Selling your home this fall is absolutely doable. But there’s something important to know about this time of year.

Buyer activity usually starts to slow down while the number of homes for sale goes up. That means having the right strategy is key to getting your home noticed.

The good news is you can control a lot.

From pricing and presenting your home to negotiating and responding to feedback, there are four things you’ll want to get right this fall.

#1: Price To Get Buyers’ Attention

In the fall, there are usually fewer buyers in the market and more homes for them to choose from. That’s why it’s important to make a strong impression on every buyer who sees your home.

Your price is one of the first things that can grab a buyer’s attention and make them take a closer look, or move on to the next home.

That’s why this isn’t the time to price your home high “just to see what happens.”

If buyers feel your home is overpriced, they have plenty of other options to choose from. That could leave your home sitting on the market longer.

If you want to sell before the end of the year, work with your agent to find the right price for your home based on today’s market. That could mean pricing it at market value or even slightly below to attract more buyers.

Redfin explains how even a small price difference can make a big difference in the number of buyers you reach:

““Buyers often search in round-number price brackets, so pricing at $499,000 instead of $505,000 can make your home appear in more searches and feel like a better deal.”
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— Redfin

#2: Make a Great First Impression

When buyers had fewer homes to choose from, they were more willing to overlook outdated finishes or a home that needed some work. That’s not something sellers can count on as much today.

With more homes to choose from, how your house looks online and in person can make all the difference in whether a buyer puts it on their shortlist.

You don’t need to completely renovate your home before selling, but it’s worth taking care of important repairs, improving curb appeal, and making sure your home looks great in photos. That could mean some light staging, updating a few fixtures, or adding a fresh coat of paint. Small changes can make a big difference.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so make it count.

#3: Stay Open To Negotiating

Some sellers are still expecting the same leverage they had a few years ago. But today, buyers often have more negotiating power, which means there’s more back and forth during the sale.

The latest data from Redfin shows that 46.2% of sellers gave buyers some type of concession. That could mean helping with closing costs or covering a repair. It’s something many sellers are considering to help get the deal done.

The takeaway? Being flexible can go a long way. Instead of focusing on winning every negotiation, keep your eye on the bigger goal of getting the sale done and making your move happen.

Sometimes, a small concession can be what gets you to the closing table.

#4: Know When It’s Time To Adjust

Sometimes your home gives you clues when something isn’t working. Maybe you’re getting plenty of online views but not many showings. Or buyers are coming through but no offers are coming in. You may even notice the same feedback coming up again and again.

Pay attention to those signs. They can help you understand what may need to change.

If price is the main feedback you’re hearing, talk with your agent about adjusting it. It doesn’t have to be a major change to make a difference. According to HousingWire Data, the average price cut right now is 4%, so price adjustments are a normal part of today’s market.

That doesn’t mean you should panic and drop your price after just one week. It simply means you and your agent should listen to buyer feedback and make adjustments if needed.

Sometimes the smartest move isn’t waiting for the right buyer. It’s giving them a good reason to take action.