While spring and summer are traditionally considered prime real estate seasons, the advantages of selling a home in the fall are often underestimated. Here are five compelling reasons why autumn might be the best time to list your property and make a big change.

Reduced Market Competition

Unlike the bustling real estate seasons, the fall landscape typically experiences less competition. With fewer properties vying for attention, your house could stand out more prominently, attracting serious buyers actively looking to make a purchase. This reduced competition can lead to a quicker sales process and even multiple offers. Active buyers in the fall can also be more motivated – their sense of urgency could work to your advantage.

Accelerated Transactions

With this cyclical lull, you’ll find a unique advantage in expediting your closing process. Mortgage lenders, attorneys, home inspectors and appraisers with reduced workloads can focus on ensuring your transaction glides along seamlessly. These factors often mean a swift and efficient closure, alleviating stress and providing a harmonious experience for all parties involved.

Favorable Timing

Aside from striking a balance between summer’s energetic buzz and winter’s slower pace, this period also offers a sweet spot for buyers who want to settle into their new homes before the holiday festivities kick in. Potential buyers can be eager to start the new year in a new home. By listing your house in the fall, you align with the natural rhythm of many people’s schedules, increasing the likelihood of attracting committed buyers.

Optimized for Comfort

In the cooler months, you can lean into your home’s cozy and inviting aspects in a way that might not work as well in summer. In addition to all-season staging tips, fall is a great time to make a fireplace the focal point of a room and style your interior to emphasize warmth and coziness. And no matter when you decide to sell your home, a fresh coat of paint is always a good idea, but in the coming months, consider a rich chestnut glow on an accent wall or a neutral cream with warm undertones.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

After the heat of summer, cooler weather can also provide a vibrant backdrop for showcasing your home’s curb appeal. Along with thoughtful staging inside, optimize the exterior for maximum interest. Seasonal landscaping and tasteful decor in moderation, such as pumpkins or an autumn-inspired wreath, can further accentuate your home’s charm and help potential buyers envision themselves living there. It’s also beneficial to run through a fall maintenance checklist for any updates needed before your house hits the market.

Yes, it’s true – the fall season presents many home selling advantages! From seasonal curb appeal to motivated buyers, this time of year offers unique opportunities for a highly successful transaction as you prepare for your new adventure.

Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play

When school lets out for the summer, kids will be heading outside more often to climb and swing on the playset, run around in the yard and splash in the pool. But regardless of the outdoor activity, make sure they always use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Of course, while summer is a great time for backyard fun, injuries can end the fun fast, so consider taking some simple steps to make your backyard safe for hours of endless entertainment.

Safeguard playsets

• Make sure swing sets and other play equipment are on level ground and the legs are properly anchored with hardware that doesn’t pose a tripping or gouging hazard.
• Inspect swing sets to ensure bolts and screws are secure and replace rusty parts.
• Put wood chips, shredded rubber or other soft landing material underneath the set.
• Ensure 6 feet of clearance on all sides and check that swings are at least 8 inches apart

By the pool

• Make it a rule that an adult must be present whenever children are in or around the pool.
• Install a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
• Be sure drains are covered and your suction system has an automatic shutdown; suction entrapment can lead to drowning.
• Make sure pool slides, stairs and diving boards are secure and in good condition.
• Place pool chemicals in a secure area where kids and pets can’t access them.
• Empty kiddie pools after every use.

In the yard

• Be on the lookout for dead trees or branches that could fall and hurt someone
• Fill in any holes that could cause tripping or a twisted ankle.
• Scan your yard for poison ivy or oak and, if you find some, treat the area and alert kids to stay clear.

Guard the grill

• Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill
• Never leave a grill in use unattended
• Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

By taking these steps you can ensure a safe summer for the kids.

Sunset over Naples, Campania, Italy

Coldwell Banker Around the World

Summer is upon us, and for those of you lucky enough to be spending time in Italy this summer, we encourage you to consider visiting Campania, a region on the southwest coast of Italy. Home to both the city of Naples and the Amalfi coast, the region boasts stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, and the infamous Mount Vesuvius, the eruption of which decimated the ancient city of Pompeii. The remains of the city are just one of ten UNESCO World Heritage sites in the region that you can visit. For culinary buffs, you will not want to miss the pizza in Naples either. Neapolitan pizza has earned UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, making it an absolute must when you visit the third largest city in Italy.

