5 Fall Home Exterior Projects for Selling Your Home

Selling your home in the fall can be a bit trickier than selling in the busy spring and summer months. The weather is cooling down, the skies are getting darker, and the holiday season is quickly approaching bringing a slow down of home buyers with it.

However, don’t let the cooler weather and slower real estate season keep you from selling your home. Fall crisp weather and slower season is a fantastic time to take on some home exterior projects that may even help you to sell your home faster and potentially even increase your home’s overall value.

If you are selling your home and looking for ways to freshen up your home for the fall season, check out these 5 fall home exterior projects that buyers are sure to “fall” in love with!

1.) Repair or replace the roof

Home buyers want their new home to be in good condition and free of significant repairs before they move in. If your roof is showing any signs of age or damage, it might be a good idea to either repair or replace it before putting it on the market.

The roof is a home’s first defense in protecting its inhabitants. Between rain, ice, snow, wind, and frequently changing temperatures, our roofs take quite a beating. If the roof doesn't function properly it will become vulnerable to water damage inside the home.

A professional roofer will be able to inspect your roof for any loose or missing shingles, as well as any cracks or bubbles in the sealant. This might be a more costly repair, but it is one that buyers will greatly appreciate, especially going into the winter season.

2.) Replace, repair, or reseal windows

Like the roof, your home’s windows are another feature that faces a lot of wear and tear. Repairing them or fixing them can not only prevent future problems for buyers, but also help increase your home’s selling potential.

There are three important reasons to make sure your home’s windows are secure: 1) To keep moisture out; 2) To keep bugs out; 3) To keep warm air in. Fall is when bugs are most likely to find their way into the home to live in the winter. It is also the season where keeping the home warm becomes essential. Therefore it is important to seal holes, repair damage, or replace the windows completely.

Go through your home and take a good look at the windows. Pay attention to the trim around your windows that may be vulnerable to holes, mold, or rot. If you find any major issues here, caulk or weatherstrip the window immediately. If the window damage is more severe, it may be beneficial to replace the window completely.

3.) Pressure wash the exteriors

Sellers often underestimate the power of a good pressure washing. Curb appeal is incredibly important when selling a home. If the exterior of your home is covered with dirt, mildew, stains, or algae, what do you think buyers will assume of the interior?

When pressure washing your home, make sure to cover all areas of the home and those surrounding it. This includes sides of your home, the windows and the front porch/back porch, as well as the driveway, surrounding pavement and sidewalk.

Fall is the perfect time to pressure wash your home’s exterior. While having a freshly pressure washed exterior won’t add any value to the home pricewise, it will surely freshen up your home’s curb appeal and attract more potential buyers.

4.) Clear out the home’s gutters of leaves

Leaves are falling all around, including into your home’s gutters. The gutters on a home are intended to drain the water that collects on the top of our home’s. If the gutters fill up with leaves and other debris, the exterior of the home will become susceptible to leaks and mold during the wet winter months ahead.

Not only does cleaning the gutters help prevent damage to your home’s exteriors, but it also helps to enhance your home’s overall appearance. Clogged gutter can make a home look unkempt. Don’t give potential buyers the impression that your home isn’t taken care of. That extra effort to clear out your gutters makes a big difference.

Also, don’t stop with just clearing leaves from the gutters. Sweep up your driveway, sidewalks, porches, and patios of any dead leaves and debris as well. Take the time to do this once a week to eliminate the stress of clearing it up all at once before selling.

5.) Add a fresh coat of paint

Every home can benefit from a fresh coat of paint, especially in the fall. Things begin to get darker this time of year, but freshening up the outside of your home with some new paint can easily help it liven up the home and attract more buyers.

Of course, don’t feel the need to paint the entire exterior of the home. Walk around the home and search for any areas where the exterior paint may be peeling, deteriorating or dulling. If there is a certain area of the home that looks like it could use a pop of fresh paint, focus in on that area. Any improvement is a good improvement.

Some good areas to focus on include the front door, the front porch, or the window shutters. Repaint these home features with a fresh coat of the same paint color, or switch it up with something new! Do your research on top exterior paint colors and don’t be afraid to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

Which fall home exterior project will you be tackling? Whether you choose to take on one or all of the projects above, your home will be in great shape to sell.

If you are selling this fall and are looking for ways you can improve your home's selling potential, let the SimpleShowing team help. Our knowledgeable real estate agents can help you set your home up for selling success, as well as help you save thousands of dollars with our low 1% listing fee. Contact us today to learn more about how our selling process could work for you and your home!

Final Thoughts

As the fall season approaches, making your home stand out to potential buyers becomes more critical than ever. Tackling these five exterior projects can ensure that your house appeals to most buyers, and you don't have to break the bank to do it. A trip to the local home improvement store can provide you with everything you need, from a pressure washer to clean the garage door, to potted plants to adorn the porch. Paying attention to the irrigation system, updating door hardware, and adding a new garden hose can save money year-round and contribute to the whole house's aesthetic.

Consider investing in landscape lighting to highlight your home's best features, and replace those worn-out house numbers to make it easier for prospective buyers to find you. A new porch swing and updated porch fixtures can make the exterior more inviting and help your home sell faster. With a little elbow grease and thoughtful home improvements, you could see more money in your pocket and a quicker sale.

These changes aren't just about making a quick sale; they're about showcasing your property in the best light possible, attracting the right kind of attention from those who walk through your door. By taking the time to invest in these fall home exterior projects, you'll ensure that your home appeals to potential buyers throughout the year. With these enhancements, your home will be ready to welcome a new owner, leaving you satisfied with a successful sale this fall.