Spring and fall are the two most active seasons for real estate, but that doesn't mean you should forego listing your property in the summer. During the warmer months, people are out and about exploring neighbourhoods, and with the summer holidays, buyers might have more time to devote to finding their dream home. For families with young children, moving in the summer also offers an easier transition when changing neighbourhoods or schools. Listing your home for sale in July or August certainly has its merits!
With that being said, listing in the summer is also an excellent opportunity to stage your outdoor spaces in a way that you wouldn't be able to when there is a foot of snow on the ground. Not only will this provide excellent photos or video footage for your listing, but it can show buyers the full potential of your property's indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Curious how you should stage your yard for a summer sale? These tips are a great way to make a stunning first impression:
1: Clean up the lawn and landscaping
A lush green lawn will appeal to buyers more than a weed-filled, scraggly-looking yard. Keep your grass nicely trimmed and watered, and weed your gardens regularly to look their best. Pruning your shrubs and trimming your hedges can highlight your home's exterior features, plus you can add uplighting for added impact.
2. Power wash your exterior surfaces and windows
You can very inexpensively rent a power washer from most home improvement stores to clean your driveway, walkways, porches and patios. While you are at it, give your window a thorough wash, which will allow more natural light to flow into your home. Summer is also a great time to reseal your driveway to make it look new again.
3. Get rid of clutter
Shovels, lawn equipment and kids' toys all serve a purpose, but when you are selling your home, it's best to tuck these items away to minimize clutter. The goal is to highlight your home and not your belongings.
4. Add plants for a pop of colour
Come summertime, most garden centres have started to discount their stock, making it a prime time for homeowners to get plants at a reasonable price. Choose easy maintenance annuals or perennials to infuse colour into your outdoor spaces and top it with a layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay.
5. Set up an entertaining area
One of the benefits of having a yard is entertaining outdoors in warmer weather. If you have a deck or patio, clean up those spaces and arrange an inviting outdoor furniture area to sit and be social. Consider highlighting cooking and dining spaces with a grill, large table and chairs. Don't forget to add colourful accessories, like pillows, umbrellas, outdoor rugs and summery décor. A water feature, like a fountain, can also provide a beautiful ambiance and hide any noises from the neighbourhood.
If you are thinking of selling this summer, tap into the expertise of a local realtor to market your home effectively for a quick sale. To learn more about my comprehensive home selling service, don't hesitate to contact me, Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative, ASA with Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage, in Mississauga, Ontario.
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