Sometimes you have no choice on when you need to sell your home — a job transfer, you saw another home you really want to buy, or you have an unexpected life change.
Selling in the “off season” — such as summer — isn’t ideal but it can be done, and it’s imperative it’s done the right way to get the best results.
And, believe it or not, not everyone is on vacation in the summer! In fact, some buyers have more flexible schedules.
There are also plenty of buyers that are just getting their search started and those who didn’t find the right house or got outbid during the busy Spring selling season. Summer really can be a good time to sell your home to one of these off-season buyers who don’t want to wait until the Fall or next Spring.
Here are our must-do tips for that summertime sale:
Target the Right Buyers for Your Neighborhood
As we mentioned above, there are certain buyers who keep looking over the summer. But there are also buyers who are relocating to Bradenton/Sarasota and have to move pronto. You need to target these different types of buyers, tapping into their needs and wants for a home.
If you’re in an urban Bradenton neighborhood, with more young and hip buyers, then your focus is on first-time buyers who have more flexibility and may not have a deadline. But, keep in mind, that the buyers still looking into summertime are serious buyers and are ready to find a home and put in an offer.
You’ll need to price your home right from the get-go, be generous with your terms (offer to pay for closing costs) and make your home a summer retreat for them.
Also be flexible with the hours you show your home. With daylight lasting well past dinnertime, be open to later showings. Younger, first-time buyers will find this time more convenient during their work week. Make sure you take advantage of these daylight hours!
For Lakewood Ranch or a suburban Sarasota home, your buyers may be tied to the school calendar and want to settle on a home quickly. You still want to price your home correctly to bring in the foot traffic, make it as move-in ready as possible (they’re looking for convenience and don’t want to deal with “projects”), and showcase your home so it looks like a great place for their family’s summer staycation.
And again, be flexible with your showing hours. Daylight savings means families are on the go later into the evening, but they usually find a lull after dinnertime … perfect time for them to see your home.
Showcase Your Home’s Summer Best
Now is the time to make your home shine on the inside and the outside. Make your home bright and welcoming … a summertime oasis!
Curb appeal and backyard staging will draw buyers in. You want buyers to want to see your home and then envision themselves relaxing and living there. Outdoor living space can be a big selling point, even in the summer in Florida.
Plan to spend a little bit on some outdoor décor, whether it’s a bistro table and chairs on your deck; patio furniture with colorful throw pillows; or a lovely wooden bench and flowerpots near your walkway. This may be a great time to work with a stager so you don’t have to buy many items yourself.
Don’t skimp on or blast the air conditioning. Don’t make your home hot and stuffy so that buyers rush through your home. Or don’t make it too cold, that buyers sprint through the rooms. Set your thermostat at a comfortable and cool temperature. If you’ve already moved, make sure you time it so that your home stays cool during possible showings. Buyers will love to get out of the heat!
Brighten up your home. Consider switching out dark colored pillows, throw rugs, curtains, and other décor to lighter colors. Clean the windows, open the blinds, and keep the lights on. Even though it doesn’t get dark until much later in the summer, you still want to light up the inside of your home.
Maintain your yard and water, water, water. Mow your lawn, trim your bushes and trees. Sweep your deck or patio regularly. The summer heat can make your lawn turn brown … water that and all of your flowers in beds and pots.
Be prepared for getting your family out of the house. If you have children, selling in the summer can be difficult because they aren’t in school and are at home, possibly all day long. Hopefully you can keep your home in order as much as possible and develop a good exit strategy for those times you need to show it. Preplan so you know if you need to have a sitter, set up a play date, sign up for a camp, or head out for a long dinner.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, selling in the summertime doesn’t have to be a negative. You’ll have more daylight hours to showcase your home, you’ll see more serious buyers or those on a deadline themselves, and many homes can look their best inside and outside in the summer. All positive!
But do keep in mind that summer is slower and there will be less traffic to your home than if you listed in the height of the springtime selling season. That can be a chaotic and rushed time, so the lazy days of summer is definitely a different market. You must keep it all in perspective.
Every seller has their own personal specifics and deadline when it comes to selling, especially if you need to list your home in the summer. You MUST know your market and neighborhood so that you price your home right and also have an idea of what you should or shouldn’t be doing when negotiating terms.
I’m here to help you with a summertime sale. I have a sales plan to get your home sold as quickly as possible for the most amount of money possible. I’d love to tell you all about it. Simply email me and we can set up a time to talk and see if selling in the summer is the right move for you.
