Homework for Homeowners: 5 Things to Do Before Fall Listings

As the school year kicks off, it’s also a smart time for homeowners to prepare their properties for a successful fall listing.

With buyer interest still strong and inventory levels below pre-pandemic norms, having your homeowners complete a few key pre-listing tasks now can help a home stand out and sell faster this season.

1. Declutter & Depersonalize

Kick off fall prep with a deep clean. Remove excess furniture and personal décor to create airy, appealing spaces. Staged homes sell 73% faster and attract up to 10% more online views than unstaged ones.

2. Boost Curb Appeal

Sweep fallen leaves, trim overgrowth, and pressure-wash siding or driveways. A clean exterior shapes first impressions and can significantly shorten days on market.

3. Stage Key Rooms

Focus staging efforts on the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen—37%, 34%, and 23% of buyer agents said those rooms matter most.

Spend roughly 1–3% of the home’s value (median $1,500–$5,000) for an ROI of up to 550%.

4. Address Seasonal Maintenance

Inspect furnace, clean gutters, seal drafts around doors/windows, and test smoke/CO detectors. These tasks help prevent inspection red flags and show that the home is well-maintained.

5. Capture Stunning Fall Photography

Use autumn colors (pumpkins, wreaths) to stage outdoor shots. Market listings early—new home listings rose 8.5% year‑over‑year in early 2025—but limited inventory (24% below pre‑pandemic levels) means standout images can command attention.

Print out this list and provide it to your homeowners as a guide.

By checking off these impactful but straightforward tasks, homeowners can position their property to shine in the fall market—and attract the right buyers at the right price.

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PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

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