Summer Curb Appeal: A Home Seller’s Approach

Summer is one of the busiest times for buying and selling a home, which is why curb appeal is so important. The warm weather allows homebuyers and home sellers to operate with ease, unlike the harsh winter season, which involves snow, slush, storms, and mess. Summer is the peak season to ensure your house looks good from the street, especially if you want to sell.   

During summer showings, buyers are more likely to take the time to look at your exterior paint, notice your lawn and gardens, and see the quality of your roof. And that’s all from the curb! It’s essential to capture buyer interest right away. If you take care of your home’s exterior (hopefully the interior too!), your house will quickly sell itself from the curb. Follow these simple yet effective tips and tricks to prepare your home for a show in the summer.     

General Summer Maintenance  

The first step in starting summer maintenance is to inspect your house from the outside. Make a checklist for paint, siding, windows, and surfaces. Can you see your HVAC exterior unit? Some landscaping around it may help with curb appeal. Is the paint chipping off your home? It’s time for a fresh coat. 

One more general tip is to power wash what you can. Power washing is super easy, and you can do it on your siding, your driveway, or anything with a sturdy enough layer of dirt. Be sure to try to get these tasks done in the early morning or early evening if you live in a super-hot place like Arizona or New Mexico.   

Lawn Perfection

On that same note, the best times to water your lawn to conserve water on your utility bill are before or after it gets too hot. Hot temperatures can make your water evaporate quickly, meaning your lawn will not get all the water it needs. When working with your lawn, do it in a pattern that creates visual interest and shows off your healthy grass. 

Some areas may have intense sun. Be sure to deal with summer lawn stress, such as brown spots and heat damage. There are many lawn repair seed options found at your local store. Get out the weed whacker and trim your lawn’s edges. It may seem like going overboard, but even the smallest piece of grass out of place can turn away some buyers. You could also xeriscape your lawn with native plants. This approach saves you time, water, and maintenance. It can also bring color to your lawn, which is great for curb appeal.   

Summer Color 

While the warm weather is perfect for summer maintenance, it’s also ideal for showcasing your garden. Flowers tend to pop in late spring and summer, meaning that heat-loving annuals will bloom all summer long. Think petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. There are also perennials that go with any house, such as daylilies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans. Of course, as with each housing market, each climate is different. Do your research to find out which plants will be the best for your home and neighborhood.    

Here are a few quick tips about showing off your garden: Try elevated containers for mobility and impact in small spaces. If possible, try a color coordination strategy that complements your home’s exterior. Making your plants pop adds a highlight to your lawn, which in turn will showcase your home. Plants are a perfect and easy way to add quick curb appeal to your home.  

Splashing around in the Water 

Some yards look amazing with a water feature. A simple fountain or fishpond can add some much-needed curb appeal to any home. You could also grab a birdbath or grab a hummingbird feeder if you’d like to attract some wildlife to your home. These small touches may bring up your water bill but can pay off in curb appeal.   

Some tips about water features, be sure to always clean and make sure your water feature is running. Standing water is not always great and can cause algae, among other issues. Make sure your bird bath is also not attracting too many birds. While a few birds here and there may make your home seem like a dream, attracting too many birds can lead to a bunch of bird waste. Keep an eye to make sure the birds are coming in moderation.  

Feeling Shady 

As we talk about everything being bright and vibrant, there is also the idea that shady areas can improve curb appeal. Do you have no trees in the front yard? Do you have no trees in the backyard, and you can see them from the front? That could be an issue. Homeowners like to have a little oasis, whether in their front or backyard, that they can retreat to and be outside. Trees, canopies, and overhangs all work as shaded areas that homeowners can retreat to.  

Try creating strategic shade with umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas. If you have one, prepare your patio and seating area for the buyer’s imagination. For example, a front patio outdoor dining could attract buyers. If the furniture is a mess, the buyer may not feel as great as if it’s staged for perfection.  

Front Entry Way Appeal

Painting your front door can be one of the easiest things to do to make your home pop. There’s even a theory that if you use red, people will remember your home more than others. Just a theory! Either way, whatever color you choose, if the color pops – people will remember it. Speaking of your entry way, be sure to take down any holiday decorations, vacation rental signs or anything that may get in the way of showcasing your beautiful home. 

Keep an eye on the wear and tear of your entry way. Does it need a fresh coat of paint? Will a carpet be a good place? Make sure to think about everything that buyers will see immediately when walking into your home from the entranceway. The same could be said for driveways as well. If there are any cracks or dirt, be sure to give it some TLC before any showing. Also, for nighttime showing or even nighttime photos, be sure to include lighting that highlights your walkways and your home’s best features.

Maximizing Summer’s Advantages 

One of the best parts of summer is being able to have showings later into the evening. Sunset is an excellent time for showings, as the natural light is best. It’s also a great time to take photos of your home from the sun’s soft glow. Another pro to a summertime showing is that families can come on weekdays or weekends in the early morning and still have the whole day to see other houses.

Keeping your front yard in tip-top shape, removing all layers of dirt, and putting your best foot forward when it comes to curb appeal is best. Try to avoid some common mistakes sellers can make, such as overwatering that creates mud and mosquito problems, planting too late in the season for establishment, or Ignoring heat stress signs in existing landscaping. 

Curb Appeal Summer

Overall, a summer sale has longer days, lush growth, and outdoor lifestyle appeal. Staying true to the maintenance of your home is the way to go. While summer is an ideal time for maintenance, keeping up on some tasks all year round is essential. Curb appeal may sound superficial, but it can either gain or make you lose thousands of dollars depending on how well you take care of your home. Maintenance is year-round but prioritize projects for maximum summer impact.