Get Ready Now: Why Preparing for the Fall Real Estate Market Starts in August

As summer winds down, Ontario’s real estate market starts to shift once again. While spring and summer often steal the spotlight as the busiest seasons in real estate, savvy sellers and serious buyers know that the fall market—especially September through mid-November—offers a unique window of opportunity.

With only three weeks until fall listings really pick up, now is the perfect time to get your home ready. Whether you’re a homeowner considering listing soon or a seller prepping for a competitive market, the steps you take in August can set you up for success this fall.

1. Why the Fall Market Matters

In Ontario, the fall market is known as the “second wind” of the real estate year. Families are back from vacation, kids return to school, and serious buyers refocus on their home search before winter hits.

Fall buyers are typically more motivated—they’ve done their research, possibly missed out on summer bids, and are ready to close quickly. For sellers, this can translate into faster sales and fewer conditional offers—if your home stands out.

2. Start with a Pre-Listing Plan

Even if you’re still on the fence about selling, it’s smart to begin prepping now. Your first step? Book a consultation with a local real estate professional (hello, Sold by Shearers! 👋). This early step gives you a solid timeline and strategy—whether you list in September or wait for the perfect moment.

A pre-listing plan should include:

• A property walk-through and staging suggestions

• A comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine pricing

• A list of quick upgrades that will boost appeal

• Timeline for photography, signage, and marketing launch

3. Complete Outdoor Maintenance While It’s Still Warm

Curb appeal isn’t just a spring and summer thing—it’s even more important in fall when the weather turns. Tackle these outdoor jobs now while you have warm weather on your side:

• Power wash siding, decks, and walkways

• Reseed patchy lawns or trim overgrown shrubs

• Clear out garden beds and mulch for a tidy look

• Clean gutters and inspect roof for signs of wear

• Add early fall planters or hanging baskets for colour

If you’re planning to take listing photos before the leaves fall, the August light is still golden and flattering, making now an ideal time to show your home in its best summer-to-fall transition.

4. Declutter & Deep Clean Interiors

Fall buyers expect cozy, clean, and move-in-ready homes. One of the best things you can do now is tackle clutter and personal items that might distract buyers.

Start with these key areas:

• Closets: Edit down seasonal clothes and shoes

• Entryways: Remove excess gear, organize storage

• Kitchen: Clear countertops, deep clean appliances

• Living areas: Remove oversized furniture, neutralize decor

Once the clutter is gone, it’s easier to plan for professional staging or simple rearrangement that highlights the best parts of your home—natural light, flow, and space.

5. Check Off Small Repairs & Updates

Buyers in the fall are often ready to act fast, but they don’t want to inherit a list of to-do items. Use August to make minor fixes that could otherwise delay or complicate an offer.

Simple updates to consider:

• Paint touch-ups or neutralizing bold rooms

• Repairing squeaky doors or leaky faucets

• Replacing burnt-out lightbulbs or outdated fixtures

• Refreshing grout in kitchens or bathrooms

While these may seem small, they signal care and upkeep—and that builds buyer confidence.

6. Plan Your Marketing Strategy

A strong marketing plan is essential for fall listings, when inventory rises and buyers have more choices. August gives your agent time to:

• Schedule professional photography and video walkthroughs

• Prepare a “Coming Soon” campaign

• Plan open houses or targeted digital ads

• Get your listing ready for MLS launch with strong, seasonal language

If you work with a team like ours, we’ll also prepare print materials and community marketing to make sure your home is seen by the right buyers—both online and offline.

7. Be Flexible with Timing

Flexibility is key in the fall market. If your home is ready, listing just before Labour Day could mean beating the rush and catching buyers early.

Alternatively, a mid-September launch allows you to take advantage of back-to-school momentum. Your agent will help you decide the best timing based on local market data.

8. Think Ahead to Closing Dates

August is also a good time to start thinking about your ideal closing date. Many fall buyers are aiming to move before the holidays or early winter. If you’re buying and selling simultaneously, this early planning can reduce stress and help you negotiate better terms.

Don’t Wait to Get Ready

The fall real estate market in Peterborough and across Ontario can be fast-paced and rewarding—but only for sellers who are ready. Starting your prep in August gives you the best chance to stand out from the competition, appeal to serious buyers, and make your fall sale as smooth as possible.

Need help deciding what to prioritize before listing? The Sold by Shearers team is here to support you every step of the way—from pre-listing strategy to closing day.

Let’s get your home fall market ready—before the leaves even begin to turn.