Summer is the ideal season for selling your home in New Zealand.

More buyers are house hunting, the weather is beautiful, the days are longer, and the fact that properties simply look better under the sun means you may be able to fetch a better price for your property. As a real estate agent myself, here are my top tips to make sure you make the most of this season and get the best possible deal.

Create the best first impression

When it comes to selling a house over the summer, entranceway presentation is essential. All potential buyers will form an immediate opinion of the property based on their first impression, so it's important to make sure the entranceway looks its best.

I would recommend starting by sprucing up your front door, as it's the first thing visitors see, so make sure it looks attractive and inviting. Adding a nice welcome mat can also give it a charming touch. Don't forget to take out all the rubbish from the entranceway so that it remains clean and presentable.

Spruce up your garden

The condition of your garden can be a major factor in how quickly it sells and for what price. A neat garden can make a huge difference in making potential buyers feel welcome and at home. To make sure your garden is as appealing as possible, I would recommend making sure your lawn and pathways are mowed neatly. Trimming and shaping any trees or bushes and removing any dead plants or debris from the garden can also notably improve the outdoor living space. To make your garden looks even better, add mulch to your garden/flower beds with attractive dark compost or wood chips to give them a fresh look and help retain moisture.

Clean the windows 

A straightforward yet powerful way to enhance your home's appeal is by ensuring clean windows. This simple step allows natural light to flood in, creating a brighter, more spacious atmosphere that perfectly captures that summertime vibe. You'll even be able to show off the outdoor space that you've put so much effort into!

Shampoo your carpets (especially if you have pets)

When it comes to selling your home during the summer, the condition of your carpets can make a big difference. Imagine stepping into a house where the carpets are spotless and smell fresh—it immediately creates a positive impression on potential buyers. However, if you have pets, keeping your carpets in top shape becomes a bit more challenging. Pet fur, stains, and odours have a knack for embedding themselves in carpets, making it harder to remove them, so it's a good idea to tackle this issue head-on by shampooing your carpets early.

Create a lived-in feel for home staging

Staging your home is an important step to take when selling your house this summer. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be a time-consuming or expensive process. A few simple updates can go a long way and help create a warm and inviting space for potential buyers.

You can revamp each room by incorporating new throws, blankets and pillows. These additions infuse a cozy and lived-in charm that's perfect for the season. Additionally, decluttering is key—remove any unnecessary items or surplus furniture that might be crowding the area, allowing the home's inherent appeal to shine through. Introducing some greenery can work wonders too. Consider adding potted plants to breathe life into your space. Not only do plants add vibrancy, but they also inject a pop of colour, enhancing the overall visual appeal and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

Enhance lighting 

If you want to make your home more attractive to potential buyers during the summer months, then lighting should be one of your top priorities. Natural light is always desirable, especially in the summertime, so pull back the curtains in every room to bring in more natural light and create a brighter atmosphere. For areas with limited natural light, consider upgrading to higher wattage lightbulbs. Creating a bright house can significantly improve the ambience and add a nicer overall feel to your home.

Remove excess personal items 

While it's wonderful to cherish your family memories, when selling your home, it's advisable to minimise the number of personal items, especially multiple family pictures on every wall. These personal touches can inadvertently divert the attention of potential buyers, potentially detracting from the space's appeal. After all, you wouldn't want too many curious eyes wandering during showings.

Use the warmer months for painting

Painting your house before selling it in the summer is also a great step in the right direction. A fresh coat can significantly boost curb appeal, a key factor in attracting potential buyers. Additionally, the summer's hot weather and dry conditions can work in your favour—the paint dries swiftly during this season. This quick drying process ensures you can complete the painting job efficiently without concerns about extended drying periods.

Consider all the senses

Humans often rely on all their senses when making significant decisions. Whether it's buying a house, choosing a meal, or even selecting clothing, our senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing play vital roles in shaping our perceptions and influencing our choices. This means the smell of your home holds significant weight. To infuse your space with a fresh summer ambience, begin by opening all the windows to let stale air out—it's an instant turnoff for potential buyers. Additionally, consider using infusers or oil diffusers to introduce delightful scents that resonate with the season. These touches can truly elevate the overall appeal of your home.

I hope these tips were helpful! Whether you're selling your home or simply refreshing your space, summer is the perfect time to begin.

Need some help or tips on preparing your home for sale? Come in for a chat at the Tall Poppy office in Alexandra or you can contact us for more information.