Summer is nearly upon us and you ’ re thinking of moving ...
REAL ESTATE
TOP TIPS
FOR SELLING in the summer
BY CASSANDRA BAILEY , RE / MAX ACHIEVERS
Summer is nearly upon us and you ’ re thinking of moving ...
“ is now the time to sell ?”
Maybe . According to REALTORS ®, 50 percent of homes sold nationally are sold during the summer . Statistics for 2014 in Frederick County show that one-third of all homes sold were during the summer months . This season is second only to the spring market .
Summer has some advantages : nicer weather , nicer gardens and , of course , families don ’ t have to worry about moving during the school year . It also has some disadvantages : typically houses sit on the market longer , as many families are on vacation and busy with summer activities , have already moved or are planning on waiting until the fall to make their move .
If you are thinking of selling during the summer months , plan on a longer days on the market and follow these helpful tips :
Make sure your house has outstanding curb appeal . While this is true all year long , in the summer months it ’ s especially important and easy to accomplish . Take advantage of all summer has to offer and make your yard a showstopper …
• Mow your grass regularly and keep it green and free of weeds .
• Plant flowers and shrubs to accent your home and show off its potential .
• Use container gardens & hanging baskets to highlight walkways , porches & decks .
• Spread a thick layer of fresh mulch in your beds and keep them weed free .
If this sounds overwhelming , consider hiring a lawn service . This may even be a tax deduction if it is a moving expense .
Take a good hard look at the outside of your home , as potential buyers will . If it needs fixing , painting or cleaning , do it .
• Power-wash everything : the house , the roof , the shutters , the deck and porch , the sidewalks and driveway and even your mailbox .
• Paint your front door and all wood trim , everywhere
• Stain the deck and sand any rough areas , maybe get new caps for the hand rails .
• How does your exterior lighting look ? Freshen it up with spray paint and it will appear brand new .
• Does the driveway need a new blacktop coating ?
• Do you have a pool ? Have it open and make sure it sparkles !
If you have a deck or porch , stage it as an outdoor living area . Most people love the idea of relaxing outdoors with a cold glass of something good at the end of the day . Can they picture themselves in your backyard ?
When you ’ re done outside , take these same principles inside . Beyond the standard de-clutter , clean everything , paint where needed , think HGTV and get the inside ready with the freshness of summer .
• Invest in some new lights and airy curtains and up todate throw pillows
• Place fresh flowers in colored glass vases around the house
• Add a centerpiece of fresh fruit on the kitchen table to give a welcoming aura .
• Ditch the old vanilla air freshener in favor of the fresh summer scent of lilacs or jasmine
No matter when you sell your home , try and make it as appealing to the masses as possible . Keep it simple , yet inviting , and you ’ re sure to find a buyer who will love your home as you do .
Photos courtesy Cassandra Bailey , Re / Max Achievers
30 FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE | SUMMER 2015