What’s the best season in which to sell your home? That depends greatly on who you ask, and where the home is located! If you live on the coast, it’s likely that summer is your ideal time, but if you live somewhere where skiing is the main attraction, winter is probably the best time to sell. While spring and fall tend to be the most popular times to sell a home overall, it simply depends on too many factors to be able to give one single answer.
Some Realtors say that summer is the worst time to sell your home. Why? Well, people are distracted by summer vacations, the kids being off school and needing more care and attention, and all the endless summer activities that go on in communities across America. Still, if you find yourself needing to put your house on the market in the summertime, there are lots of ways to ensure that you get the most attention from buyers that could result in a sale.
Here are nine of our best, most effective summer selling secrets!
1. Get your lawn care on
When your lawn looks unkempt, so does the rest of your home. And where first impressions are important, as they are when selling your home, you’ll want your lawn to look amazing. Plan on mowing it twice a week, and keeping everything edged and trimmed nicely to make the greatest impression you can.
2. Up the curb appeal
Trim the hedges, edge and sweep the sidewalks, clean up your flower planters and plant new ones. Get rid of any yard clutter. Create a bright, summery, welcoming entrance to your home that will impress buyers right away.
3. Bright summer accents
Choose a few new, brightly colored accessories such as throw pillows, rugs, or blankets to add summery color to a dark or neutral interior palette. Add bright freshly-cut flowers in vases around the house. Switch out heavy winter drapes for summer sheers that let in more light. Brighten the “mood” of your rooms, and your potential buyers will feel it!
4. The brighter, the better
We’ve already discussed ditching the heavy drapes, but when you’re showing your home, make sure all the drapes are opened all the way. This goes for window blinds too. If you can’t pull the blinds all the way to the top because there is something unsightly outside the window, at least open them partially to let the most light in.
5. Be flexible
Remember that everyone is busier during the summer months, so try to be more flexible when it comes to showing your home. Since the days are much longer, you may have people wanting to make evening appointments for showings. Try to be as accommodating as you can. Remember, the goal is to get your house sold! A temporary inconvenience now could result in an offer!
6. Outdoor living
Pay extra attention to outdoor living areas when preparing your home for a showing. You want to showcase how your home is summer-friendly by calling attention to outdoor cooking and eating areas, and entertainment possibilities. Make sure your grill is sparkling clean on the outside, and that everything in and around your outdoor living areas looks neat and tidy.
7. Open house idea
If you have a summer open house, dress up your outdoor eating area as a picnic, complete with someone manning a grill, and grilling hot dogs and burgers for open house guests. Buy a red and white checkered tablecloth, and fill a cooler with ice and frosty beverages. Make it a happy, positive event that potential buyers will love! Remember that the longer they stick around, the more apt they are to begin seeing themselves living in the space.
8. Citrusy scents
Some people are sensitive to perfumey, flowery scents, but just about everyone equates lemon or citrus with “clean.” Grab a couple of lemon or grapefruit-scented candles, or use a natural air freshener spritz a few minutes before your showing appointment. Remember, subtle is better than overpowering when it comes to any scent.
9. Turn on the air
If you have air conditioning, turn it on, even if you have your windows open. It’ll help circulate the air, and will help keep your potential buyers in your house longer, and will be a nice break from the heat of the summer. It’ll also serve to show them that this major home system is in working order.
Hopefully, these tips will help you as you enter the summer season and try to get your home sold. Be ready, willing and able to do all you can to accommodate your summer buyers. Show them how awesome your home is to live in in the summer, and what fun they can have living there. Let’s get your home sold!
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