Listing your home in the late summer might sound daunting. But selling a home in August can be a good strategy, as the market is typically active with buyers motivated to move for the new school year or to settle in before the holidays. Make your property stand out with these easy-to-implement strategies.Leverage the Longer Summer DaysLonger days mean you have more daylight hours to show your home. Daytime showings allow sunlight to flood your rooms to better highlight architectural details, finishes and flooring. In general, natural light makes spaces appear larger, warmer and more inviting.Keep Up the Curb AppealFirst impressions are crucial. Youll need to be at the top of your outdoor maintenance game. That means grass is always cut, weeds are pulled and shrubs are trimmed. Other essential tasks include power washing the exterior, cleaning windows and touching up paint where needed. Work with your real estate agent to understand the best way to bump up your curb appeal within your budget.Show Off Your Outdoor SpacesMaybe you have a spacious deck or a thriving garden. Its worth spending a little time staging these areas to highlight them as extensions of your living space. Be sure these spaces are clean, inviting and free of weeds or debris. Consider adding some outdoor lighting to create ambiance and emphasize features like walkways, trees or sitting areas.Add Seasonal TouchesTurn up the summertime charm with a few easy touches both outdoors and indoors. Add late-summer blooming plants like asters and mums near your front door. Place fresh, seasonal flowers around your home to add color and fragrance. Incorporate pillows and throws in late summer colors like deep yellows and oranges. Another appreciated touch: Add a tray of lemonade and glasses to your counter or island for open houses or showings. Lastly, August can get hot and muggy! Keep your air conditioning running at a comfortable temperature so your guests have a distraction-free touring experience.With a few extra steps, you can capture the magic of summer season and help potential buyers picture themselves relaxing on your deck with a cool drink. Remember these buyers are highly motivated, so make your property the one that shines!
Sellers, take note and embrace the holiday joy! If youre planning to list your home this season, early fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for the market. Youll face less competition and buyers will be highly motivated to settle into new digs in time to ring in the new year.1. Less CompetitionDuring spring and summer, there are historically more homes on the market. During the holidays, there are typically fewer listings, making it easier for your home to really stand out and shine to potential buyers.2. More Serious BuyersAmid the hubbub, people are extra busy gift shopping and attending celebrations. Consequently, youre not likely to get many just-looking buyers. Anyone home shopping during the holidays will be more focused and more likely to make a strong initial offer.3. End-of-Year Financial AdvantagesFinalizing a home sale before the end of the year can provide potential financial benefits, such as deductions on property taxes, mortgage interest and other home-related costs. 4. Job Relocation SeasonSince January is a common window for job relocations, buyers may need to settle into a city and home by the end of the holiday season. Your home may be the answer to their relocation prayers!5. Faster ClosingsSince everyone is busy decking the halls, buyers and sellers will both be interested in moving things along expeditiously. And because all the professionals involved for a sale will have fewer closings on their plate, your transaction will get even more attention.6. Cozy VibesWhile winter weather can be daunting, nothing beats coming in from the cold to a warm, cozy home adorned for the season. Just turn up the heat, have a yummy treat in the oven and be sure to keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Along with your festive outdoor lights, youll appeal to buyers sentimentality with all the decorative touches.Listing your home during the most festive time of the year can lead to more serious and qualified buyers and a fresh start for the new year. Contact your local Coldwell Banker agent to get a jump start on listing your home in time for the holidays.
Going green is easier than you think! Small changes around your home can make a big impact on the environment, your health and your bank account. Try implementing these affordable ways to improve the overall quality of your home life.Insulate and Seal DraftsAdding insulation to your attic or walls can reduce energy loss and also keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Sealing gaps around windows and doors prevents drafts and saves energy.Install a Programmable ThermostatConsider installing an upgraded thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. The result is that you conserve energy when youre not home and optimize comfort when you are.Unplug Electronic DevicesWhile youre sleeping, did you know your devices might be driving up your electricity bill? Even when powered down, plugged-in items like computers, countertop appliances, video game consoles and other electronic gadgets could be gobbling up energy.Consider Energy-Efficient AppliancesIf your budget permits, consider upgrading your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine or other appliances to more energy-efficient models. While theres an up-front cost, you can save money over the long term. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Energy Star program, household appliances account for nearly 11% of energy use in an average house.Switch to LED LightingReplacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights will reduce energy consumption and lower your electricity bill. Savings are significant. For example, Energy Star-certified LED lighting uses 90% less energy than incandescent lighting and lasts 35 to 50 times longer.Close Curtains and BlindsHeres a simple tip that wont cost you a dime! On hot, sunny days, keep your blinds or curtains closed to keep the heat out and reduce AC use. In colder weather, close window coverings to minimize heat loss.Establish Eco-Friendly Cleaning RoutinesChoosing biodegradable or non-toxic cleaning products will reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your home. You can even make your own cleaners using pantry staples like baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar. Establish other good habits, like only running the dishwasher or washing machine when its a full load to cut down on energy use.Green living is achievable with some simple steps. Not only will you reduce your environmental footprint, but your home will be more comfortable and youll reap tangible cost savings over time.