Summer is on its way and the market is already HOT! Are you planning on making a move this summer? We’ve got some sizzling tips to help you get your home ready to list this summer!
1. Curb appeal and Exterior
When your house hits the market, the very first thing that buyers are going to see is the exterior of your home. The curb appeal of your home is very important, and you want buyers to be attracted to your home and eager to see the inside. Here are some tips for getting the exterior of your home ready for the summer market:
- Keep your lawn mowed and grass looking healthy.
- Trim trees branches, shrubs, and bushes.
- Touch up any exterior paint that needs it.
- Paint door and/or shutters to give a fresh new look.
- Keep your landscaping looking clean, fresh, and free of weeds.
2. Fix anything that needs repaired/replaced.
If you notice anything in your home that you think may need repaired/replaced, you might as well go ahead and get it taken care of. The last thing you want is an inspection to come back with tons of items that need replaced or repaired in your home, which could scare away your buyer. Some big-ticket items you need to think about before listing your home are: roof, appliances, windows, air conditioner and furnace, and any plumbing issues. Sellers are more likely to sell their home for a higher price when there are fewer repairs that need to be done.
3. Highlight your outdoor living space.
Summertime is the best time to show off your backyard and outdoor living space. If you have a pool, make sure you get it sparkling clean and show it off as much as you can. Have the pool covers off during photos and showings so that buyers can see the pool. If you have a deck or patio, decorate and stage it well so that buyers can imagine themselves spending time outside relaxing. Fire pits are another great backyard feature to have that can give your outdoor living space an upgrade.
4. Brighten up your home.
If you are going to sell your home in the summer, you really need to stage and decorate your home to reflect the summer season. Making your home airy and bright will not only enhance the appearance of your home, but it will attract many more buyers. Great ways to brighten up your home include: flowers, fresh bright paint, new summer scented candles, clean carpet/flooring, new blinds, open windows, and bright new summer decor.
5. Keep your home clean and cool.
Keeping your home smelling and looking fresh and clean while it is listed is a must. Having your carpets cleaned as well as floors swept and mopped will keep your home looking and smelling fresh. Be sure to clean toilets and sinks frequently to keep your bathrooms and kitchens clean. Always be sure to have clutter, as well as private or expensive items, hidden away. Having your home listed in the summer means it is going to be HOT when buyers visit your home—if they walk into the house and do not get cooled off, they will immediately think there may be an issue with the air conditioning. Keep your air on and let buyers feel how cool your home is during the summer season.
6. Hire the right professionals to help sell your home.
Having a great real estate agent is key to getting your home sold quickly and for top dollar. Realtors know the market and know how to price your home accordingly. The last thing you want to do is price your home too high or too low, and a Realtor will help you figure out what your home is worth in today’s market. Realtors have many resources for you and will know how to stage your home and get it ready for the market. A Realtor will provide you with great marketing of your home with signs, open houses, flyers, and social media posts to help it sell quickly. Agents also know professional photographers to get the best photos taken of your home. In today’s world, buyers are judging homes on their phones or computers by the quality of the photos; so hiring a professional to get crisp photos that show all of the features of your home is a must. All Realtors are different and work differently, so interviewing several agents before listing is a good way to find the right one that is going to work best for you and your home!
