Selling Your Home in the Summer - Tips for Success

Spring is flying by and soon summer will be upon us.  Summer is not the most popular time to sell a house for several reasons: people are going on vacation, kids are out of school, and warm weather activities keep you busy.  But sometimes the timing cannot be helped.  Life happens and circumstances may require that you move during the sunny season.  If that is the case, here are some tips for attracting buyers during the summer months:

• CURB APPEAL

Make a great first impression with curb appeal. Mow your lawn twice a week. Grass grows faster this time of year and needs mowing more often.  Try mowing diagonally every other time to add dimension to your lawn.  Make sure bushes are trimmed and plant flowers.  Keep your porch, sidewalk and driveway swept and create a warm and inviting entryway to your home.  

• DECORATE WITH SUMMER ACCENTS

Utilize calming colors such as blues and greens to decorate the interior of your home.  If you have dark-colored accent pillows and throw rugs replace them with brighter, summer hues. Keep it simple.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money; something as basic as an inexpensive blanket draped over a chair can give a room a soothing vibe.  

• BRING THE LIGHT INSIDE

If you have heavy drapes, remove them. They make a room look smaller.  Pull blinds all the way up.  Use tie backs to open lighter curtains.  The only time you should leave blinds/curtains closed is if there is an undesirable element on the other side of the window such as your neighbor’s trash can…but even then keep them slightly open to allow light into the room.  

• HAVE FLEXIBLE SHOWING HOURS

Showing your home while still living there is challenging, but the more flexible you are, the more people will look at your house.  

• SPARKLE AND SHINE

Metals give a “summery” feel.  It doesn’t matter which ones; gold or silver, brass or pewter.  Mix and match them using vases, picture frames, mirrors, utensils, goblets, hanging planters etc.  

• OFFER SUMMER BEVERAGES AND SNACKS

Fill your kitchen sink with ice and have chilled drinks available for visitors.  Have a few light snacks for them to enjoy.  Have bowls filled with citrus fruits to brighten up your kitchen and give it a sunny feel.  

• CREATE GOOD SMELLS NATURALLY

There are a lot of ways to bring summer scents indoors. Pleasant, fresh aromas will make your home feel inviting and comfortable.  

• CONTROL THE INDOOR TEMPERATURE

If you are one to be stingy with the air conditioning, now the time to stop.  It will be worth the tiny increase in your electric bill to have your home be at a comfortable temperature for visitors.  There is nothing worse than walking into a stuffy, warm house when it is hot outside.   For more tips on Selling your home in the summer visit Huntsville Real Estate Online. Visit my website for a Free Market Evaluation

---