Selling a home during the summer is a bit different than selling during the rest of the year. However, there are some small steps you can take that will make a big difference and will hopefully help you nail the sale before the season is over.
- Don’t take a short cut with the electric bill. Have your AC unit serviced and clean your ceiling fans before showing your home in the summer. It may even be a good idea to keep your home’s temperature cooler than what it usually is. You’ll want potential buyers and their agents to stay in the property rather than rush through it due to it being too hot inside.
- Keep some water on hand. It’s easy to work up a sweat touring a home, especially if it has more than one level. A nice gesture is to leave some bottles of water on the counter in a bucket or bowl of ice. You could even take it a step further and make a pitcher of sweet tea or lemonade, both would certainly make a great impression on potential buyers!
- Maintain the yard. Weeds can pop up very quickly during summertime, so make sure the hedges are trimmed and the grass is cut. If you want to enhance curb appeal, try adding some flower pots or hanging baskets. Keep the lawn watered and the sidewalk swept. Make sure there are no limbs or bushes blocking the views of the windows. Sweep patio and balcony areas, and feel free to update any patio furniture with a fresh coat of paint or new pillows. If you have a pool, make sure it is clean.
- Don’t turn off the lights. Even on the brightest of sunny summer days, you’ll want to leave the lights on while your house is being shown. This includes lights in the closets and appliances.
- Show off some of your yard work. If you have flowers in your yard, a nice way to add some elegance to the home is by cutting some and placing in vases around the home. It gives a house that “home-like” feeling many buyers are searching for.