It’s no secret that summer is high time for real estate. It’s easier to get time off work and makes the transition easier on the children.

But now the leaves are changing (except you, southwest) and it’s cooling off. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are just in time for sweater weather (when it’s safe to pack on the pounds). Most importantly, now may actually be a better time to put that “For Sale” sign in the yard. We’ll take a look at six reasons why autumn is surprisingly the best time to make your move!

1. Less Competition to Sell
The common thinking is to get your house listed while the market is buzzing. This logic certainly has its merits, but the reverse can also be beneficial. If you list your home in September or October, you have less competition for buyer attention. This means you’re less likely compromise on your listing price.

2. Buyers Are Serious
Because the market is so saturated in the summer, it’s easy for fluff buyers to sneak into your Open Houses and waste your (or your Realtor’s) time. These people like the idea of moving, but have no real intent to make it happen soon. In the fall, those kinds of buyers disappear. The people scoping your digs in September/October are serious about the prospect of moving in!

3. Existing Market is More Flexible
Fall is the perfect time to enter the real estate market because while you’re coming in, confident that selling in the “off season” will work for you, everyone still left on the market from summer is desperate for a sale. Since selling a house usually means you’re looking for another, you’ll find the existing market is much more flexible in negotiations. If you find a bargain on your new autumn home, you’ll be more empowered to make strategic decisions in the selling process of your former house.

4. Prime Time for Curb Appeal
Changing leaves add natural curb appeal to make your house look cozy and comfortable in time for winter. Curb appeal is hugely important in selling price. In a few months, you won’t have this factor on your side due to snow and barren trees.

5. More Attention from REALTORs
Regardless of the time of year you sell your home, the true key to success will be the marketing strategy by your real estate agent. By listing with an agent during his slow season, he is able to give you more attention. He can pour his entire budget into your goals. Your home will host more Open Houses and Broker Previews than it would any other time of the year!

6. No One Wants to Move When It’s Hot
Okay, so this one is kind of silly – but it’s true! Summertime moves have their merits, but that means carrying all those boxes in and out of trucks during the hottest time of the year. It’s much more appealing to get everything into your new home with a cool breeze at your backs and then enjoying a hot cocoa to celebrate the new digs!

With these reasons to sell your home this fall, now is the time for you to list your house if you want to maximize your profit and minimize the time you sit on the market. Get settled into your new home in time for the holidays!