Tips to Make Your Home a Hot Commodity this Summer

If you’ve been following the news, you likely know that the residential real estate market at large is hot, hot, hot right now! It’s not unusual for homes to sell in a matter of days—or even hours! This is good news for sellers who want to move quickly. This current economic climate coupled with the seasonal factor is a recipe for success. Most buyers don’t want to tread out into the cold and snow to look at homes. That’s why summer is prime time for home shopping.

On the other side of that equation is the seller, who can capitalize on this momentum. The numbers don’t lie. According to HousingWire Magazine, just four months of the year, May, June, July and August―account for 40 percent of an average year’s total home-selling volume.  

If you’re planning to put your home on the market this summer, consider these warm-weather marketing tips.

Show Your Exterior Some Love

Outdoor spaces are the icing on the cake to a well-maintained interior. There is a reason people talk about curb appeal. A home with poor or a neglected exterior will take longer to sell and likely will sell for less.

Buyers notice things like lawn and garden maintenance (or lack thereof). So pay attention to the following:

• Pull weeds and unsightly growth.
• Don’t be afraid to add lots of flowers to the garden bed and pathway!
• Power-wash sidewalks and other hardscapes.
• Keep trees trimmed and bushes pruned.
• Give your front door a fresh coat of paint.
• Add a wreath or fun welcome sign to your front door. A cheery doormat will set the tone as well.

Details matter, so put in the time to make sure your outside is as attractive as the inside.

Create an Outdoor Paradise

Who doesn’t love to sit outside after a long day at work and sip on a glass of wine or enjoy a beer? If you don’t have a patio or deck, you can still create a relaxing escape with which the prospective buyer can connect.

Organize an area with a few lounge chairs and a table with an umbrella, perhaps centered around a fire pit or a decorative element. Outdoor rugs and carpets can add another aesthetic element. Even the smallest of yards can be easily transformed into an outdoor oasis. Show them what’s possible.

Embrace Seasonal Accents

 Have a little fun inside with some seasonal décor. Change out pillows and linens for light and breezy patterns. Add summer-scented candles. Make your dining room pop with indoor plants and flowers. Keep the indoor temperature cool and set out a fresh pitcher of cucumber and mint water. Soon prospective buyers will feel right at home.

Go the Extra Mile

If you live in a highly rated school district, it makes sense to communicate that to younger buyers who may have a family or plan to start one. Many buyers looking to make a move in the summer are looking this time of year to make sure their kids get into the school system for the coming year. This is no insignificant factor, as school system can play a major role in home values. This is something you will want to tout if your neighborhood has exceptional schools. This could be the difference in your home being chosen over another when the buyer is looking in multiple areas.

Although not unique to a particular season, working with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent is another critical element. There are dozens of agents in any particular market, so it’s important to do your homework before hiring one. Choosing the wrong real estate agent can be a nightmare for both the buyer and the seller.

The residential real market is showing no signs of cooling off anytime soon. By embracing these tips, you can pack a major punch and impress potential buyers this summer.