Top 5 Things Buyers Notice During Fall Showings

Help sellers prep their homes for seasonal tours.

Fall in Whatcom County is all about crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and yes—serious buyers still out shopping for homes. But here’s the thing: buyers see everything during a showing, and fall makes certain details stand out even more. If you’re selling in Blaine, WA (or nearby communities), here are the top 5 things buyers notice and how to get ahead of them.

Curb Appeal with Fall Flair

Leaves everywhere? Buyers notice. A tidy yard with raked leaves, trimmed shrubs, and maybe a pumpkin or two at the door screams “well cared for.” Bonus: skip the inflatable skeleton army—it distracts from your home’s natural charm.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

Fall days are shorter, which means homes can feel darker. Brighten things up with warm lamps, open blinds, and clean windows. A cozy glow can make your home feel instantly more inviting.

That First Whiff

Fall scents are powerful. A faint pumpkin spice candle = inviting. A strong smell of wet dog or leftover takeout = instant turn-off. Fresh air + light seasonal fragrance = happy buyers.

Warmth Matters

If buyers walk in and immediately shiver, it’s a no-go. Keep your home comfortably warm (not sauna-level, but definitely sweater weather cozy). Heated floors or a lit fireplace? Huge bonus.

Seasonal Maintenance

From clean gutters to a serviced furnace, buyers notice if you’ve prepped your home for the wet Whatcom winters. It signals that the home has been well maintained, not just staged for show.

Bottom line:

A little prep goes a long way in making your Blaine, WA home stand out this fall. Buyers aren’t just looking at square footage—they’re feeling the lifestyle.

Thinking about selling? I’m Tobi Smukler, your local Whatcom County expert, here to help you stage, prep, and shine during the season buyers secretly love to shop. Let’s chat about getting your home fall-showing ready.