Summer is hot, but the real estate market is hotter—here’s how home sellers can take advantage of the season!
Summer is one of the hottest seasons—both in temperature and in real estate. With longer days, better weather, and families looking to move before the next school year starts, it’s an ideal time for home sellers. But just because demand is high doesn’t mean your home will sell itself…
If this is your first time selling a home, check out our complete guide to home-selling here for more detailed info on the process.
If you're wondering how to sell your home fast this summer, these eight tips will help you stand out from the competition and seal the deal with home buyers just in time for your own summer vacation!
1. Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
First impressions matter! And summer home buyers are especially drawn to bright, lively outdoor spaces. Refresh your landscaping by replacing dead bushes and planting seasonal flowers to make your home look lively and welcoming. Plus, a fresh coat of paint on your front door and gutters can help make your house look more …unproblematic… to potential buyers.
You can find easy ways to boost your home’s curb appeal in the outdoor edition of our monthly home maintenance checklist.
2. Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces
Even in the Houston heat, most people tend to spend a lot of time outside during the summer. So, if you want to sell your home fast, you need to show off the patio, deck, or porch in the best possible light. Try adding some fresh cushions to (clean) outdoor furniture, string some solar lights, and stage the area as an oasis for entertaining or relaxing—you’ll be surprised at how big an impact these little changes can have on a home buyer’s opinion of your home!
3. Keep the Temperature Cool Inside
It’s already hot outside—who wants to tour an equally hot home? Make sure your A/C is working efficiently (mainly to prevent worried buyers) so you can keep your home cool during showings and open houses. Also, turning the ceiling fans on low or offering a refreshing beverage to potential buyers can leave a positive impression.
4. Declutter & Depersonalize
Clear out as many personal items as possible: this is advice you will hear from any real estate agent, especially when trying to sell your home fast. When people look at homes to buy, they’re looking for somewhere they can live their lives. Seeing all your things shatters the illusion and makes it harder for them to envision themselves calling a place “home’. Plus, decluttering and early packing will make it easier to move once your house is sold.
5. Maximize Natural Light
Summer means bright sunlight and longer days, so why not take advantage of it? Leave all the curtains, blinds, and shutters open throughout the entire house during showings and open houses to let as much light in as possible. Natural light makes rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting, while also boosting the mood of the people who could potentially buy your home.
6. Schedule Showings Strategically
If you live somewhere where summers are brutal (like Houston), it would be wise to avoid scheduling midday showings unless absolutely necessary. This is when the heat is most intense and home buyers (and their real estate agents) tend to lose patience very quickly… Instead, opt for showings in the mornings or early evenings when it’s cooler and the light is softer to help your home keep a favorable spot in potential buyers’ minds.
7. Use Seasonal Staging
As mentioned above, summer home buyers are usually attracted to bright scenery. But this applies to inside as well as outside. Your home staging should be seasonal (yes, it’s almost always recommended to have some level of staging!) with light, airy colors and decor pieces that reflect the season. Think: fruit bowls, lemonade pitchers, colorful dishes and accent pieces. While you still want to keep the overall interior design neutral as a “blank slate”, adding little, seasonal touches will help sell the dream to potential home buyers.
8. Make Minor Repairs
If there are things in your home that you know need to be repaired—like chipped paint, broken door hinges, or a clogged A/C vent—repair them before you list your home. This also goes for things that need upgrading (like new cabinet hardware) that you’ve been putting off. Small fixes like these can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells. Plus, home buyers usually request for these things to get done anyways, so why not do it in advance to get to the closing table faster?
If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, summer offers a golden opportunity (no pun intended), but preparation is key. These summer home-selling tips can help Houston homeowners make a lasting impression on potential buyers and secure a speedy, successful sale.
If you’re ready to list your home, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started!
Alexis Feezel is a results-oriented Marketing Coordinator responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all promotional strategies and activities to effectively market clients & listings and maximize sales.