Real Estate Tips

13 Hot Tips To Sell Your Home This Summer

Summer will be here before we know it! Officially kicking off on June 21, it already feels like summer here in East Tennessee. While it's still a seller's market, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your home sale goes smoothly this summer.

Sell Your Home FAST This Summer!

Outdoor Prep

Tackle The Obvious

Take a stroll around your property with the scrutinizing eyes of a potential buyer. Ensure no obvious issues need to be addressed like:

broken windows
siding issues
roofing problems

Landscape

Landscaping is a major part of curb appeal. Many of these items will need to be revisited on a regular basis:

Mow the lawn twice a week
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed (especially around windows – let in the light!)
Weed the flower beds
Water plants and lawn to avoid dead grass/plants

READ MORE: A Pain Free Lawn

Focus On Curb Appeal

Consider these extra steps to take your curb appeal to the next level:

Power wash (home exterior, porches, decks, driveway, etc.)
Fresh coat of exterior paint
New front door hardware
Re-mulching and/or adding new flowers to flower beds

READ MORE: Latest Trends In Curb Appeal

Indoor Prep

Spray For Bugs

Bugs often take shelter from the summer sun in the coolness of our homes. The problem is, no one likes bugs. It may be a good idea to spray for bugs at the beginning of the summer and stay on the lookout for cobwebs and bugs – dead or alive!

Declutter and Depersonalize

Remove all personal and unnecessary items from your home. This will remove distractions to keep the focus on the features of the home and make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the space.

READ MORE: Forgotten Chores

Deep Clean

Once you’ve removed the clutter, it’s time to clean. Whether you tackle this on your own or hire a professional, your goal should be spotless. Don’t forget to dust the ceiling fans!

READ MORE: Spring Cleaning Checklist

Address Necessary Repairs

Prior to listing, ensure there are no necessary repairs lingering that may scare away potential buyers. For example, plumbing, heating/cooling, and electrical issues should all be addressed.

READ MORE: Annual Home Maintenance Basics

Home Staging And Showing In The Summer

Highlight Outdoor Living Areas

Folks love to gather outdoors in the summer, especially in the south! Summer is the best time to highlight the outdoor spaces your home has to offer. Be intentional with how you stage your patio, deck, etc. You may even consider moving some of your indoor furniture outside.

READ MORE: Elegant Outdoor Decor

Lighten Up

Remove the drapes, open the blinds, and turn on the lights!

Cool Down

Resist the urge to save money on your energy bill, and make sure each room in your home is a comfortable temperature for showings.

READ MORE: Green Ways To Stay Cool

Accent With Summer

Decorate with light colors, metallic accents that sparkle, and aromatic fresh flowers. Also consider serving summer refreshments. Something as simple as serving lemonade at your open house can help make buyers feel more at home, happy, and content.

Be Flexible

Kids are out of school, summer sports leagues are in full swing, and someone is always on vacation. Be flexible and willing to let potential buyers tour your home at times that may be inconvenient to you. If you're going on vacation, be sure to let your agent know so they can coordinate more showings during this time!

Work With A Seasoned Realtor

Working with an expert local agent will vastly improve your chances of making more money, reducing stress, and minimizing the amount of time your home is on the market.