Selling in autumn: what buyers notice before they reach the front door
By Jo Wright, Real Estate Broker · Right At Home Realty, Brokerage ·
Autumn can make a home look lovely. Soft light, colourful trees, somewhere inviting to put the kettle on. It can also reveal a blocked gutter and a front path that resembles an obstacle course.
If you’re preparing to sell, start outside. Buyers begin forming an impression before you’ve had the chance to show them the kitchen.
Make the arrival easy
Clear leaves from paths and steps, tidy the entrance and check the outside lighting. As the evenings draw in, arrange a viewing at dusk yourself. Can you see the house number? Is the route to the door obvious? Does the entrance feel welcoming?
These are small jobs, but they help buyers arrive feeling comfortable.
Let the rooms breathe
Open blinds, clean the windows and move furniture that blocks natural light. A room doesn’t need to be brilliantly white to feel bright, and it certainly doesn’t need fourteen decorative cushions.
A comfortable temperature helps too. Buyers should be able to concentrate on the home without wondering whether they ought to have kept their coat on.
Deal with the practical details
Have gutters, drainage and heating maintenance checked where needed. If you know about an issue, discuss it with your broker before listing so you can plan the appropriate next steps.
Seasonal styling can add warmth, but it shouldn’t hide the property. Buyers still need to see the fireplace, the stairs and the actual front door.
Whether you’re selling in Toronto West, Etobicoke, Caledonia or Hamilton, preparation should suit your home and the buyers you hope to attract.
The question you should have asked: What will a buyer notice about my home in the first five minutes?
Thinking about an autumn sale? Send me a message and we’ll work through what deserves your attention.
Jo Wright, Real Estate Broker
The Wright Move Team | Right At Home Realty, Brokerage
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