By John McCarthy
Rowley Realty
With Memorial Day behind us and our world slowly reopening, although I feel like I might be jinxing but I’ll take the chance…SUMMER IS HERE!!! Since our spring was at the very least a difficult time, it’s great to go outside to nice weather, see sprinklers going and people out for walks. While the summer real estate season is not quite as popular as spring and fall, with interest rates still low and historically low inventory it is a fantastic time to sell. You can help get your home looking its best and give it a summertime advantage with these tips:
Outside:
Outdoor Staging: If you have patio and/or deck furniture make sure they look good. A coat of paint on a screen porch or entry way can go a long way. We are no longer in the real estate age where your realtor brings you to houses without you knowing anything about them. Buyers can now review a listing online, see an aerial view and even drive by it. If the buyer sees disorganization, they may think that the seller didn’t care for their home like they should. Spend some time outside to make your home look its best.
Landscaping: Keep the grass mowed and all your plantings looking their best. Like I said, many buyers will do a “drive by” before scheduling a showing. While it isn’t necessarily a fair assessment that an unkempt yard suggests that your home has been neglected, it may be that one a buyer you never hear from believes.
Making Repairs: If you have been putting off fixing a hole in the screen door or repairing a broken fence post, now is the time to fix it. If your screen porch needs paint do not use the “the buyer will want to pick their own color” excuse for not painting it. Talk with your REALTOR® about what you should do and please remember that you hire us to give you advice based on our experience.
Declutter: It is certainly easy to accumulate stuff, and simply taking an away an extra chair on a small patio can make that space seem much bigger. Buyers want to be able to see themselves in your space inside and out. It is easier to do this when you have less stuff.
Inside:
Declutter: Yes, I know I am repeating myself, but getting rid of items that aren’t going to make it to your next home is usually a good idea. Ask your REALTOR® what should stay and what should go.
Cool Off: Keep the home air conditioned. Nothing is more inviting on a hot day than walking in to a cool home. Make sure you tell your REALTOR® how to work the temperature level. He or she can turn it down or up when they get there for the showing.
Clean: Cleaning is good for all seasons when you are selling, but summer is an especially good time of year to have your windows professionally cleaned inside and out. If you are too busy or feel overwhelmed, you may want to hire a cleaning service right before your first showings. You will be amazed at the difference it makes.
Brighten: If you have big windows with large drapes open them up and allow the light to shine in. A home with lots of natural light will have more appeal than a dark one. Turn on lights as well.
Flowers: Nothing says summer like flowers. A nice arrangement on a kitchen island is always a good idea.
Refreshment: Leave a pitcher of iced water or lemonade with glasses and a tray. Cookies would be great touch as well. It is a nice thing to do and offers the buyer a welcoming touch into what will hopefully be their future home.
The local real estate market is still booming. A summer in New England can help make your home look terrific, and this summer should be busy with more and more homes coming on, and if you are a seller, hopefully going off the market quickly.
