Categories
Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

Our Predictions for the Year Ahead 2019

The Monthly Market Report

Lexington and Central Kentucky housing market predictions for 2019

After another strong year for our local housing market, what can we expect in 2019?   We’ve checked our crystal ball for indications of what the future holds for Central Kentucky home buyers and sellers! 

Here are some key points regarding what we see affecting our local housing market in the year ahead:

Moderately rising mortgage rates.  Interest rates have slowly risen this past year to around 4.75%, which historically is still a very attractive level (anyone remember the 16% rate of the early eighties?).  Buyers tend to step up their buying decisions when faced with the possibility of higher rates down the road — so our normal, busy spring market might even start a little earlier than usual this year.

Millennials becoming home buyers.  Historically, most people will consider their first home purchase as they hit their mid-twenties to early-thirties – and just like across the nation, these Millennials are vast in numbers in Lexington and Central Kentucky.   Although student debt may be a financial drag for some in this age group, there are many who will be looking forward to buying their first home this year.

Continued strong buyer demand.  As we kick off the new year, we have a lot of potential home buyers looking at the current inventory — and we foresee strong demand continuing at least through the middle of the year.  We’ve always been blessed with a relatively strong local economy here in Lexington and Central Kentucky – regardless of what happens on the national scene.  That’s why we feel confident in making our bold prediction for 2019:  

Home buyers and sellers in Lexington and Central Kentucky will continue to move up, move down, move in and move out!

Be sure to check out our exclusive Market Report — with all the latest information on the local real estate market – compiled by the experts at Rector Hayden Realtors! 

 

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Categories
Home Insights Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

Monthly Market Report – December 2018

The Monthly Market Report

Our local housing market continues to be very active!
See all the latest info and trends, in our exclusive Monthly Market Report! 

Our exclusive Market Report has all the latest information on the local real estate market – compiled by the experts at Rector Hayden Realtors!

  • • Overall market trends
  • • Number of homes on the market in EACH price range
  • • Number of homes selling in those ranges
  • • Average Sales Price
  • • And breakdowns by counties in our coverage area!

 

market report with shadow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

Can I Get a Mortgage if I have a Low Credit Score?

Many of today’s first-time buyers worry about their credit scores. Whether you have student loans you just can’t shake or you’re still plagued by a few missed payments from a college-era utility bill, don’t assume you will be locked out of the market forever due to your FICO score.

Here are insights you can use as you determine if you are eligible for a mortgage despite your low credit score.

If you have a low credit score, pay higher interest rates

Pay higher interest rates

You’ve likely heard that interest rates remain low by historical standards and you may be counting on the low rates you’ve seen quoted online. It’s important to remember that mortgage interest rates vary for each buyer and are closely tied to the risk they represent for the lender.

In other words, those with a lower credit score can still qualify for a loan, but they may have to pay a higher interest rate. Borrowers with a credit score of 760 or higher are likely (but not guaranteed) to obtain the lowest mortgage rates available. Meanwhile, those with a lower score could be approved at a higher interest rate.

 

Consider FHA loans

Buyers with low credit often opt for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. FHA loans are designed to act as “helper loans” to those who earn enough to pay a monthly mortgage, but lack the long-term credit history that would prove they are low-risk borrowers. 

As a result, FHA loans are often approved for borrowers with lower credit scores and they may require smaller down payments than conventional loans. Buyers with a credit score of 580 or above may be eligible for a home loan with a 3.5 percent down payment.

 

Show your credit score is on the mend

While your credit score may seem like a hard-and-fast number that will determine the fate of your approval, the reality is that two people with the same score can appear very differently to lenders.

Consider these two scenarios:

After losing their job during the Great Recession — and making a few late student loan payments as a result — Candidate A has not missed a payment of any kind in 25 months. They have a solid job history and their monthly rental payments to their landlord are comparable to what they would pay in a mortgage payment. As a result of their hard work and on-time payments, Candidate A has a credit score of 625.

