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Health & Fitness

New Englanders Love Fall Real Estate

Each fall, we are reminded how lucky we are to call this little corner of the world our home. The change of seasons usher in vibrant colors, crisp fall air and a palpable energy generated by an influx of students in our region and fan-de-monium for our sports teams. New England really comes alive in the fall – it is our trademark season. As much as beach-goers love the Cape and skiers count the days till ski season – autumn in the Bay State is truly special.

Much like the foliage that surrounds us, the fall real estate market is also worthy of attention. While the traditionally robust spring real estate season tends to take center stage nationally, New Englanders look forward to perusing cozy, welcoming homes set against a scenic backdrop in the fall. This season’s sales forecast is especially sunny and bright, trending much like this past year’s record growth and limited inventory. It is safe to say that hearty New Englanders are poised to take full advantage of the market and build on the seven year sales high, ten percent single-family price bump and 5.5 condo price increase reported in Greater Boston during August. The impressive market activity, which began last fall, will certainly impact homeownership efforts during the busy fall real estate season in Massachusetts.

Homeowners looking for a quick, profitable sale should prep their home so that it looks its best and garners competitive offers. Sellers are advised to make their homes warm and inviting places – and hassle-free. Ensure that your home is in the best shape possible – inside and out - by cleaning gutters, checking the heating system and inspecting the roof. Proactive due-diligence will put buyers, faced with fast-approaching winter months, at ease. In addition, appeal to prospects’ senses by planting fall flowers, enhancing your home’s curb appeal, starting a fire or lighting a seasonally-scented candle to warm the hearts and minds of potential buyers.

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Buyers hoping to be in a home by the holidays or to start the new year, should create a well-defined search strategy that includes touring weekend open houses, handling multiple bids, keeping an eye on rising mortgage rates and being flexible for home sellers.

Finally, as the leaves fall off the trees and days grow shorter; remember that the real estate industry continues to thrive online, 24-hours a day, 365 days a week from one season to another. Savvy buyers can – and do – look for homes on the internet, regardless of the weather, so that they maximize their time at open houses, gather more detailed listing information and can react to new listings as soon as possible. Conversely, forward-thinking homeowners will impress buyers this autumn by taking the necessary steps to avoid any fallout over home inspections, listing prices or move-in timeframes. No doubt the fall real estate forecast will be brisk – be sure to follow these tips and get ready to enjoy New England’s favorite season.

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