If you are about to list your home for sale this summer, you probably have already thought about ways to make your home appeal to as many buyers as possible. You have also probably spoken to your realtor to develop the best summer strategy there is to sell at the desired price, and preferably, in a short period. Since summer is one of the busiest real estate seasons, alongside spring, you have probably picked a good time to get out there, but you still have work to do as competition is also strong at this time of year. Let’s see what you can do.
Pricing And Then Current Market
Pricing is a problem whether you list your home in the summer or winter, but during the summer, homes tend to be pricier as the number of buyers is higher. The summer season is no stranger to bidding wars which increases your odds to sell over asking during this time of year more than during other seasons. Even if buyers have been lately shaken by the OSFI’s (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) new stress test, they seem to have processed the change and are back on the market, especially in cities like Calgary where the stress test didn’t affect buyers as much as in pricier markets like Toronto or Vancouver. Your and your realtor’s job is to come up with an objective price for your home based on the location, condition of the house, size, CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) and any extra selling features, without worrying about any abnormalities in the market.
Clean, Declutter And Stage
Before you take photos for the ad, make sure your home is presented in the best possible light, including in-depth cleaning and storing away all the things that are in the way, including personal belongings. Take personal photos off the wall, empty the trash can and the laundry basket, dry-clean carpets and replace everything that is not working from light bulbs to appliances. Bear in mind that this is not a one-time thing, you will have to maintain this standard until the home sells.
Make Use Of The Outdoors
People love to spend time outside during the hot summer days, so naturally, they will pay more attention to the exterior of the home while it’s bright and sunny outside. Homebuyers will also be interested in a nice porch or a well-maintained backyard with a seating area or a children’s playground. So, use it to your advantage and utilize the space in a meaningful way. Start with cleaning the front yard, maybe painting the fence, and adding flowers and plants to boost the curb appeal. If you have stairs, perhaps you can install stone veneer for a better look. Add new outdoor lighting, and if you have a nice driveway, maybe you can accentuate it with in-ground lighting. Create the space for a seating area, preferably in the backyard, but sometimes, the front will do, too. If you have one, make sure the furniture looks neat and inviting as well as the entire surrounding.
Stick To The Summer Mood
Summer is usually associated with pastel and bright colors and floral patterns. Try to translate the summer feel into your home with fresh flowers, bright drapes and cushions and colorful bathroom and welcome mats and many other seasonal touches. Stay away from dark colors and make sure to let the natural sunlight in.
Show off your air conditioner as well. It’s one of the best-selling features during the hot summer days, so make sure the appliance works and the temperature is right when you are awaiting potential buyers.
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