Pumpkins & Planning: How Fall Sets the Stage for Spring Success
This time of year, we’re all focused on everything that autumn has to offer - falling leaves, apple picking, and looking forward to Halloween and upcoming winter holiday cheer - but did you know that this is also the perfect season to plant the seeds of your spring real estate success? Believe it or not, the buyers and sellers who are the most successful are the ones who start planning now and are ready to hit the ground running in the new year!
Why now? Spring brings one of the busiest real estate seasons. With more houses coming on the market as the weather warms up and buyers eager to start the summer in their new homes, competition tends to heat up as the market begins to bloom. Preparation is key when it comes to buying or selling at any time of the year, but especially in advance of the busy spring market to ensure you’re ahead of the game and ready to make moves.
Here are a few ways you can start to prepare now, whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or just thinking about the possibilities as we head into the final months of the year:
Buyer Prep:
- Get pre-approved: One of the best things you can do as a buyer is secure a mortgage pre-approval. This way, when you find the perfect home in the spring, you’ll already have a pre-approval in hand, giving you an edge over the competition!
- Know your budget: With interest rates fluctuating, now is a good time to re-evaluate your budget and determine what you can afford. Working with a real estate and mortgage professional will help you understand your financial position and how much home you can buy.
- Start your search early: Begin working with a real estate professional to get an idea of your wants and needs before the busy spring market kicks into high gear.
Seller Prep:
- Start cleaning and organizing now: On those days when it’s cold and dreary outside but your home is cozy and warm, it's a great time to begin cleaning out items that you may not need anymore. This will help you start getting your home ready for a deep clean once the holidays are over and get your home ready to list when the weather breaks.
- Make necessary repairs: Now is the perfect time to tackle any repairs that might hold you back from getting top dollar in the spring. Small cosmetic upgrades can make a big difference in buyer appeal.
- Price it right: Work with your real estate professional to evaluate the market and price your home competitively. Doing your research on local trends ensures you're positioned to sell at the right time.
Looking at market trends over the past few years, the Western New York real estate market has remained steady, even in the face of national fluctuations. In Clarence, home prices have continued to appreciate year-over-year, and the median days on market is now under ten days compared to last year (Redfin). With redevelopments in the area on the horizon, plus new construction, dining, and entertainment options, Clarence is poised for even more growth. Nationally, forecasts for 2026 project home values to rise and mortgage rates to ease slightly, setting the stage for another competitive yet promising spring market (National Association of REALTORS®).
By preparing now, whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you’ll be positioned to take full advantage of what’s ahead, even as you’re carving pumpkins and sipping cider this fall. Get in touch today - I’d love to help you plan and create a strategy for new beginnings next spring. Here’s to finishing the year strong while planning for an even better 2026!