Tips for Selling a Home in Summer

Selling a home in summer can have many advantages. Many potential buyers are actively searching for properties during this time, taking advantage of good weather and utilizing their time off for moving. To make the most of selling in summer, here are some tips to give buyers the best first impression of your home.

Tip #1: Maximize Curb Appeal

Other seasons—especially the frosty winters we experience here in Saskatoon—may have buyers neglecting taking a close eye of a home’s exterior. Anxious to get inside and out of the cold, they don’t spend too much time scrutinizing the details. The same can’t be said for summer, though. With sunny rays beaming down, buyers are more likely than ever to take notice of a home’s curb appeal during a showing.

To enhance your home’s exterior and make a great first impression, keep the lawn well-maintained, trim bushes and trees, and plant colourful flowers. Use a pressure washer to blast away dirt and debris or apply a fresh coat of paint, if necessary. Take extra care to make the entrance clean and inviting, to give them a welcoming impression of their potential new home.

Tip #2: Keep it Cool

We always say that Saskatoon sees both extremes—frigid winters and scorching summers. Make buyers as comfortable as possible during summer showings by making the home as cool as possible. Run the air conditioner or use fans to keep temperatures pleasant, especially on hot days. And if that isn’t possible, consider opening the windows to let in a breeze.

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Natural Light

Make the most of the longer daylight hours when selling your home in summer. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Well-lit spaces tend to appear more spacious and inviting—even more so when the light is natural, as opposed to coming from a bulb.

Tip #4: Stage for Summer

Staging a home to sell is one of the best ways to attract home buyers. It helps to create an atmosphere buyers can envision themselves in, particularly when it is seasonally appropriate. Think of it this way: if it is cold outside, who doesn’t want to come into a home with a warm fire and cozy blanket draped on the couch? If it is 35 degrees outside with no breeze in sight, though, the last thing on your mind is curling up by the fireplace.

Highlight the summer season by adding bright and cheerful decor throughout your home. Place fresh fruit or flowers on display and set up an outdoor seating area to showcase the potential for summer entertaining. Take the time to prepare your yard for summer and if you have a pool, make sure it is clean and maintained to further entice potential buyers.

Tip #5: Be Flexible with Showings

While the flexibility of summer can often make it a great time to sell a home, it can also make it a tad more complex. This sunny season often means vacations and travel plans for both your family and those of potential buyers. Try to accommodate different showing schedules and be open to evening or weekend appointments to maximize the number of people who can view your home, particularly in the first weeks of listing.

Selling your home in summer can be a great way to showcase it at its best, garnering you more from your sale. However, it is still important to stay up to date on the current local real estate market to ensure you are making the best decision possible for both you and your home. Consult with your experienced Saskatoon REALTOR® for the most up-to-date information and personalized advice for the sale of your home.