 

Candidate B is forgetful and they have paid two car payments late so far this year. They carry a high balance on their credit card from month to month and tend to pay the required minimum at billing. They have changed jobs three times in the last two years but they pay a monthly rent that is comparable to what they would pay for a mortgage loan. As a result of their high credit card usage and shaky payment history, Candidate B’s credit score has slipped from 700 to 625 in the last year.

As you might imagine, Candidate A would likely be considered a less risky loan prospect than Candidate B — even though they have identical credit scores.

 

What happens if I’m not approved?

If you aren’t approved for a mortgage, it’s time to work diligently on increasing your credit score. You can also speak to a Rector Hayden Mortgage loan officer to determine how you can get on track for approval and formulate a plan to put you on the path to home-ownership.

 

 

Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

Local Events We ❤ this Month

There’s so much to celebrate and enjoy this month in Lexington and Central Kentucky!  
Here are some of our favorite activities and events!


Southern Lights

November 16 – December 23, 2018 @ 5:30pm10:00 pm
Kentucky Horse Park
Campground Entrance
3785 Campground Road, Lexington KY 40511
 

Over 3 miles of lights, Southern Lights offer a driving route open nightly to see the holiday displays. After driving through the lights, guests are invited to park and enjoy the attractions in the park’s interior, which are designed to entertain every member of the family with local crafts, model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa and an exotic petting zoo.

More details here OR
See Facebook


The Nutcracker

December 2 @ 2pm
Lexington Opera House
401 W. Short Street, Lexington KY 40507

THE NUTCRACKER, performed by the Lexington Ballet Company, marches back onto Lexington Opera House stage this holiday season in an enchanting production that will delight every member of the family. Join Marie on a magical journey with the Sugar Plum Fairy, waltzing flowers, the Snow Queen, and, of course, the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and travel to the Land of Sweets. Lexington Ballet performs this beautiful masterpiece under the artistic direction of Luis Dominguez. It’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Find out more »


Cookies & Photos with Santa

December 4 @ 3pm – 5pm
Rector Hayden REALTORS
1099 Duval St Ste 250, Lexington KY 40515

Come visit to get your FREE picture with Santa Claus!
Digital copies will be sent to your e-mail address. We will have cookies and milk for everyone as well as coloring and goodies! It will be so much fun! Please feel free to forward this message on to your clients, friends, or family and invite them to join you!

Facebook details here


Yoga at The Livery

December 4 @ 5:45pm
Tuesday nights, weekly
The Livery
238 East Main Street, Lexington KY 40507

Yoga at the Livery is FREE to attend with donations accepted. All ages and experience levels welcome. Doors open at 5:15PM with class starting at 5:45PM. Instructors are rotated quarterly and classes are subject to cancellations at times. Cancellations will be posted with a 24hr notice. Community Yoga is hosted The Livery, a historic venue located at 238 East Main Street. Repurposed in 2013, the Livery now acts as Lexington’s premier event space in a prime downtown location. Modern updates blend with historic rustic details to give a unique, one of a kind venue, right in the heart of Lexington.

See Facebook


Bourbon Barons: The Early Pioneers

December 5 and 20 @ 8:30am
Stone Fence Tours
 
Join us as we go back to the late 1700s to join the early settlers of Kentucky that were traveling the Wilderness Trail with hopes in their heart and stills on their back. We will follow them on their journey into the untamed wilderness to stake their claim, grow their corn and introduce America to its Native spirit. We will concentrate on three of these brave men: Jacob Myers, Elijah Craig and Jacob Spears. You will hear their stories while also visiting three craft distilleries that are in close proximity to the original sites of these Early Pioneers: Wilderness Trail Distillery, Bourbon 30 and Hartfield & Co.

Home for the Holidays: Deck the Halls

December 7 and 14 @ 5:15pm
Stone Fence Tour

Escape the stress and mania of modern Christmas by visiting the Victorian era. We take a step back in time to the bucolic mid-1800s. Let us guide you back in time my vising two of central Kentucky’s most beautiful mansions, Ward Hall and White Hall. We will experience how they each celebrated Christmas. We will see how the Wards and Clays experienced Christmas and enjoy this simpler time when fresh cut pine boughs glowed in the candle light and pine cones and holly berries graced the drawing room. So, deck the halls and ride in our sleigh as we enjoy the holiday and tour these two historical homes. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.


