The fall market can be one of the best times to buy or sell, but only if you avoid the common traps. Too many homeowners (and buyers) step into September with the wrong assumptions, and it costs them money, time, and opportunities.
Here are the five mistakes I see most often, and how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to Act
Many people think they’ll wait until spring, but here’s the truth: spring isn’t always better. By waiting, you risk higher competition, shifting interest rates, or changing market conditions. September and October can be your golden window.
2. Overpricing Your Home
Yes, the fall market is strong, but it’s not immune to reality. Overpricing is the fastest way to sit stale. Remember: serious buyers are active now. They know the market, they’ve seen the comps, and they’ll spot a bad price instantly.
3. Ignoring Presentation
With shorter days and colder evenings, first impressions matter even more in fall. Leaves need to be raked, lighting needs to be warm, and curb appeal needs to stand out. The little things (pumpkins on the porch, cozy staging) create an emotional hook.
4. Forgetting About Timing
September buyers don’t want a 90-day closing that pushes them into December or January. Flexibility is everything. If you’re rigid on timing, you could lose a motivated buyer who needs certainty now.
5. Thinking It’s “Business as Usual”
The fall market has its own psychology. It’s not the spring rush. It’s not the summer slowdown. If you treat it like any other season, you’ll miss the nuance, and miss opportunities.
The Takeaway
The fall market is about urgency, presentation, and positioning. Avoid these five mistakes, and you’re already ahead of most sellers and buyers out there.
👉 If you’re planning to move this fall, let’s make sure you avoid these traps. I can walk you through how to maximize your position step by step.