Summer is a prime time for selling a home, with longer days, sunnier weather, and families looking to relocate before the school year begins. However, just because it’s a busy season doesn’t mean you can sit back and relax. To stand out in a competitive market, you’ll need to make your home as appealing as possible to prospective buyers.
Here are some expert tips to help you sell your home quickly—and for the best price—this summer.
1. Curb Appeal is Key
First impressions matter, and during summer, your home’s exterior should shine. The bright sun and lush greenery of the season make this an ideal time to focus on curb appeal. Here’s what you can do:
- Mow the lawn regularly: A well-maintained lawn can boost the overall appeal of your home.
- Plant flowers: Bright flowers in planters or flower beds create a welcoming vibe.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Overgrown foliage can obscure key features of your home.
- Paint the front door: A fresh coat of paint in a bold colour like navy blue or red can make a huge impact.
- Add outdoor lighting: Pathway lighting or up lights around trees can add charm and make your home look inviting in the evening
2. Stage Your Home for Summer Living
Buyers in the summer are likely thinking about relaxing outdoors, hosting gatherings, and enjoying their space. Create a home environment that lets them envision a fun, laid-back lifestyle. Here’s how:
- Highlight outdoor spaces: If you have a patio, deck, or backyard, stage it to show off its potential for barbecues, family gatherings, or evening relaxation.
- Add some comfortable seating, string lights, or a fire pit to make the space feel like an extension of the home.
- Keep it cool: If you’re showing the home on a hot day, make sure it’s cool and comfortable inside. A warm house can leave a negative impression. Open windows, run the AC, or use fans to circulate air.
- Bring in light: Summer homes should feel bright and airy. Open up curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and use light-coloured furniture or decor to keep the space feeling fresh.
3. Price It Right
Summer is a busy market, but that doesn’t mean you should overprice your home. Pricing it too high can result in it sitting on the market for longer, making it less desirable. Here’s how to price your home correctly:
- Understand the market: While summer is a busy time, it’s important to be aware of your local market’s trends. Look at comparable homes (comps) in your neighbourhood, and price accordingly.
- Consult with a local real estate agent: An experienced agent will know how to price your home based on location, condition, and seasonal demand.
- Be flexible: If your home has been on the market for a few weeks without many offers, consider dropping the price slightly. Buyers may assume something is wrong with a house that’s been sitting for too long.
4. Boost Your Online Presence
Summer is a time when many buyers begin their home search, and a large portion of that search happens online. Make sure your listing stands out with great photography, a well-crafted description, and a presence on popular home-selling websites.
- Professional photos: Invest in high-quality photos that highlight your home’s best features, especially during the summer months. Bright, well-lit images are key, and if possible, take advantage of good weather to photograph the home in natural daylight.
- Virtual tours: Offer virtual tours for buyers who are unable to visit in person, especially for out-of-town or out-of-state buyers.
- Social media: Share your listing on Facebook, Instagram, and local neighbourhood groups to increase visibility.
5. Be Flexible with Showings
Summer is a busy time for many families, especially with vacations, travel, and kids being home from school. Make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to see your home by being flexible with showing times. Evening and weekend showings might be in high demand, so be open to accommodating different schedules.
- Consider open houses: Hosting a weekend open house can attract a larger number of buyers, giving them the chance to tour your home without needing an appointment.
6. Keep It Clean and Decluttered
A clean, clutter-free home is essential year-round, but it’s especially important in summer when buyers are more likely to be out and about. Spend time decluttering both the inside and outside of your home.
- Declutter: Clear off countertops, tables, and shelves to make spaces feel larger.
- Clean windows: Summer’s natural light shows off dust and streaks, so give your windows a good cleaning.
- Focus on bathrooms and kitchens: These are high-traffic areas, and buyers will scrutinize them closely. Make sure they’re spotless and well-organized.
7. Highlight Summer-Friendly Features
Does your home have features that buyers would appreciate in the summer? Maybe it’s an in-ground pool, a large deck, or even just great air conditioning. Whatever it is, make sure you highlight these aspects in your marketing materials and showings.
- Pool: If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean, filled, and ready for enjoyment. Consider adding some patio furniture around it to show how relaxing the space can be.
Selling a home in the summer comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. By focusing on curb appeal, staging your home for the season, setting the right price, and ensuring a clean, cool, and welcoming environment, you’ll be well-positioned to make a quick sale.
Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or moving for a new job, use these summer selling tips to stand out in a competitive market. With the right strategy and a little extra effort, you’ll be able to make the most of the busy summer season and sell your home for the best possible price.
Happy selling!