The summer months are a great time to sell your home. Potential buyers are buzzing, having fun, and feeling good. When the weather is warm, moving sounds so much more appealing than it does in the winter months. Warm weather is something you should take full advantage of when it is time to put your home on the market.
Create a summer oasis for potential buyers by staging your home. If you are not sure where to start, we have some great tips for you that will get you on your way.
Let The Light In
Natural light in all of its glory is attractive and inspiring. During the summer, when the sun is shining, be sure to let it in your home. Not only does it create an enlightened environment, but it will also make your home feel more substantial and more spacious.
Be sure to trim any trees or bushes that may be blocking light from seeping in your windows. If you have dark spaces in your home like a hallway or corner, add some artificial light that gives it that airy feeling and creates a nice ambiance. Install under-cabinet lights in the kitchen to create a warm and cozy atmosphere where everyone will want to gather and see themselves cooking in your home.
If you have dark window treatments such as curtains, you may want to consider changing them out for light, neutral tones, so the window dressings complement the natural light. Make sure to open your blinds before a showing or open house. Natural light creates a welcoming openness that will surely attract buyers.
Summer Splash in Your Decor
We all have our style, and our homes reflect much of that. From textiles to artwork, each piece selected by you speaks to you. However, when staging your home, no matter the time of year, it’s more about arranging and styling in a way that potential buyers will envision themselves in your home.
Don’t be afraid to add some summer flair inside just as you would outside. Perhaps you enjoy a nautical theme or a beach theme; either way, you are creating a unique atmosphere and designing inspiration for potential buyers. Throw pillows are a great way to add a “theme” to any room. Say you have a tan colored sofa and it needs a little punch. Since it is summer, add a tropical-themed throw pillow and a bright colored throw that matches. Not only are you bringing the summer into your home, but you are also creating an ambiance for potential buyers.
Add Pops of Color for Curb Appeal
When it comes to curb appeal, standing out is a number one way to gain the attention of passersby. With a for sale sign in the yard, potential buyers will be even more excited if your home stands out from the rest.
It is easy and very inexpensive to create curb appeal that pops. First impressions are crucial, so your entryways should be welcoming. Plant some new bright, colorful flowers in designated areas of your front and back yard, or purchase some flower pots and create vivid arrangements to place near your entries. Another excellent tip for curb appeal is to paint your front door. Add a splash of red, yellow or even a shade of blue and your home will stand out.
Keep the Yard in Tip-Top Shape
Summer is often filled with yard maintenance, and when you are selling your home, it is even more important to keep your yard in tip-top shape. Yard upkeep is a fundamental of summer staging. A well-maintained house is an attractive home. Buyers love move-in ready homes, and this includes the yard.
Keep your weeds at bay, making sure you weed treat and pull any pesky weeds lurking about. You will want to keep your lawn trimmed and edged, creating a beautiful canvas for buyers to envision relaxing outdoors instead of working all the time to get the yard in shape. Keep all bushes and hedges in a neatly trimmed fashion as well. Overgrown shrubs, hedges, and even trees can feel overwhelming. Remember, you are creating an oasis, move-in ready home for potential buyers.
If you have a power washer, you should use it. If you do not, please note, you can rent one from your local hardware store for relatively cheap. Not only will you want to wash the exterior of your home, but don’t forget the garage, sidewalks, and driveways as well. Neat, clean, and impressive will be the first impression after you power wash.
Create Outdoor Rooms
It is summertime, so keep in mind, most people love to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Relaxing on patios, playing in the grass, swimming in the pool, and sipping coffee on the deck are just a few of the activities buyers will be thinking about when they view your home during the summer. So, create that space for them.
Arrange patio furniture in beautiful, intimate groupings. Create small and large separate spaces. A quaint gathering of chairs around a fire pit, a dining area, and a lounging area are all great ways to create a mini-home outdoors. Each “room” serves a purpose and invites people to want to stay and relax.
If you have an outdoor pool, be sure it is in tip-top shape. Keeping the pool clean and maintaining the grounds around the pool are just as important as setting up your kitchen for potential buyers. When it comes to a pool, some buyers may think of it as a hassle with too much maintenance. When you create a setting around the pool, and it is nice and clean, they may want to jump in right there and send you their offer.
Keep the Temps Comfy
Since the temperatures can get pretty hot in the summer months, be sure to keep your home cool and inviting. A comfortable temperature is essential to add value to any potential buyer’s experience when viewing your home. If a house is stuffy, buyers may rush through and not get the full experience your home deserves. To ensure your home has air flowing, keep those ceiling fans at a nice moderate speed in each room that you have them.
Staging is a significant step in the process of selling your home. Every month is slightly different as to what steps you may need to take to create that perfect atmosphere. The ultimate situation for you is to receive offers on your home quickly after it goes on the market, and staging will help you get there more rapidly.
Don’t be shy if you need some help with staging. There are professionals out there ready and willing to assist you every step of the way. If you are prepared to sell your home and need advice from real estate professionals, be sure to reach out to us, we are always ready to help.
Summer is bright; summer is fun; summer is relaxing; your home should be too.