10/01/25

Buying & Selling Tips, Real Estate Insights

Should You List Your Home in the Fall?

Pros & Cons for Dane County Sellers

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, many homeowners in Dane County begin asking a seasonal question: Should I list my home in the fall or wait until spring?

Although many people see spring as the peak real estate season, fall offers its own unique advantages—especially for sellers who plan ahead and act strategically. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of selling your home in the fall and clear up a few common fall real estate myths and misconceptions along the way.

Benefits of Listing Your Home in the Fall

1. Less Competition, More Buyer Attention

Spring and summer tend to bring a flood of new listings to the market. By fall, many of those homes have sold, and fewer new properties are being listed.
What this means for sellers: Your home has a better chance of standing out. With fewer options available, motivated buyers are more likely to pay attention to and focus on your property.

2. Motivated Buyers Are Still in the Market

Buyers who are actively house hunting in October and November usually aren’t browsing—they’re serious. Whether relocating for work, trying to settle before the holidays, or aiming to close before year-end tax deadlines, these buyers are ready to act.

3. Dane County’s Fall Curb Appeal Is Underrated

Autumn in Wisconsin brings a natural beauty that can be a major asset. Golden light, colorful trees, and cozy touches can make your home even more attractive to potential buyers.
Tips to enhance fall curb appeal:

• Keep the yard tidy, but let the fall colors show.
• Add seasonal touches like pumpkins, mums, or a fall wreath.
• Turn on exterior lighting earlier to account for shorter days.

4. Quicker Timelines

Buyers looking in the fall often want to move quickly—whether to avoid holiday stress or beat the winter weather. This urgency can lead to faster offers and quicker closings.

Potential Drawbacks of Selling in Fall

1. Shorter Days Mean Fewer Showing Hours

With less daylight, it can be harder to schedule evening showings—especially during the workweek.
What to do:

• Use warm, inviting lighting inside.
• Schedule showings during weekend daylight hours.
• Improve outdoor lighting to keep pathways safe and welcoming.

2. Unpredictable Weather

Fall weather in Dane County can swing from beautiful to blustery in a day. Rain, wind, or early snow can impact curb appeal or open houses.

Solution: Have high-quality photos ready and be flexible with scheduling.

3. A Smaller Buyer Pool

There are typically fewer buyers in the market than in spring. However, those who are shopping tend to be more serious and ready to make a move. In many cases, it’s a matter of quality over quantity.

Common Myths About Selling in Fall — Debunked

“Nobody buys homes in the fall.”

False. People move for all kinds of reasons year-round—especially job relocations or school changes. Fall buyers are often among the most motivated.

“Homes don’t look as good without summer landscaping.”

False. Autumn offers its own charm. Colorful leaves, cozy interiors, and warm natural lighting can actually make your home look more inviting in photos and in person.

“You have to wait until spring to get top dollar.”

Not necessarily. With fewer homes on the market, your property may face less competition. Well-staged, well-priced homes often sell quickly in the fall—and in some cases, receive multiple offers.

Final Thoughts: Is Fall the Right Time for You?

If your home is in good condition and you’re ready to sell, don’t automatically default to waiting for spring. Fall offers a strategic window to attract serious buyers, enjoy less competition, and potentially close before the holiday season kicks in.

You might even find that autumn is the perfect time to make your next move—before the snow starts to fall.

Curious about listing this fall? Let’s talk about your goals, the current market in your neighborhood, and how to make your home shine this season.