SELLING DURING THE SUMMER SIZZLE! (Part 1)

It is hard to believe but summer is just around the corner.  Some of you will be relocating, taking a new position for your company in a distant town.  Some may be thinking of downsizing to a smaller home now that the children are grown and raising their own families.  While still others want to use the proceeds to explore the world.  Regardless of your motive, it is important to not wait until the last minute to prepare to sell your home.  Here are 10 tips to make your summer home sale sizzle.

1. Create Summertime for the exterior of your home!

    Regardless of the season, the exterior and curb appeal of your home are your first chance to sell your home.  What can you do to prepare it for summer?  Here are a few suggestions.

   

    1. Mow the lawn

    2. Water the lawn to maintain growth and color

    3. Trim your trees and shrubs

    4. Weed and mulch those flower beds and around small trees.

    5. Do touch up on any exterior areas that need a "fresh coat of paint".

2. Accent the outdoor living space

   Summertime and outdoors go together like milk and cookies.  Highlighting your outdoor space is a great way to excite potential buyers. Stage your outdoor area for fun and relaxation.   Help buyers see themselves in the space enjoying the BBQ, the large lanai or patio, pool area, a swing or hammock,  etc.

3. Do those necessary repairs prior to listing

   Take a walk around your home and through each room with a friend.  Write down things that you see that need repair or just a little TLC.  Compare your list with your friend's.  They will see what a potential buyer will see even though you may have not given it a second thought. 

   Homeowners who make the necessary repairs prior to listing will likely end up with a higher sale price, regardless of the season.  

   A few common "necessary repairs" may include a broken window, peeling or discolored siding, no gutters or downspouts, leaky roof or broken roofing tiles.  By doing the repairs before listing you will keep the buyers focused on the home and not distracted by the needed repairs. 

 4. Keep the house cool

    Don't let the long, hot summer ruin your chances of selling your home.  During the summer months be sure to keep your home cool, at least when buyers will be touring it.  If you don't have central air conditioning it is still important to focus on cooling the home.

    Ways to keep your home cool without central air conditioning may include window air conditioners, ceiling fans, turn off unnecessary lights and draw the blinds prior to showing, and yes, even a floor fan.

    If you do have central air conditioning, be sure it is functioning properly and has recently been serviced by a professional HVAC technician.  A faulty system can mean big repairs so avoid that by having periodic servicing of your central HVAC system.

5. Clean the Clutter

   Here is a "hot" tip (no pun intended) to help you sell your home in the summer months -clean the clutter!  Clutter is a distraction to buyers who can not visualize the true potential of the home through the haze of personal things.  

   Decluttering also reduces potential damage to true family heirlooms that may fall prey to a bump or nudge.  Place those items in a storage unit, basement or garage until the house is sold.

   Cleaning the clutter is one of the best tips when staging a home on a budget.

Selling During the Summer Sizzle (part 2) next week.