Nutcracker on Ice

December 7  and 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
December 9 @ 4pm
Lexington Ice Center
560 Eureka Springs Drive, Lexington KY 40517

Join Clara on an enchanted frozen journey this holiday season in The Nutcracker On Ice! This 90 minute version of the Tchaikovsky classic will excite & entertain audiences members of all ages!

Facebook details here


13th Annual YMCA Reindeer Ramble
5k/10k Fun Run & Walk

December 8 @ 9am – 11am
Keeneland Race Track

We encourage you to wear your favorite holiday sweater, Santa suit or “holiday festive” attire and get into the spirit of this holiday fun run/walk – GET CREATIVE! You may register as an individual runner/walker or with a group as a Santapede team. Teams can range from 3 -10 participants. There’s one hitch—you have to be linked together with a garland or ribbon throughout the entire race. Teams can consist of adult and child members. We will recognize the top finishers in each category, as well as those Santapede teams that celebrated the holiday spirit most brightly. This option is only available for the 5K.

Facebook details here


Christmas Country Dance School

December 26 @ 8am – 8pm
Seabury Center, Berea College
313 N Main St, Berea KY 40403
 
A fun way to stay warm! Classes in traditional dance styles including English clog, Country, Morris dance, rapper, Danish, Appalachian clogging, and square dance, plus singing, music, crafts and parties. Advanced leadership classes for callers and dance instructors. Hosted at the Seabury Center at Berea College. Scholarships available. Register by December 1st.

Santa in Winter Wonderland Barn

December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 @ 1:30pm
Waveland State Historic Site
225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington KY 40514

Santa in Winter Wonderland Barn at Waveland Santa Schedule: Saturday and Sunday’s – December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16- Pictures with Santa from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Santa will be providing photo opportunities in the barn for our little guests in the snowy wonderland at Waveland!

Facebook details here


Kids Art Day

December 18 @ 5:00 pm
Crank and Boom
1210 Manchester St, Lexington KY 40504

FREE ART ACTIVITY
FREE ICE CREAM FOR KIDS
FREE SNACKS
AND ART SUPPLY DRIVE!!

Come and go as you’d like. Art activity fun for all ages!

The new year is almost here! On The Move Art Studio needs your help furnishing our new trailer, ARTina, with art supplies for the upcoming classes of 2019. Donations such as canvases, gallon jug and smaller bottled glue, sharpies, googly eyes, table clothes, glitter, paper towels, and watercolor palettes are appreciated!

Facebook details here


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Ballet

December 20 @ 5pm, 8pm
December 21 @ 5pm, 8pm
Singletary Center
405 Rose Street, Lexington KY 40508
Hosted by University Christian Fellowship

 

 

 

 

Categories
Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

So Much to be Thankful for – and to Enjoy!

November provides us with many great activities and events in Lexington and Central Kentucky!  Here are some that you won’t want to miss.


Pizza Week!

@pizzaweek @smileypete #lexingtonpizzaweek #sharethelex #beyondgrits

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Lexington Pizza Week 2018 is November 5 – 11th.
The annual week-long celebration at local pizzerias featuring creative slices for pizza lovers. – or – “Participatory purveyors of pies proffer penta-priced pizzas for public promotion.” Two unique, off-menu slices or personal-size pizzas will be featured during Pizza Week at each participating restaurant for only $5. A meat slice and vegetarian slice will be available at each eatery.

Pair with a Blue Stallion Brewing Company pilsner.

