The fall real estate market is almost always a hot season. Families have returned from summer vacations. Kids have gone back to school. The holidays aren’t upon us—at least not yet. We are set to enjoy 75 to 80 days of normalcy, and that’s a great time to sell a home.

In parts of the country with four seasons, we watch leaves explode in vibrant colors as For Sale signs pop up in yards. People are happy and relaxed as the temperature begins to drop. It’s not just sweater weather that creates static electricity in autumn, it’s also the scurrying of agents diligently working to pop a few more sales into the hopper before third-quarter sales results are posted.

Clean Up Your Yard:

With autumn comes leaves falling and if you are selling a home in the autumn, then you’ll want to make sure your front lawn looks neat and tidy for when potential buyers arrive at showings.

You’ll want to rake up any dead leaves and debris from your lawn. Don’t let overgrown vegetation block the windows or path to the entrance. Cutting bushes and tree limbs will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home. Cutaway summer vines, and cut down dead flowers. Make the most of the autumn weather in the fall real estate market.

Create Autumn Curb Appeal:

Autumn weather might bring foliage that you have to rake but you can still use autumn flowers, foliage, and decor to create curb appeal. Consider what plants and flowers are popular this time of year. Consider using the most popular autumn flower chrysanthemums (or mums), and they bloom for a long time. Marigolds are another idea for fall. Both mums and marigolds are available in yellow, which is my number one home selling color. Plant them in pots. Place pots on the steps and along the sidewalk. You can accent with pumpkins or other types of squash for a complete autumn look.

Prepare Autumn Treats:

Speaking of autumn using autumn things to your advantage you can also utilize autumn treats. Consider setting out freshly baked pumpkin cupcakes or simmer hot apple cider on the stove. Put a tray of cinnamon sticks on the counter, dotted with whole cloves. Prop open a cookbook to an autumn stew recipe. Fill a bowl with crisp red apples.

If you aren’t a baker or aren’t able to prepare such treats you can still utilize the scents of fall with candles, potpourri, or Bath & Body Works Wall flowers.

Check the HVAC:

During this time you’ll want the air inside your home to smell fresh. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? You can buy 90-day furnace filters. Check the HVAC system before you need to turn on the heater. Besides, the buyer will ask a home inspector to look at your HVAC. If you discover problems with your furnace, it’s better  hire an hvac contractor and have them fix them before your home goes on the market.

Turn on the Lights Everywhere:

Above all, bring in the light. When days get shorter, the sun sets lower in the horizon and casts wider shadows. Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. Brighten darker rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture, and for goodness sakes, turn off the TV.