As the crisp fall air rolls into Bend and the golden leaves begin to drift down at Drake Park, many homeowners start asking themselves the same question every year: Is this the right time to keep my home on the market? Should I lower the price? Or would it be smarter to wait until spring?
The Myth of Spring and Summer Selling
It’s easy to see where these questions come from. The long-standing myth that the only “good” time to sell a home is during spring and summer has been passed around for decades. Open houses with blooming flowers, longer daylight hours, and families eager to move before the new school year often give the impression that these two seasons hold all the advantages. But the reality is very different. Buyers don’t purchase a home because it’s sunny outside; they buy when they’re financially qualified, motivated, and ready to move.
Why Fall and Winter Create Strong Selling Conditions
In fact, fall and winter often provide a surprisingly strong selling environment. One of the main reasons is inventory naturally declines as the colder months arrive. Many sellers do pull their homes off the market around the holidays, thinking it’s a time to regroup and relist later. But that decrease in available homes creates less competition for those that remain active. When supply goes down, demand goes up, and that can put your listing in a powerful position.
When to Reconsider Your Pricing Strategy
Of course, if your home has been sitting on the market for a while without offers, it may be time to reconsider your pricing strategy. This is where listening to your realtor’s advice is critical. Experienced agents don’t suggest price adjustments lightly or without clear justification. Pricing is ultimately dictated by the market, comparable sales, and appraised value. Today’s buyers are well-informed and savvy; they are looking at square footage, condition, location, and yes, even those dreaded “Zestimates” on Zillow. While automated valuations are not perfect, they often provide a fairly balanced ballpark of value.
Why Price Adjustments Work
When your realtor suggests a price adjustment, it’s based on data, not opinion. The goal is not to “undervalue” your home but to make it competitive within the current market. Sometimes a simple reduction nudges the listing into a new price bracket, exposing your property to an entirely different pool of buyers. More eyes mean more showings, more interest, and ultimately a greater likelihood of receiving offers. In a shifting market, flexibility is often the difference between a home that lingers unsold and one that moves quickly.
The Importance of Presentation and Marketing
But price is only one piece of the puzzle. Presentation plays a huge role in attracting buyers and creating emotional connection. That’s why it’s well worth having your realtor hire a professional photographer. In today’s digital-first marketplace, your home’s online presence is often the first impression buyers will ever get. Crisp, well-lit images showcase your property in the best possible light and help it stand out among the scrolling pages of listings.
Virtual Tours: Meeting Today’s Buyer Expectations
Beyond photography, demand a Zillow 3D Home Tour or similar virtual walk-through. These tools allow buyers to “tour” your home right from their phone or laptop, exploring each room with a swipe of a finger. Many buyers now expect this level of access before they ever set foot inside, and it dramatically increases engagement with your listing.
Creating the Right Impression During Showings
When buyers do come for in-person viewings, make sure the environment does not disappoint. A clean, fresh-smelling, and well-lit home leaves a lasting impression. Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light, tidy up living areas, and add small touches like fresh flowers or lightly scented candles. Just as important, be as accommodating as possible with showing requests. The more accessible your home is, the faster the right buyer is likely to walk through the door.
Why Trust Your Realtor
At the end of the day, selling a home, whether in the peak of summer or the quiet of winter, comes down to a balance of strategy, presentation, and market knowledge. The most important step you can take is to trust your realtor. Their role is to interpret market data, position your property competitively, and guide you with honest advice. With the right approach, your home can sell successfully in any season.
How Knightsbridge International Real Estate Can Help
At Knightsbridge International Real Estate, our agents have weathered every type of market, highs, lows, and everything in between. We bring experience, insight, and a proven strategy to every transaction, ensuring that our clients are always in good hands.
If you’re considering selling your home, now is an excellent time to take advantage of low inventory and motivated buyers. For a free, no-obligation home valuation, call us today at 541-312-2113 or email info@kbire.com.
Knightsbridge International Real Estate
920 NW Bond Street, #107
Bend, Oregon, 97703