Summer is an opportune time to consider selling your home, whether you’re seeking more space, are downsizing, relocating, or experiencing a lifestyle change. Preparing your home for the market is paramount, not only to attract buyers, but also to potentially achieve a higher sales price.

To provide you with expert advice on this topic, we sat down with North Carolina native and Wake Forest resident Allison Caudle Abbott, realtor and owner of Southern Lux Living. Here are her insights and recommendations for anyone considering selling their home this summer.

Q: How should we prepare our lawn and outdoor spaces to make the best impression during the hot months?
A: Maintaining a lush, green lawn is essential in the summer months. Regular watering, mowing, and trimming are crucial to your yard looking its best. Consider adding colorful, drought-resistant plants to enhance the landscape. Clean and inviting outdoor spaces, such as patios or decks, are also key. Adding comfortable seating and shade elements like umbrellas or awnings can increase their appeal. Additionally, keeping outdoor pools or water features clean and well-maintained can attract buyers seeking summer enjoyment.

Q: Are there specific summer trends or buyer preferences we should be aware of when staging our home?
A: In the summer, buyers often gravitate toward homes that feel bright, airy, and cool. Incorporating light, breathable fabrics for curtains and furniture covers can enhance this feeling. Neutral tones with pops of vibrant colors can also make the space feel fresh and inviting. Highlight features like ceiling fans or energy-efficient windows that help keep the home cool. Additionally, staging outdoor living areas as extensions of the indoor space can be highly appealing, especially if set up for entertaining or relaxing.

Q: Can you provide insights on how summer weather might impact the selling process and timelines?
A: Summer is a prime time to sell your home. Warm weather and longer daylight hours create a more inviting atmosphere, showcasing properties in the best light with natural illumination and vibrant outdoor spaces. Buyers are typically more active and motivated during this season, often having more free time to attend showings and open houses. The summer months also align with school breaks, making it convenient for families to move without disrupting their children’s education. However, the heat can sometimes deter buyers from attending midday showings, so it’s wise to be flexible with showing availability in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Properly managing these aspects can make the selling process smoother and quicker, taking full advantage of the busy summer market.

Q: What are the key differences between selling a home in the summer versus the winter?
A: Selling a home in the summer differs from winter in several ways. Homes often show better in summer due to natural light and inviting outdoor spaces, whereas winter requires more effort to create a cozy, appealing atmosphere indoors. Summer sales benefit from outdoor living areas, gardens, and pools, while winter focuses on indoor features like fireplaces and insulation.

Q: How can we use the longer daylight hours to our advantage in the selling process?
A: Longer daylight hours in the summer provide an excellent opportunity to maximize showings. As mentioned previously, more natural light makes homes appear brighter and more welcoming. Schedule open houses and private showings during times when sunlight is abundant to highlight the home’s best features. Evening showings are also more feasible during the summer months, allowing potential buyers who work during the day to visit the property after hours. Leveraging extended daylight hours can help increase the number of showings and potentially expedite the selling process.