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Find out more »


West Sixth Farm Trail Run

Facebook Trail Run Event

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Saturday, November 3 @ 3pm – 7pm
West Sixth Farm
4495 Shadrick Ferry Road
Lexington, KY 40601


TobyMac + DiverCity Band: The Theatre Tour

Facebook Event

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Sunday, November 4 @ 7pm
EKU Center for The Arts Hall Drive

Multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac and his DiverseCity Band embark on the unprecedented “TobyMac & DiverseCity Band: The Theater Tour” with special guest Ryan Stevenson. Offering fans an unprecedented intimate music experience, the 12-city run will arrive at the EKU Center in Richmond, Kentucky, on Sunday, November 4.

Get Tickets here


Paw Patrol Live!

Facebook Event

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November 6 @ 6pm
November 7 @ 10am, 2pm, & 6pm
Rupp Arena
430 W Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507

It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol comes to the rescue as Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place.


Reindeer Ramble 5K/10K Run & Fun Walk

Facebook Event

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November 8 @ 8am
Keeneland
4201 Versailles Rd
Lexington, KY 40510

Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday sweaters and festive attire for this 5K run/walk that supports helping kids go to summer camp that otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. Every summer, for 13 years, we help hundreds of youth in our community go on adventures where they can explore new talents and interests. People can register as individuals or teams, but teammates must be linked together with either a garland or ribbon throughout the race.

No one is turned away due to the inability to pay; our services are available to everyone and all proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for kids to attend YMCA summer camps.
Teams can range from 3 -10 participants.


 UK Opera Theatre: Silent Night

Facebook Event

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<p>November 9,10 @ 7:30pm<br />
November 11 @ 2pm<br />
Singletary Center for The Arts<br />
405 Rose Street<br />
Lexington, KY 40508</p>
<p>UK Opera Theatre’s production is directed by Richard Gammon. Performances will be November 9, 10, and 11, 2018, celebrating Veteran’s Day and the 100th Anniversary of the truce ending World War I, making the event especially poignant.</p>
<p>The University of Kentucky Opera Theatre presents the international sensation honoring the centennial of World War I’s conclusion. <i>Silent Night</i> recounts a miraculous moment of peace during one of the bloodiest wars in human history. The year is 1914 and the Great War has just been declared, dividing nations and sending millions into battle. As Christmas Eve falls on a battle field near Belgium, soldiers in French, German, and Scottish trenches begin recalling songs of home, stepping into no-man’s-land for a spontaneous truce. The Pulitzer-Prize winning music underscores the yearning, despair, and hope of the soldiers living in the trenches. Once sworn enemies, they trade their weapons for merriment and camaraderie—resulting in one miraculous night of peace.</p>
<p>Reserved Seating. All seats are priced by location. Discounts for UK Faculty and Staff available exclusively through the SCFA ticket office.</p>
<p><a href=Find out More…
Buy Tickets here…


Bob Dylan & his band

Facebook Event

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November 11 @ 8pm
EKU Center for The Arts Hall Drive

Music icon Bob Dylan is coming to the EKU Center this November. In a career spanning more than five decades, Dylan’s impact on popular music and culture is immeasurable. He is responsible for some of the most influential albums of all time, including The Freewheelin’ Bob DylanHighway 61 Revisited, and Blonde on Blonde, and his socially and politically charged singles, “Blowin’ In The Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” are widely considered among the most important songs in modern music. The ‘voice of a generation’ boasts an unparalleled repertoire, including timeless classics, “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Tangled Up In Blue,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” and “Girl From The North Country.”

Buy Tickets here…


 

Categories
Home Owning Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Prepping Your Home for Winter

Now that November is here, it’s time to prepare your home for cold weather. These steps will help lower your utility bills, protect your investment and prepare your home for this year’s winter.

 

Clean your gutters early and often

Don’t Try This… Please be safe. via GIPHY

It’s hard to know when the first snowfall will come, so be sure to keep your gutters free of debris as the autumn leaves fall. Ask your agent if they have any recommended service providers so that you stay safe!

 

Prep the lawn

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Rake and bag your leaves at least once per week during the fall season. Your local garbage collection may also pick up yard debris. Talk with your Rector Hayden Realtor about what services are available in your neighborhood. Be sure to rake briskly so you remove any moss or deeply-entrenched debris that could impede drainage over the winter, causing ice or other hazards.

