6 tips will help prep your house for a fall sale
The house-buying market is evolving. It's a great time to sell your home, but for best results, here are six ways to prep your house for a sale in fall.
Keep up with your yard

As leaves are starting to fall, rake and bag them on a daily basis; you never know when a potential buyer will show. Clean your gutters; potential buyers will take note of leaking gutters or clogged downspouts. Make buyers feel your house offers everything they want in a home.
Focus on the fireplace

Hire a certified chimney sweep who can inspect and clean your fireplace. Too much creosote can cause blockage, reduce airflow and potentially lead to chimney fires. A crisp, clear fireplace makes a great impression. You never know if there's debris up above or bird's nests on the exterior that will create blockage or back up smoke. Accessorize a clean fireplace with candles and garnishes.
Don't overlook common home staging tips

Make sure you give your house a good cleaning, preferably by a professional, before you start showings. Try to minimize excess furniture or clutter in the house. Arrange furniture so it doesn't block windows. Make sure your closets are clean and tidy; potential buyers pay a lot of attention to closets. And make sure your windows are clean and sparkly, shrubs trimmed and flowerbeds weeded. The buyer's decision-making process begins at the curb, not the front door.