Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Helpful Tips When Selling Your Home In The Summer



As warm weather approaches and spring and summer home sales pick up, it's time to think about getting your house in top notch shape for potential homebuyers. Late spring and summer are not only hot times of the year, but hot times for home sales as well. Many people choose this time of year to move because it is after the school year ends. June moves are especially popular, because it gives the children and family time to adjust to their new surrounding before a new school year begins.

This can mean a few things for home sellers. One, is that you may have more competition as other homes in your area are also put on the market. And two, that you will need to pay particular attention to such areas of your home as decks, landscaping, patios, air conditioning units, and even pools. These are areas that home buyers will be paying more attention to during hot summer months. If you are selling, keep in mind that this summer looks to be a promising one for home sales due to stable interest rates, improved job markets, and a recovering economy.

If you are planning on your home becoming one of the sales to add to this summer's statistics, follow these helpful tips to improve your chances of selling.

* Curb Appeal Is More Important Now

During the summer, curb appeal becomes even more important than during any other time of year. The leaves have come back on trees, and shrubs and flowers are in bloom. Always keep your lawn mowed and looking good at all times, and ask the kids to keep the bicycles and toys in the backyard so that they cannot be seen as potential buyers drive past. Aside from being neat and tidy, add some colorful potted plants to add a nice, welcoming touch.

* Air Conditioning

Keeping your home's air conditioner in proper working order during the late spring and summer months is essential. If you plan on putting your home on the market, now is time to have the AC inspected,have any needed repairs made, or have the coolant recharged, if needed. Also, if you're in the habit of turning the air conditioning off when you're gone during the day, it is best to break this habit and leave it on during warm days in case the realtor needs to show your home to a potential buyer. A hot and stuffy house can really be a turn off to potential buyers. so keep it cool and comfortable.

* Back Yard Appeal

Many families practically live in their back yard during the warmer months, which is why most families looking for a new home during this time of year will be looking closely at the back yard. Potential buyers will be thinking along the lines of where the children can play, where can they barbecue, etc. If you live in an area with several younger children and your yard lacks such items as a sandbox or swing set, consider adding one of those items to make your yard look more appealing and child-friendly.

* Patio Appearance

If your outdoor space has a patio, make sure it is clean and well maintained. Make the space look attractive and inviting to potential buyers. Clean up the patio furniture, arrange it in an attractive manner, and add colorful annual flowers in decorative containers to give the patio a nice spruce up. Make sure to take a peek from the window inside the house to get the view of the patio that your visitors will be seeing to make sure everything looks neat and presentable.

* Back Yard Landscaping

Now is the time to really spruce up the back yard. Keep the lawn nicely mowed, and repair or replace any damaged areas of grass. Prune shrubs and bushes back so that they appear well maintained , well shaped, and tidy. Plant some colorful annuals and add a fresh layer of mulch or wood chips to flower beds and around trees to really make the yard look nice.

* Wash Windows

Now is the time to pay attention to details, such as washing the windows in the home, both inside and outside. This can allow more light to come through, and just gives the home a clean and sparkly appearance that appeals to potential buyers.

* Touch Up Walls

If your walls could use a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to touch them up. When selling a home, it is best to stick with neutral colors such as beige or pale yellow. Avoid darker colors or those that may only appeal to a specific group of people.

* Let The Light Shine In

Natural light makes any home look nicer and more appealing, so make sure to pull back curtains and open blinds to really allow the natural light to shine through.

* Pools

If your home has a pool or spa, make sure that they are cleaned and maintained properly. Be sure a fence is in place around the pool area, and that all locks and latches are in good working order. Make sure the water is clean, and no dirt or algae is present in the pool or hot tub, as this can be a real turn off for potential buyers.

* Year Round Tips

During summer, or any time of year, it is important to rid your home of unpleasant odors caused by cooking, pets, or smoking. Do the best you can to eliminate these smells from your home before a potential buyer visits. Also, get rid of clutter! If needed, box up some items and place in the garage or shed to make the home appear less cluttered. Clutter leads possible buyers to feel like the home might not be large enough, explaining the cause for clutter.

Following these tips can improve your chances of selling your home this summer. Also, as an extra summer related perk, consider leaving out some disposable glasses and a refreshing pitcher of tea or lemonade for open house events or on the days when you anticipate multiple showings. This homey touch will make a great first impression of your home, and of you as a seller.


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