 

Check windows and doors for air leaks

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household spends more than $1,000 on heating and cooling costs annually. One way to lower your energy bills is to ensure that your heat doesn’t leak out as cool temperatures arrive.

Check for leaks by holding a lit candle to your windows, door frames, baseboards and the vent leading outside from your dryer. If the candle flickers as you run it past the area, fill in the leak with caulk. Your Rector Hayden Realtor may also have recommendations for professionals, should your leaks be severe.

 

Add insulation and seal off attic

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Many homeowners ignore their attics, especially if they are unfinished. Attic leaks are extremely common, so insulating your attic can immediately lead to lower energy bills. Attic insulation also has the highest return on investment of any local home improvement project, so you may even earn back more than you spend on this project over time!

Still not sold on the benefit of attic insulation? Consider this: When hot air escapes from your attic, you put your home at risk for ice dams, which can be costly and nearly impossible to fix. 

Talk to your Rector Hayden Realtor about professionals that could affordably insulate your attic for you, or offer other winterization tips for your home.

 

Upgrade to a smart thermostat

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If you’re still turning the thermostat down when you go to bed and up when you get home from work, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices can learn when it’s safe to lower the temperature and when to boost the thermostat because everyone is at home after a long day. Nest is one of the most popular smart thermostats, but there are plenty of other options on the market. Smart homes are the way of the future!

 


 

Still unsure about what you should do to winterize your home? Reach out to your Rector Hayden Realtor about winterization and home care tips! 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Home Insights Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

Market Report – October 2018

The Monthly Market Report

Our local housing market continues to be very active!
See all the latest info and trends, in our exclusive Monthly Market Report! 

Our exclusive Market Report has all the latest information on the local real estate market – compiled by the experts at Rector Hayden Realtors!

  • • Overall market trends
  • • Number of homes on the market in EACH price range
  • • Number of homes selling in those ranges
  • • Average Sales Price
  • • And breakdowns by counties in our coverage area!

 

market report with shadow

 

 

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

Considering Buying a Condo or Townhouse?

Here’s what you need to know

Any homeowner shoveling several inches of snow, or addressing roof damage caused by a storm, has probably experienced thoughts of buying a condo or townhouse. The principal benefit of these types of properties is that much of the maintenance is handled by an Association — or in other words, someone other than you!

Should you decide to buy a condo or townhouse, you’ll want to review all the Association rules, policies and all documents carefully. Here are a few insights on what you should look for.

Look for potential costs of owning the unit

The freedom from certain maintenance obligations doesn’t come free of cost. Here are some things you should look for to better understand those costs:

  • Check the documentation to see what the regular Association fee is, and the due date. Typically, fees are charged monthly.
  • See if there are any plans for large improvements or repair projects. A share of these costs could be assessed to you in addition to your typical monthly fees.
  • You should be given a current budget for the Association. Review the budget to determine if there are sufficient reserves to handle unexpected maintenance costs.
  • Understand what the Association is required to maintain, and what is considered your responsibility as an owner.

 

Look for rules that may affect how you wish to use your home

Unlike a traditional single-family home, there may be restrictions on how you can use your townhome or condo. Some key restrictions may include:

  • A prohibition or limitation on pets
  • Restrictions on how your unit can be altered or improved
  • Limitations on renting the property
  • Not allowing the property to be used for a home business

The documents you receive as part of your townhome or condo purchase contain vital information.  Be sure to take the time to read them, so you can ensure that you’re able to use the residence as intended.

 

 


Get an idea of what your perfect condo or townhouse may look like!
Browse Rector Hayden’s current condo and townhouse listings:
http://www.rhr.com/condos-and-townhouses-for-sale.aspx

 

Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

October 2018 Events We Love!

Local scenic beauty, Keeneland racing, fall festivals, trick-or-treaters and more – there’s SO MUCH to enjoy in Lexington and Central Kentucky in October!  Here are some of our favorites.

