It’s the time of year when “for sale” signs pop up in home owners’ yards as fast as the grass grows. If you’re considering putting your home on the market this summer, make sure you know some of the basics of summer selling when presenting your home to potential buyers. Having a little knowledge under your belt about selling in the hot season can help you sell faster and for more money.

Make your yard impeccable. You’ve heard the advantages that curb appeal. Summer offers the greatest opportunity to maximize that appeal. If your yard is in bad shape, invest time and money in trimming overgrown bushes and trees that block the front of the house. Get rid of weeds around trees and in neglected gardens. Also, never allow high growing grass to detract from what your house has to offer—cut it regularly. An unkempt lawn and garden drains the energy from a house as buyers approach. If you don’t have a green thumb, ask for help at the greenhouse for choosing low maintenance flowers for your area. You don’t even have to create a garden. Just use planters. Introduce color and greenery to your doorstep. Well-maintained outdoor furniture also adds a welcoming touch.

Keep your home properly cooled. While conserving energy is often top of mind for many, you want to ensure that your home shows well at a comfortable temperature. Turn on ceiling fans to keep the air fresh. Also, consider using remote technology to cool down your home from afar when you have a showing scheduled.

Keep cool drinks available for buyers. Something as simple as cold bottled water can be a delightful touch for buyers looking at a long list of houses in the summer heat. It’s not just the look of a home that they’ll remember, it’s the entire experience. Make it a pleasant one.

Keep everything smelling fresh. The heat can exacerbate smelly odors more than any other season. Ensure that trash is removed frequently and trash cans are tightly lidded. While you might use a light air freshener, don’t go overboard as heavy artificial scents in a home are sometimes thought to be disguising a larger odor problem.

Let the light in. Keep your home bright and well lit. Let as much natural light in to make rooms appear larger and cheerier. Keep curtains open and remove outdated mini blinds and vertical blinds.

Have a plan when you’re out of town. If you’re on vacation while your house is on the market, make sure your Realtor® knows how to get in touch with you. You don’t want to be unreachable if a time-sensitive offer comes in. You’ll want to have the means to communicate electronically as well in case you need to sign a purchase agreement. Also, make plans to keep the lawn mowed, the plants watered, and the house properly cooled while you’re away.

Platinum Service Realty