Summer is prime time for real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. With longer days, beautiful weather, and families looking to move before the school year starts, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your home at its absolute best.
But selling successfully in this competitive market takes more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign.
Start with Curb Appeal – Your Home’s First Impression
Your front yard is the first thing potential buyers see, and in summer, it should be absolutely stunning.
Start by giving your lawn some serious attention. Regular mowing, edging, and watering will create that lush green carpet that screams “well-maintained home.” If you’ve got bare patches, now’s the time to reseed or lay down some fresh sod.
Don’t forget about your landscaping. Trim back overgrown shrubs, add some colorful annual flowers to your beds, and make sure your walkways are clean and inviting. A fresh coat of mulch can work wonders too – it makes everything look neat and polished while helping retain moisture during those hot summer days.
Your front door deserves special attention since it’s the entrance to your home. Consider a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color, add a seasonal wreath, and make sure your house numbers are clearly visible and attractive.
Maximize Natural Light and Airiness
Summer buyers want to feel the season’s energy when they walk through your home. Open up all your curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Clean your windows inside and out – you’d be amazed at how much brighter a room feels with spotless glass.
If you have ceiling fans, make sure they’re working properly and consider upgrading to more attractive models if yours are dated. Buyers love the idea of natural cooling, especially during summer showings when they’re thinking about comfort during the warmer months.
Create an Outdoor Living Experience
Here in New England, we know how precious our warm weather months are, and buyers are definitely thinking about how they’ll enjoy outdoor spaces. If you have a deck, patio, or backyard, stage it like an additional room of your house.
Set up outdoor furniture to show how the space can be used for entertaining, relaxing, or family gatherings. If your deck needs staining or your patio furniture has seen better days, invest in sprucing things up. Add some potted plants, string lights, or a fire pit area to create that resort-like feeling that makes buyers fall in love.
Even if your outdoor space is small, show its potential. A small bistro set on a tiny deck or some comfortable chairs in a corner of the yard can help buyers envision themselves enjoying morning coffee or evening conversations outside.
Keep It Cool and Comfortable
Nothing affects a showing more than walking into a stuffy, overheated house on a summer day. Make sure your air conditioning is running efficiently and set to a comfortable temperature before any showings. If you don’t have central air, strategically placed fans can help circulate air and create a more comfortable environment.
Consider the timing of your showings too. Late morning or early evening showings can be more comfortable than the heat of midday, and the lighting is often more flattering to your home’s interior!
Address Seasonal Maintenance Issues
Summer is when certain home issues become most apparent, so get ahead of them.
Check your roof for any loose or missing shingles, clean out your gutters, and make sure your exterior paint isn’t peeling or faded. Power wash your siding, deck, and walkways to remove winter’s grime and mildew.
Inside, make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly. Nothing raises red flags for buyers like an air conditioning system that’s struggling to keep up. Have it serviced if needed, and replace filters to ensure everything is running at peak performance.
Stage for Summer Entertaining
Summer staging should feel fresh, light, and inviting. Swap out heavy winter fabrics for lighter linens and cottons. Add some fresh flowers throughout the house – they smell great and add natural color that feels perfect for the season.
In your kitchen, consider staging with fresh fruit in bowls or a pitcher of lemonade on the counter. These small touches help buyers imagine themselves living and entertaining in the space during the beautiful summer months.
Price It Right for the Summer Market
Summer’s competitive market means you need to be strategic about pricing. While there are more buyers looking, there’s also more inventory to compete with. Work with your real estate agent to analyze recent comparable sales and price your home to stand out while still maximizing your return.
Remember, a home that sits on the market too long in summer can become stale, so getting the price right from the start is crucial for a successful sale.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Preparing your home for a successful summer sale takes planning, effort, and local market knowledge.
Every local market is different, and what works in one neighborhood might not be the best strategy for another. That’s where having an experienced local real estate professional makes all the difference.
Our team at Laffely Real Estate Associates knows the Massachusetts and New Hampshire markets inside and out. We understand what buyers in our area are looking for and how to position your home to sell quickly and for top dollar.
From pricing strategy to staging advice to marketing that reaches the right buyers, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process!
Don’t leave your summer sale to chance. Call our team today at (978) 255-4788 to discuss your selling goals and create a customized plan that gets results. Let’s make this the summer you successfully sell your home and move on to your next adventure!
