Real Estate Talk:
Preparing for the fall market

Time to spruce up the property to show its optimum form

By Joseph Marovitch

Updated August 4, 2022

August is usually a quiet time in real estate and, for those intending to sell, it is a good time to prepare the house to show its optimum form in September, when the real estate market picks up the pace and being ready at the gate is a very good practice.

In September, the real estate market picks up the pace, and being ready at the gate is a very good practice.

September is a wonderful time to show off property if you are planning to sell. In September, the winds change direction and blow a little harder and colder. The leaves change colour and bloom bright before falling to the ground. September is a time to make one’s home as warm and inviting as possible. Every little thing to create an inviting atmosphere will assist in both selling the property quickly and at a good price. Some excellent steps to take before listing a property in the Fall are:

• A thorough cleaning inside and out
• Fresh paint, if required, in the house and/or outside
• Front and back yard maintenance
• Repairs where needed i.e. cracked driveway, broken garage door, change a light bulb
• Comforters, pillows and teddy bears strategically placed on furniture in the living room and bedrooms
• Incense and potpourri in the bathrooms
• Freshly baked goods, the smell of cookies or bread permeating the main floor
• A fire in the fireplace, even if it is a gas fireplace

Another important factor is photos and videos – they must reflect the seasons. The interior photos should always be bright, wide-angle, and inviting with as little clutter as possible. The exterior photos should show vibrant greens and sunlight in summer, the colourful changing of the leaves in fall, and light pillowy snow in winter.

‘Every little thing to create an inviting atmosphere will assist in both selling the property quickly and at a good price.’

Autumn is a stunning month that we as Canadians get to enjoy with all the colour and vibrancy it provides. Therefore, the property should have autumn photos to match the atmosphere.

For further information on pricing, market strategy and the selling process, leave your comments below or feel free to contact me.

Should you have questions or comments, please refer to the comments section at the bottom of the page. As well, to view past articles, click here.

Next article: 10-part series on income property

State of the market

As we are all aware, sales have dropped as prices remain fairly high, and interest rates are hovering around 5%, with inflation at 8.1%. This situation has caused a shift from buying to renting, and investors are searching out income properties to purchase since the trend has moved much more to renting than purchasing. However, there is a shortage of rental properties, and rents are increasing due to landlords’ increased expenses. The situation is difficult for everyone. Nevertheless, the situation does lend an opportunity to investors and developers.

‘… investors are searching out income properties to purchase since the trend has moved much more to renting than purchasing.’

Developers are scrabbling to find land to develop into both rental units and condos. The situation is forcing them to look further north to the Laurentians and East to the Townships. The once beautiful stretch of mountains and lakes is quickly becoming populated, and with growing populations come industries such as food and beverage, clothing, and thousands of other services. Competing with developers are buyers searching for quiet retreats to get away from crowded cities. We will soon have to go to Nunavik to find peace and quiet.

Next issue, check my 10-part series on income property.

Have a great week!

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Other articles by Joseph Marovitch