Every season brings its own advantages and hurdles for home sellers, and summer is no exception. On the plus side, the days are long and many buyers have vacation time to spend house hunting. On the other hand, plenty of people can't stand the heat and humidity. Sales often slow down during the summer months, although that may not be the case this year.

Either way, a few smart moves can make touring your home more pleasant for buyers and help it stand out from the competition. Here's what I recommend.

1. Keep the Outside in Top Shape

Weeds love hot, humid weather. Buyers, on the other hand, don't love overgrown lawns and garden beds, because they see all of that work landing on their own to-do list. If you don't have the time or energy to keep up with the yard, bring in a professional. Yes, it's an added expense, but a well-kept exterior can help you sell faster and for more money, which means the service may well pay for itself.

2. Run the Air Conditioning

When it's over 90 degrees outside, buyers may already be sweating by the time they walk from their car to your front door. A blast of cool air makes them feel welcome right away. Aim for somewhere between 65 and 70 degrees. Go below 65 and it's probably too chilly; go above 70 and it's likely too warm. That range keeps most people comfortable. If you're hosting an open house, all those extra bodies generate heat, so nudge the thermostat down a couple of degrees.

3. Have Your HVAC System Checked Before You List

Your cooling system has to perform on the hottest days, and that's especially true when you have showings on the calendar. The last thing you want is for it to break down while buyers are walking through. A professional inspection can check levels, swap out aging parts, and help the system run more efficiently. Plus, being able to tell buyers it was recently serviced offers some welcome peace of mind.

4. Bonus Tip: Work With a Savvy Agent

A skilled agent knows how to point out your home's strengths at just the right moment. Picture this: as buyers step inside, the agent mentions how hot it is out there, then notes that the air conditioning was just inspected, which is why the house feels so comfortable. Small touches like that can make a real difference.

5. Show Off Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Summer is the perfect time to highlight patios, pools, and shady pergolas, because buyers can easily picture themselves relaxing there. A few things to take care of:

  • Clean your outdoor furniture, or invest in a few new pieces.
  • Replace any broken bricks or pavers.
  • Hire someone to keep the pool clean and the pH balanced. Nothing turns buyers away faster than algae.

6. Offer Something Cool and Refreshing

A cold drink and a light snack can go a long way on a hot day. Consider setting out lemonade, sparkling water, cucumber water, or mango juice. For food, keep it light with Benedictine sandwiches, guacamole and tortilla chips, or fresh fruits and vegetables. If they came from your own garden, even better.

7. Get Rid of Pests

Standing water in the yard can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and nobody wants to remember a showing by the bug bites. Ants marching across the kitchen counter are another big turnoff. If you have a pest problem, call in a professional exterminator. Then bring in someone to fix whatever is attracting the pests in the first place, such as poor drainage that leaves water pooling in the yard.

Enjoy the Season and Sell With Confidence

Selling in the summer doesn't have to be a struggle. With a little preparation, your home can be the cool, welcoming spot buyers remember. If you'd like more summer selling advice or want to talk through your options, reach out anytime. I'd be happy to help.