What Buyers and Sellers Can Expect as We Move from Summer into Fall
Labor Day has come and gone, the kids are back in school, the days are getting a little shorter, and you can already feel the seasons beginning to change here in Franklin County.
The real estate market changes with the seasons, too.
After several years when very little about real estate felt “normal,” we are beginning to see a return to a more traditional seasonal market. And historically, the weeks following Labor Day mark the beginning of what I consider our second-busiest real estate season of the year.
Why the Market Picks Up After Labor Day
Spring is traditionally our busiest real estate season. Then July and August arrive, and life gets busy in a different way.
Vacations, summer activities, family gatherings, getting kids ready to go back to school, and simply enjoying the warmer months here in New England can cause some buyers and sellers to put their real estate plans on hold.
Once Labor Day passes, attention tends to turn back toward real estate.
❖ Buyers who took a break during the summer begin looking again.
❖ Homeowners who have been thinking about selling may decide it is time to get their homes on the market.
❖ Buyers often become more focused on finding a home before winter and the holidays arrive.
❖ September and October can bring renewed activity to homes that are already on the market.
That combination can make fall a surprisingly active time to buy or sell a home.
Fall Can Be a Beautiful Time to Sell
There is also something special about showing a home in New England during the fall.
The summer annuals are starting to fade and some perennials are sadly past their peak, but fall gives homeowners another opportunity to make a great first impression.
A few colorful mums near the front entrance can go a long way. They are bright, welcoming and an easy way to give a home a fresh seasonal look.
And before long, our Franklin County landscape will provide its own backdrop as the leaves begin to change.
You don’t need to completely redecorate your home for fall. Simple seasonal touches, a neat yard and an inviting entrance can help create the warm first impression buyers notice when they arrive.
How Long Does the Fall Market Last?
Typically, our fall real estate market begins gaining momentum after Labor Day, remains active throughout September and October, and can continue right up until Thanksgiving.
Once Thanksgiving arrives, the market often begins to quiet as people’s attention shifts toward holiday gatherings, shopping and year-end plans.
That doesn’t mean homes stop selling during the holidays—they certainly don’t. But the period between now and Thanksgiving can be an important window for buyers and sellers who want to make a move before the end of the year.
Thinking About Making a Move This Fall?
If you’ve been waiting for summer to wind down before thinking seriously about buying or selling, this may be your time.
For sellers, there are buyers actively looking for homes, and fall offers another opportunity to enter the market before the quieter holiday season.
For buyers, getting back into the search now gives you time to see what comes on the market during this second seasonal push.
Every property—and every situation—is different. Understanding what’s happening in your particular town, neighborhood and price range is much more useful than relying solely on national real estate headlines.
If you’re wondering whether this fall is the right time for you to make a move, give me a call. I’m always happy to talk about what’s happening in our local market and help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation.
Corinne Fitzgerald
FITZGERALD Real Estate
Serving Franklin County and Beyond
Call or Text: 413-320-9509
Corinne@FITZGERALD-RealEstate.com