Who doesn’t love summer? It is the season of warm weather, vacations and a laid back lifestyle. We all look forward to the arrival of summer every year. But is summer the best season to be selling your home?
Most families try to find a house in the summer months and try to be settled in by beginning of the school term in September. The closer it gets to the start of school, the more of a sense of urgency buyers will have.
Longer days in the summer make it possible for prospective buyers to view homes after work during the week. They are able to see the condition of the exterior of the house, yard and neighborhood while it is still light outside.
Summer Real Estate Competition is at its highest in the summertime.
You will want to make sure you take advantage of the warm weather by sprucing up your garden with flowers, trees, and lots of a lush green lawn. A nice yard with quality landscaping can be a huge selling point if it can offer more living space. Children need a play centre and mom and dad need a place for their outdoor kitchen and lounging area.
Wash all your windows and open all blinds and curtains to take advantage of the brightness of the season. If you have air conditioning, keep it at a steady 20 C for the comfort of prospective buyers and the maximum, quiet, efficiency of your air conditioner. This will impress in very hot weather.
Mow the lawn twice a week. Remove all debris from the flower beds, walkways, and entertaining spaces. Outdoor furniture should be pristinely clean.
Decorations like colourful pillows on your patio furniture and pots filled with an array of brightly coloured flowers on the porch and patio will enhance your home’s charm. If you have a speaker system in your home, be sure to softly play music on any inside or outside speakers while showing your home to showcase this special feature. Carlos Santana, anyone?
Most importantly, make sure all of your living areas, inside and out, are dust free and clean.
Distribute fresh cut flowers from your garden, if possible, throughout the house. If not, invest in some fresh blooms from the store and get creative. Flowers will brighten any environment.
If you have animals, it is good idea to send them to a loving relative or friend for showings of your home. If all else fails, there are some terrific animal daycare centres out there. There are few things that can be more of a turn off than bad pet smells. Don’t fool yourself, people can generally tell if you are trying to cover up bad smells with air freshener or neutralizers. A better idea is to have carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned before your first Open House or private showing. Wash pillows and blankets, and bathe that furry little critter and all his/her bedding.
Now–”Let the Sun Shine In!” (The Fifth Dimension) Do you remember them? I’m obviously on a music bent today.
Need help with buying or selling? I have 37 years worth of experience and good advice to share. Phone Joan at 604-220-7653