Woodsongs

October 1 @ 6 – 8 PM
Lyric Theatre
300 East Third Street
Lexington,KY40508
859-280-2218
woodsongs.com
 
Woodsongs presents Arvel Bird and Cicada Rhythm.
 


Breeders’ Cup Experience

October 31 – November 3
Taylor Made Horse Farm
2765 Union Mill Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
859-963-1004
visithorsecountry.com/bookyourtour

Join Taylor Made Farm for a special look into the Breeders’ Cup where you will enjoy a parade from two Breeders’ Cup contenders, “Not This Time” and “Midnights Storm” who both reside as stallions at Taylor Made! You will get to visit the grave stone of Champion Stallion, “Unbridled’s Song” who won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 1995. Your tour will be paired with lunch from Daddy Joe’s Bar and Grill, our on-site restaurant.



Trick or Treat

October 23 @ 4:00 – 6:30PM
Rector Hayden REALTORS
1099 Duval Street
Lexington, KY 40515
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC in the garage

Are you familiar with “Trunk-or-Treat”? It’s a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, where volunteers decorate the trunks of their cars in a parking lot, and children can walk around and collect treats! Rector Hayden REALTORS is having this free event open to the public. We encourage you to come participate in this fantastic, family friendly evening of fun!



National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park

October 27 @ 7:00AM – November 4 @ 5:00PM
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
www.nhs.org

Nine days of events! The National Horse Show is the culmination of the east coast summer equestrian season. With $845,000 in prize money offered, the National Horse Show has been designated a CSI4*-W event by the FEI.

Competition starts with equitation championships, followed by International Open Jumpers and the top-rated hunter sections. For six consecutive years, the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame has named the National Horse Show as the Horse Show of the Year.



Keeneland Fall Meet

October 5 – October 27
Keeneland
4201 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40510
859-254-3412

www.keeneland.com/2018-fall-meet

 
Fall Race Meet open Friday, October 5 and continues through Saturday, October 27. No racing will be held on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Gates open at 11AM with the first post at 1:05PM daily.
Highlights include opening Fall Stars Weekend, featuring 10 stakes races and nine Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In events. Tickets may be purchased online beginning August 1 at 8:30AM
 


Categories
Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Sell Your Home for Top Dollar This Fall

Stage for success

Fall is here!  With it comes the fresh autumn air, colorful leaves, front porches adorned with pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks—and a great opportunity to sell your home. In fact, you may be surprised to know that more than a quarter of real estate activity takes place in the last several months of the year!

While many properties — especially those in lower and mid-level price points – continue to sell quickly, sellers in ALL price ranges are still competing with one another. Fortunately, a well-staged home can give you a leg up on the competition and help you get top dollar this fall.


Exterior adjustments

First, focus on the exterior. Keep your lawn freshly cut, and rake and bag leaves daily. Play up autumn by using potted plants and flowers like mums, which come in gorgeous hues, as well as pumpkins and other gourds to give a front porch or steps extra curb appeal.

Steer clear of over-the-top seasonal decorations (think scarecrows, mummies, ghosts and goblins) that may turn buyers off and keep them from focusing on the attractive features of your home.


Interior additions

When it comes to the interior of your home, it’s important to keep it cozy but accessible. Remove photos and personal mementos so potential buyers can easily picture themselves and their belongings in the space. To keep your home looking warm and inviting, add soft blankets and pillows to the couch and light the fireplace if you have one.

Autumn temperatures can be unpredictable, so pay attention to forecasts in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature to create a warm impression with potential buyers. The scents of fall—like apple-scented candles, cider or pumpkin spice—can be a nice addition to a kitchen or living area as well.


Lighting tips

For lighting, the key is to maintain a bright space that doesn’t look stark. During the day, keep your window treatments open to draw in fall’s natural lighting. At night, turn on side table lamps and overhead lights as well.

When it comes to evening showings, don’t forget to ensure potential buyers can easily view your home’s exterior and appreciate its appeal. Turn on pathway lights and other outdoor lights to make sure visitors are sure-footed.