5 Simple Tips To Start Preparing Your Home For the Summer Market
Looking to get the most from your home sale this summer? Check out our top five tips for making your property stand out.
It may be spring in Toronto, but summer is just around the corner. For many of us, that means it’s almost time to break out the shorts and start planning those trips to the beach. For home sellers, it also means the time has come to get ready for the summer market. Selling at this time of year has its benefits. Most likely, you’ll encounter less competition than you would in the spring, and your home will be highly visible to buyers who are out enjoying the warm weather. While there’s no doubt that this a great season to sell your property, the key to doing so successfully is performing the right seasonal preparations. From cleaning to staging to maximizing your curb appeal, here’s how to prep your home for a summer sale…
1) Start with a thorough cleaning
Many homeowners perform a deep clean when spring hits. But if you’re selling in the summer, it’s important to go through the process again. Bright sunlight has a way of highlighting hidden dirt, grime, and dust, so being thorough is key. Start by decluttering. We’re talking worn-out appliances, old clothing, junkmail—anything and everything that needs to go. Once you’ve gotten these distractions out of the way, it’s time to break out the cleaning supplies and get to work. Pay special attention to spots that often fly under the radar, like your hard-to-reach light fixtures and the spaces between your shower tiles.
2) Look for water damage
Once the snow melts, then comes spring runoff. All too often, the result is water that seeps into Toronto homes. While flooding is usually obvious, you may not notice subtle damage right away. But once you do find it—whether it’s in the form of a spot, stain, or telltale musty smell—it’s time to take action. Trust us: if you don’t notice it, potential buyers will. That’s why we always suggest inspecting your home’s ceiling, walls, windowsills, and doorframes. When you get to the basement, look closely at the floors for buckling. If you do find an issue that you’re not confident about repairing on your own, call in a professional asap.
3) Stage for the season
For many people, the warmest season brings out positive feelings. As a result, staging with summer in mind can significantly boost your home’s appeal. One of the best ways to do that is with colour. While vibrant hues can play on the sunniness outside, it’s important to use them sparingly. A professional stager can help you mix warm neutrals with “pops” of seasonal colour for maximum impact. They might also suggest adding some seasonal accents—like a summery floral print, or a tasteful piece of decor made of driftwood. Last but not least, make sure your air conditioner is in good working long before your agent starts setting up showings.
4) Remember your home’s exterior
Just as the summer sun has a way of highlighting dirt and grime inside of a home, it will also call attention to dingy surfaces outdoors. On a bright day, take a walk around your property and give your home’s siding, your front steps, and your patio the once-over. If they’re looking a little worse for wear, you might want to think about renting a power washer. These handy machines use high-powered streams of water to remove dirt, dust, and mildew—and you can probably rent one from your local home improvement store. Word to the wise: they’re not safe for all surfaces, so double check with an associate at the store before you go to work. Lastly, remember that few things will freshen up a home like a new coat of paint!
5) Boost your curb appeal
The exterior of your home should be welcoming to potential buyers, and cleaning it up is only half the job. First off, don’t neglect your landscaping. The summer heat has a tendency to dry lawns out, but this is the time to make sure yours is healthy. For some tips to help you make that happen, talk to someone at your local gardening store. Next up, take a good look at your front door. Could it be more appealing? Consider adding some planters containing seasonal flowers (like petunias or begonias), and think about other decorative elements (like landscape lighting or elegant patio furniture).
Preparing your home for the summer market can take a bit of extra work, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re ready to delve into some home preparations, don’t forget that a great real estate agent can be your most helpful resource!
Ready to sell your home this summer? Get in touch—we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the selling process!