Planning to try to sell a house this summer?
Enhance the Home’s Curb Appeal
The first impression buyers have of a house is its exterior. Curb appeal is especially important in the summer as people tend to visualize themselves outside, so they will be paying close attention to the vibes the exterior of a home presents.
In summer, it is especially important to keep the lawn mowed, which may mean cutting the grass as much as twice a week. It is also important to keep it looking green, not burnt or dead, so watering the lawn regularly is also a good idea. If there is landscaping, make sure it is trimmed and maintained.
If there is any paint peeling off the house anywhere, touch it up. If doors or shutters are faded, consider replacing or repainting them. By keeping the home looking clean, fresh, and vibrant, you will attract more buyers.
Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces
If the house has any outdoor living spaces, such as a deck, patio, BBQ area or outdoor kitchen, take some extra time to stage those areas. Again, potential buyers are going to visualize themselves spending time outside, so highlight the outdoor areas to make the house stand out. Help them envision themselves relaxing outside or spending time with friends and family in the space.
Declutter Indoors and Outdoors
Less is more when it comes to selling a house. Buyers can be easily distracted from all a home has to offer by too much clutter. Walk through the house and evaluate whether or not items are absolutely necessary for living comfortably in the home. If something isn’t vital to everyday living, have it packed away. Doing so adds to the perception of greater living space, which is a priority for buyers.
Make Any Necessary Repairs
Homes that have a lot of obvious, necessary repairs scare away most buyers. This also can have a negative effect on the selling price of the house. So, before listing a home on the market, be sure all repairs are addressed. Some common issues to look for are chipping paint, scuff marks on floors, leaking gutters, broken windows, damaged siding, or a damaged roof. Fixing these issues ahead of time makes the home more appealing and could possibly result in a higher sale price.
Decorate for the Summer Season
Decorating a house with summer accents can help a home sell in the summer. Bright colors, greenery, natural light, and summer scents can have a big impact on a buyer’s ability to make a connection with a home. Consider placing bright flowers around the house and using summer scented candles or air fresheners to create a summer ambiance. Open up drapes and blinds to let the natural light in to enhance the summer vibes.
Thoroughly Clean the House
A dirty house can distract buyers all the positives a home has to offer. For example, dust on blinds or window sills can take attention away from the fact that the home lets in a lot of natural light when blinds are open. So, take some extra time to ensure everything is dusted, wiped, or vacuumed regularly, including floors, curtains, furniture, and ceiling fans.
Keep the Home Cool
Buyers don’t want to be inside a hot house on a hot summer day. Be sure to keep the house cool and air circulating throughout the house using air conditioning and/or fans throughout. This will keep buyers focused on the features of the home instead of the fact that they are uncomfortable inside the house.
By following these tips, realtors give home sellers the best chance possible of selling their house in the summer months.