“Naples is a cultural melting pot where art, history, and food come together to create a unique and authentic experience,” declares Alessandro Moscariello, the Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker 24RE. He continues, “whether you’re strolling along the historic streets of the old town, enjoying the panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples from Castel dell’Ovo, or indulging in the city’s world-renowned cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and dynamic city.” So please, envision yourself exploring the streets of Naples, basking in the sunshine in Positano, and indulging in as much pizza as humanly possible as you read on about one of the newest Coldwell Banker locations in Italy!

Where do you live: I live in Posillipo, in one of the most strategic panoramic position of Naples

What is the perfect weekend day like: The best time to spend a weekend in Naples is from May to October, because the climate is perfect for walking around the city, enjoying the sea and the surroundings as Capri, Procida and the Sorrento peninsula

What are the common modes of transportation there: Usually, Neapolitans get around on foot or by car and Vespa. But the city also has public services such as the metro, funicular, bus or bicycle.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Naples is known for its excellent cuisine, but especially for its traditional pizza. The culinary tradition is vast and ranges from buffalo mozzarella to good fresh fish, to ragù, to typical desserts such as pastiera, Babà and sfoglietella, curly or shortcrust? The choice is yours!

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: Pizza, Pizza and always Pizza.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: It is very difficult to answer, there are so many beautiful places to live in Campania:

– Naples, the oldest western capital

– the coasts of Sorrento and Amalfi

– islands such as Capri, Procida and Ischia

– and last but not least the Cilento, natural, wild and free

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Kayak, sea, nature trails such as the most famous called “Sentiero degli dei”

Is there a specialty your area is known for: The region is best known for its excellent food, as already mentioned, volcanic soil and the presence of the famous “Vesuvio”.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: Everyone knows that coffee is one of the most famous elements of the Neapolitan tradition. The suspended coffee is an ancient and generous Neapolitan custom consisting in leaving the Bar paid for a coffee for an unknown person who, so, although not being able to afford it, can, however, drink it. A great connoisseur of Neapolitan things like Luciano De Crescenzo has happily grasped the spirit of suspended coffee: “when a Neapolitan is happy for some reason he decides to offer a coffee to a stranger because it is like offering a coffee to the rest of the world”.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: In Indonesia, for its oriental culture and the sea that is a must have!

Territory Summary:

Campania and especially Naples is in the world spotlight in terms of overseas tourism.

The many breathtaking landscapes, history, and endless artistic beauties make this land unique and fascinating being chosen more and more as a film location.

Key Facts:

• Population: In Naples there are 3,085 million
• Language(s) Spoken: Italian and Neopolitan
• Climate: The climate of Naples is Mediterranean, with mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers, but still refreshed by the sea breeze
• Currency: Euro

Industry Facts:

• Types of Architecture: Influences Baroque, Spanish, Angevin
• Average Sale price: from 2,000 €/sqmt to 9,500 €/sqmt
• Average years in house/apt: 15 years
• Financing: Mortgage and loans

Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play

When school lets out for the summer, kids will be heading outside more often to climb and swing on the playset, run around in the yard and splash in the pool. But regardless of the outdoor activity, make sure they always use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Of course, while summer is a great time for backyard fun, injuries can end the fun fast, so consider taking some simple steps to make your backyard safe for hours of endless entertainment.

Safeguard playsets

• Make sure swing sets and other play equipment are on level ground and the legs are properly anchored with hardware that doesn’t pose a tripping or gouging hazard.
• Inspect swing sets to ensure bolts and screws are secure and replace rusty parts.
• Put wood chips, shredded rubber or other soft landing material underneath the set.
• Ensure 6 feet of clearance on all sides and check that swings are at least 8 inches apart

By the pool

• Make it a rule that an adult must be present whenever children are in or around the pool.
• Install a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
• Be sure drains are covered and your suction system has an automatic shutdown; suction entrapment can lead to drowning.
• Make sure pool slides, stairs and diving boards are secure and in good condition.
• Place pool chemicals in a secure area where kids and pets can’t access them.
• Empty kiddie pools after every use.

In the yard

• Be on the lookout for dead trees or branches that could fall and hurt someone
• Fill in any holes that could cause tripping or a twisted ankle.
• Scan your yard for poison ivy or oak and, if you find some, treat the area and alert kids to stay clear.

Guard the grill

• Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill
• Never leave a grill in use unattended
• Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

By taking these steps you can ensure a safe summer for the kids.