Sager

OK sellers, the leaves are starting to turn color and some trees are dropping already. Yes my friends it is in fact October and that is what happens this time of year. Sellers need to keep the gutters clear as overflowing gutters are an easy fix yet manage to suck the curb appeal away.

It seems like a simple thing but buyers need to have a positive experience when they pull up and then walk up to the house. Getting a soaking at the hands of a clogged gutter sets a negative tone before they even set foot in the home. We never want a negative tone now do we?

The further we march into the cooler, wetter autumn and ultimately the colder and icy winter the more serious buyers braving the elements are. Buyers need to look past the little stuff, but sometimes they don't. Sellers need to pay attention to details to maximize value and bring the highest offer.

Autumn is a truly magnificent time of year and real estate can be quite robust during this period. although the volume drops a little, buyers are more serious and inventory is a little tighter so it is about equal in as far as supply and demand is concerned.

I mentioned in previous posts that the market is still climbing but the steep price appreciation has moderated substantially. I believe this is a healthy condition.

Interest rates have been very low over the last several weeks even by recent standards but they seem to be yo-yo-ing up and down in the threes. Loan officers have to pay attention so as to lock buyers in on one of those fabulous lows in the cycle. In general this is still a great opportunity for buyers. Although buyers may wax nostalgic for the low prices of 3-5 years ago these low rates are amazing and that will ultimately save buyers tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.