In the Fall or Winter, there are less sellers, creating less competition for the buyers. To Learn more about selling times, ask someone who does it for a living, year round. Put on your Buyer's Hat. If you found a property, that fit your needs. Some buyer's will sign a Purchase agreement and them back out of a deal, after they get the inspection report.
Buyers find the areas they like and drive around.
Many homes are sold, by the sign itself. Whether you hire an agent or sell by owner, a sign is not an option, it is an absolute must. For Sellers, it's always best to be pro-active. Don't assume that an interested buyer will go get financing. You, as a seller, should have financing and a relationship with a lender, pre-arranged.