1) Prepare the Exterior for Summer
Selling a home in the summer requires extra focus on the exterior and curb appeal. Potential buyers get a pretty good idea of what to expect on the interior from outside the home, so make sure it’s clean, crisp, and attractive. Some basics: Mow and water the lawn, trim bushes and shrubs, weed and mulch the flower beds, touch up exterior peeling paint (including the front door), and seal the deck or driveway.
2) Highlight the Outdoor Living Space
Many buyers spend as much time outside as possible during summer months and put a premium on a great outdoor living space, so highlighting it is a great way to draw in potential buyers. A great staging tip is to help buyers envision spending time relaxing in the space or entertaining friends and family. If your home has an incredible deck or a large concrete patio, make sure it’s staged right to showcase its best qualities!
3) Keep the Home Cool
Make sure to keep the inside cool while your home is being looked at by potential buyers. If your home isn’t equipped with a central air conditioning unit, consider alternatives, including window air conditioners, ceiling fans, and floor fans around the home. Additionally, keeping lights off and blinds drawn prior to showings can help maintain cooler temperatures. If your home is equipped with central AC, make sure it’s working properly and has been serviced recently by a professional HVAC technician.
4) Price the Home Right from the Beginning!
An overpriced home will generally sit on the market until the sellers decide to reduce the price to an acceptable market value, which may take several months. An experienced real estate agent will provide a good pricing recommendation based on a comparative market analysis or CMA.
A CMA provides an analysis of similar homes that have sold within the past 6-12 months. An experienced agent will know how to make adjustments for features of your property in comparison with similar homes that have recently sold. The bottom line is to make sure it’s priced correctly from the beginning.
5. Make Necessary Repairs Prior to Listing
Address necessary repairs, such as a very old roof with visible damage, prior to listing so you don’t potentially lose out on a fair sale price. Homeowners who complete repairs prior to listing their home typically end up with a higher sale price and reduce the chances that a buyer will request a lot of repairs to be made after the home inspection. A few examples of “necessary” repairs include broken windows, peeling or damaged siding, and damaged roofs. It’s important when selling a home that buyers aren’t distracted by repairs and are focused on all the positives.
