Tips for Selling Your Home in the Summer
Not everybody can wait until fall to sell and relocate. Some people might be transferred to a new job in another state or be experiencing other pressing “life” issues that could necessitate an immediate sale. Here are a few things you can do to attract a summertime buyer, and be sure to consult with your REALTOR® on additional ideas to ensure your house shows to sell as best as it can this summer. Mow the lawn twice a week - Grass grows faster in the summer so mow your lawn regularly. Every other lawn cutting, try mowing on the diagonal to add dimension and curb appeal. Create summer curb appeal - Curb appeal attracts people in the market to buy homes. Trim the bushes. Plant flowers. Scatter mulch. Paint your house number on the curb. Sweep the walk. Make your entrance welcoming and warm.
Decorate with summer accents - Look around your home for color inspiration. Add vivid blue decor items for a calming effect. Replace dark-colored accent pillows and throw rugs with brighter, summer hues.
Bring the light inside - If you have heavy drapes, remove them. They make rooms look smaller. Pull window blinds to the top and tape the strings underneath. Consider using tie-backs to hold open lighter-weight curtains. The only time you would leave blinds closed is if there was an undesirable element on the other side of the window, i.e. a neighbor’s trashcan, and even then, open them slightly. Have flexible showing hours - Some people like to skip out of work early due to daylight savings in many states. You might find buyers are more interested in touring your home during twilight hours, just after the dinner hour. Move furniture outside - Not only does moving out furniture free up more room inside the home, but it creates an outdoor living space with items you already own. It’s an illusion created for a buyer that says yes, you too can own this lifestyle.
Deliver sparkle - Gold or silver or brass or pewter? Doesn’t matter. Mix them, if you like. Old rules don’t apply. Metals are summery. Vases, picture frames, mirrors, utensils, goblets, hanging planters and garden gnomes all work. Offer summer beverages and snacks - Fill the sink with ice cubes and chill bottled beverages for visitors and offer a few light snacks. Use natural air freshener - Fill the air in your home with natural fragrances such as those from fresh cut roses, grown in your own garden as commercial has no scent.
Control air temperature - There’s nothing worse than a stuffy room on a hot day. Circulate the air in your home. Even if you have to place floor fans about the home, keep the air moving. Turn down the air conditioning to a level just below your comfort zone on extra hot days. A cool indoors will keep visitors indoors viewing your home for longer.